Rare 1999 issued CWC SBS (0555) diver
Recently serviced in our own workshop
£4450.00
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.
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!
This example is in very good, original condition and serviced in April 2025 as described in the condition report.
The watch was originally acquired by us ex-MoD, having never been in civilian ownership before. The watch was held in our stock for a number of years before being sold to to a private collector. The watch was recently traded back to us and is now available on the open market for the first time in its life. Only 100 units are know to have been issued in 1999 making this one of the rarer issued SBS divers and they seldom come up for sale.
The watch is supplied with used vintage issued 20mm admiralty grey Phoenix NATO strap with marked buckle. The tail of the strap has been trimmed to 270mm and heat sealed, as is common with issued straps.
Overall the watch is in good, original condition. The mid-case is virtually unmarked, although here is a small scratch in the PVD coating on the underside of the case. The case back is in good condition, with some light strap burn and minor marks. The crystal is unmarked. The dial and hands are near mint with light buff-coloured tritium lume. The bezel insert is in good condition with a couple of small marks and some wear around the edge. The crown has the original black-painted finish (early SBS crowns had painted rather than PVD coating), part of which chipped off while in the hands of the provious owner. This can either be left as is or can be touched i, at the buyers discretion.
The watch was fully stripped, cleaned and serviced in April 2025.
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.
Prior to listing the gaskets were re-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.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK, Royal Marines/Royal Navy
Date of manufacture: 1999
Rarity: c100 units issued in 1999
Movement: ETA 955.122
Diameter: 42mm
Lug width: 20mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: Screw down
Screwdown crown: Yes
Bracelet: Used vintage issued 20mm admiralty grey Phoenix NATO
Other features: Unidirectional rotating bezel, day/date
MoD issue (RN/Royal Marines)
Very rare watch - only around 100 issued in 1999
Known history since MoD disposal
ETA 955.122 movement
Recently serviced
Good, original condition
Supplied on issued Pheonix 20mm NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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