SKU Code: MIL/46374/G

The original US military specification MIL-W-46374, published on October 30, 1964, established the basic requirements for an economical watch to be issued to the U.S. military. Below is the exact wording from the original specification:

"This specification covers one type of plastic-cased wristwatch intended for use where a high degree of accuracy is not required. The watch is not intended to receive maintenance support within the military supply system."

These 1960s disposable field watches featured a simple, one-piece plastic case design measuring 35.5 mm and a non-hacking handwound movement. Essentially, the 1964 specification called for a disposable watch with minimal water resistance and limited protection from shock, vibration, or temperature extremes.

The dial design of the MIL-W-46374C closely resembles current military dials. Searching for the current US Mil-Spec MIL-W-46374G reveals that the dial design from MIL-W-46374C, established 55 years ago, remains largely unchanged today.

Starting in the late 1990s, we observed a growing number of military personnel inquiring about these models. This coincided with a significant reduction in the issuance of U.S. military watches and a shift in military performance standards for watches. The change emphasized performance results over construction and appearance details. Consequently, commercial watches that met the standards became accepted military supply items, alongside specialized watches adhering to military-specific designs.

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many military personnel opted for their preferred watches rather than the standard GI watch. Responding to this preference shift, we consulted military clients who bought watches for PX stores about the feasibility of an updated MIL-W-46374C remake. The general feedback was positive, with a preference for updating the watch to a quartz movement for improved accuracy.

In 1994, we decided, together with a U.S. partner, to create a more durable and maintainable product at a competitive price. We upgraded the design from the original plastic case to metal and changed the movement from a mechanical to a reliable quartz alternative, while retaining the original appearance. The result is this model, which we have jointly manufactured with our U.S. partner for the last 25 years. For comparison, an original watch can be seen in the final three images.

Specification:

• Diameter Including Crown: 40mm
• Lug to Lug: 38mm
• Crystal Diameter: 30mm
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Movement: Quartz
• Crystal: Hardened Mineral
• Thickness: 8.5mm
• Weight: 42g
• Strap: 18mm U.S. Pattern Military Webbing Strap
• Packaging: Metal tin