CWC
w-10 royal army tritium - semi jumbo

British military CWC W-10 mid-size watch from 1984 — a vintage military collector’s piece affectionately known as the “W-10 Semi Thick Case” or “Semi Fat-Boy,” due to its intermediate size between the two other W-10 issue models used by the British Army. Manufactured by Cabot Watch Company between 1983 and 1985, this watch is characterized by a thick caseback and a slightly slimmer profile (11.70 mm in height) compared to the full “Fat-Boy” model, which measures 12.60 mm thick.

This collector’s watch features a Swiss-made ESA 947.111 quartz movement with 7 jewels, produced by ETA. A particularity of the 1984 models is the battery hatch centered on the caseback — a rare feature in the W-10 Thick Case series, which usually have an off-centered hatch. The caseback engravings indicate issue to a Royal Army unit.

Matte black dial with pointed hour markers along the railway track, enhanced with Tritium — as indicated by the white circled "T" beneath the CWC logo. The baton-style hour and minute hands are also Tritium-coated and painted white, with the exception of the central seconds hand, which is painted entirely in white. The steel case has a matte grey surface finish, measures 38 x 42 mm, and features fixed lugs with solid spring bars for NATO straps, compatible with 18 mm strap width.

This handsome military watch, typical of 1980s British military production, is becoming increasingly rare. Highly sought-after by collectors, this watch was produced for only three years and represents the smallest version in the W-10 family. Since Brexit, it has become especially scarce on online marketplaces. It’s a smart investment, and thanks to its rugged yet vintage aesthetic, it's highly fashionable among trendsetters. Frequently seen on the wrists of celebrities and members of the royal family, its compact size also makes it ideal for women — just as intended by the original British Ministry of Defence specification.

Discover the full story behind the W-10 model on the Mostra Mag, the Mostra Store blog, in the Watch History section.