MATWATCHES Divers Collection

By TLex With 20 years experience in the manufacture of mechanical watches, French watchmaker, MATWATCHES are specialized in the development of technical watches for use in the military, where their timepieces are constantly tested under the most extreme conditions.



Their timepieces are worn by elite groups of the military and police. With a list more than ten strong of specialized platoons and units, a veritable who's who of the French Special Forces, MATWATCHES have produce special edition timepieces for likes of . . .



Le 'COS' Commandement des Opérations Spéciales, ECTLO 'Commando Jaubert' Escouade de Contre Terrorisme et de Libération d'otages, 'ERS' Equipe Régionale d'Intervention et de Sécurité, 'SPHP' Le service de protection des hautes personnalités, 'RAID' Recherche Assistance Intervention Dissuasion and even le Groupe de sécurité de la présidence de la République, the security team that look after the safety of the French President.



MATWATCHES manufacture their watches in accordance to Swiss watch making traditions; providing performance and reliability, their watches are equipped with the high quality components and are built to serve Frances most elite forces. These watches are now accessible to the general public and as part of this new chapter in MAT’s history they are now launching with a new range of divers models.



MAT, which is an abbreviation of MER AIR TERRE (sea air land) have line of watches that includes three collections: Aviation, Commandos and their latest collection, Plongée (Diver), which is currently still in production. If I had to liken the new diver collection to anything, it would be a kind of cross between Bell & Ross and Breitling with a splash of SINN, although they really are their own thing.



The new collection divers, which are characterized by their matt black cases and orange bezel pips are based on the same 44mm x 15.5mm (16.5mm chrono) PVD coated 316L stainless steel case design with a total 8 versions, of which 4 are three handed automatics with ETA 2824-2 cals and 4 are chronographs with Valjoux 7750 cals.



The basic designs of the watches are the same; however MATWATCHES have a total of 5 different dial layouts with various dial markers and bezel markings. They even have options for left handers. The watch cases have a water-resistance of 300m (200m chrono) and are fitted with 2.8mm thick anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals.



MODELS (from top to bottom): AG5-1 auto with SL bezel markings, AG6-1 auto without SL bezel markings, AG6-2 auto (no date) with Arabic numerals and SL bezel markings, AG5-CH chrono with sub-seconds and SL bezel markings, AG6-CH chrono with sub seconds and without SL bezel markings, AG6-CHB chrono without SL bezel markings, AG5-CHL left handed chrono with SL bezel markings, AG5-CHL prototype left handed chrono with SL bezel markings, AG6-3 auto with mix of professional markers and Arabic numerals and without SL bezel markers.



PRICES range from 950€ (auto) to 1'800€ (chrono). I already have photos of the actual watches, which look superb and will be revealing them here shortly along with some words from MATWATCHES. For further details of the new diver collection and other MATWATCHES military timepieces please follow the link below . . .

UPDATE Pricing for 3 hands automatics such as; AG5-1, AG5-2, AG6-1 and AG6-3 is 950€ (inc. 19.6% French taxes).This price is includes 3 straps; 1X Italian made natural rubber strap, 1X tactical nylon strap, 1X MAT calfskin leather strap and a tool for strap changes. The watches ship from Paris, France by secure Speedpost - extra shipping fare 70€