RARE 1983 issued CWC RN/Royal Marines quartz diver
1983 issue - with new dial and handset
£3350.00
Out of stock
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.
Issue numbers for each year of issue were relatively small, mostly 300-500. In 1983 around 400 were issued but far fewer survive making it one of the rarer quartz RN divers to come up for sale.
The thinner case and 'Bakelite' bezel insert visibly marks the 1983 RN diver out from the more common 1990's divers, giving it a great vintage feel. The hands are also different, with the wider minutes hand. The caseback markings are also in the 'small font', replaced from 1995 onwards with larger font.
One other notable point is that the the quartz RN divers, up to 1992 were marked with the Royal Navy service code 0552, rather than 0555 used on later RN and SBS divers.
The 'Swiss Made' legend at the bottom of the dial also extends to the seconds minute marker each side of the lume plot at the 6 position, which changed on later divers.
This example was acquired ex-MoD and has never been traded before. The watch was acquired complete with original ETA 555.112 movement, metal dust cover and plastic spacer ring, but missing the correct dial and hands. A new '83' dial and handset were supplied by CWC and have been re-lumed with low-glow vintage lume to return the watch to complete original specification, and the watch is priced accordingly.
The watch has been serviced, as described in the condition report, and is supplied on a quality 20mm admiralty grey heat bonded NATO strap.
Overall the watch is in very good condition. There is general wear to the case from use, but no significant marks or scratches. The case back is in good condition with surface marks and some scratches from careless opening in the past. The crystal is a replacement and is in perfect condition. The dial and hands, as per the main description, are period correct replacements supplied by CWC. The factory lume was removed and both dial and hands were re-lumed using a low-glow vintage lume. The Bakelite bezel insert is a bit faded but in very good condition.
The watch was fully stripped, cleaned and serviced in February 2026.
The case parts and bezel were stripped and ultrasonically cleaned. The original ETA 555.112 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 unidirectional bezel rotates smoothly. The case back gasket was also replaced and greased and a new 395 battery was fitted.
Unlike the movement in the 1990s divers the ETA 555.112 has a trimmer on the circuit board and can be regulated, and the watch was regulated on a quartztester machine to +0.1 seconds per day/month, although this may differ in use.
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 non-waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK, Royal Navy (0552)
Date of manufacture: 1983
Rarity: c400 units issued in 1983
Movement: ETA 555.112
Diameter: 42mm
Lug width: 20mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: Screw down
Screwdown crown: Yes
Bracelet: Heat bonded NATO strap
Other features: Unidirectional rotating bezel with Bakelite insert
MoD issue (RN)
Only 400 issued in 1983
Original ETA 555.152 movement
Serviced February 2026
Only rarely available on the market
Supplied on new heat bonded NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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