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2001 non-issued CWC SBS (0555) diver

Same production batch as the 2001 issued SBS

£1450.00

CWC supplied divers watches to the MoD from 1980, initially with an automatic ETA mechanical movement and from 1983 with an ETA quartz movement. The watches were supplied for use by demolition divers and other underwater specialist roles.

In 1988 CWC supplied the first SBS variant to the MoD, which shared all the same components as the stainless steel Royal Navy diver (same movement, same case etc.) but which had a few distinguishing features: black PVD coating on mid-case and rotating bezel; day/date complication, with day/date window in the dial.

Tritium-dialled SBS divers were supplied to MoD during the 1990s and into the 2000s. 2000 was the last issue year for the stainless steel RN divers and all subsequent divers supplied by CWC were of the SBS type, with small quantities still being supplied, but with the later Luminova (circled L) dial.

One small technical note is that although the SBS shared the same ETA 955.122 movement with the RN diver variant, in the RN divers - which have no day/date window in the dial - some of the calendar works components were not fitted to the movement and the day/date feature in inoperable - even though the day and date discs were fitted!

The 2001 production batch were the first CWC divers to have the 'waterprotected' text marked on the lower edge of the case back. Some 500 units were supplied to MoD - a relatively large number, due to the standardisation to the SBS diver and discontinuation of procurement of the RN diver. A number of the 2001 production batch were held in stock by CWC to meet any subsequent requirement for small off-the-shelf orders. Eventually these were sold to the civilian market via the Silvermans outlet. They are distinguished from alter production batches by the lack either a serial number or the 'C' marked on the case back (for civilian issue watches).

This example is in good, original condition and recently serviced as described in the condition report.

The watch is supplied with new black 20mm Phoenix NATO strap.

Overall the watch is in good, original condition. There are general minor marks to the case, case back and bezel insert. The crystal is a replacement fitted during servicing. The dial and hands are near mint with buff-coloured tritium lume.

The watch was fully stripped, cleaned and serviced in September 2026.

The original ETA 955.122 movement was fully stripped, mechanically and ultrasonically cleaned using waterless solutions and hot air dried. The movement was rebuilt and lubricated using Moebius oils. Images of the movement rebuild are included in the listing. The watch hacks and sets from the crown correctly and the crown screws down tightly. The day and date quickset is functional and the day/date automatically advance. The unidirectional bezel rotates smoothly. The case back gasket was also replaced and greased and a new 395 battery was fitted.

The watch is complete with inner dust cover, plastic spacer ring and battery retaining spring all present.

Please examine the images to assess cosmetic condition for yourself. The images form an important part of the description.

The watch is absolutely suitable for everyday use, but it is vintage watch so is not recommended for sports or use in extreme conditions. The watch has not been pressure tested so water resistance is not guaranteed. This watch is covered by our waterproof 6 month guarantee.