Modern Military Watches: How The Submariner Was Replaced By G-Shock
This article examines the shift in military watch preferences from traditional mechanical dive watches like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster to more robust and functional digital G-Shock models, particularly starting in the 1980s. It highlights how the cost-effectiveness, durability, and advanced features of quartz and digital watches led militaries to adopt them as standard issue equipment, effectively replacing their mechanical predecessors.
- Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster were previously issued to military divers.
- Casio G-Shock models were adopted by various military units, including US Special Forces and British Royal Navy divers.
- Specific G-Shock references with NATO Stock Numbers include DW-5600E-1V, DW-6600-1V, DW-6900-1V, and DW-9052-1V.
- Citizen Aqualand, a hybrid analog-digital watch, was adopted by navies like the Royal Australian Navy and British Clearance Divers.
- Breitling Navitimer Pluton was issued to the French agency SHOM.
The transition from mechanical dive watches to digital tool watches in military use began in the 1980s, driven by the superior durability, lower cost, and enhanced functionality of quartz technology.
Historically significant military watches mentioned include the Rolex 'MilSub' (references 5513, 5517), Omega Seamaster 300, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Tudor 'Snowflake' Submariners, Tornek-Rayville Fifty Fathoms, and the Seiko 'Turtle' Ref. 6309.
The Citizen Aqualand, launched in 1985, pioneered the electronic depth sensor and was adopted by several navies, including the Royal Australian Navy and British Clearance Divers.
The Casio G-Shock DW-6600 became an archetype for fully digital military watches, notably adopted by the United States and appearing on Chris Kyle's wrist in 'American Sniper'.
The Cabot Watch Company (CWC) SBS Diver is still supplied to specialist British units today, alongside solar-powered Casio G-Shocks like the GAW-100B.
Information regarding specific G-Shock models issued to British Special Forces is exempt from disclosure under the UK's Freedom of Information Act.