Royal Army W10 & Royal Navy 0052 | Watch Detail

M.R.M.W. / WATCH DETAIL

British military design, in classic monochrome and expressive color.

Royal Army W10 Watch

The W10 has a tonneau case: “tonneau” is French for barrel. Its curved shape is associated with British military watches produced by Hamilton and CWC.

Attention to Dial Design

British military specifications called for a black dial with bold white Arabic numerals, so manufacturers’ designs shared a common foundation. This version has especially substantial numerals, combining clear legibility with an approachable character.

Faithful Form, Practical Quartz

The streamlined tonneau form follows the CWC design, recreated with a convenient quartz movement. A white broad arrow stands out on the black dial. The slim case is suited to both business and casual wear, while the domed crystal adds depth despite the compact size.

The Broad Arrow — British Government Property

The broad arrow above 6 o’clock is a mark of British government ownership. Resembling a three-pronged arrowhead, it has a long history associated with Henry Sidney’s heraldic pheon and later official government use. Examples also survive on infrastructure in places formerly administered by Britain, including Hong Kong.

1. W10 Dial

Following the British Defence Standard issued on 19 May 1971, the dial has bold white Arabic numerals against black. Watches in this family were designated W10 for the Army and 6B for the Royal Air Force. The broad arrow appears above 6 o’clock.

2. H.S. Dial

This combination of case and dial did not exist on the historical original. The dial recreates a Longines design used by the British Navy during World War I. H.S. refers to Hydrographic Survey; the broad arrow, the letter C and the naval control number 103 create its distinctive coded appearance.

British Military Design, Reimagined in Color

Our original, colorful interpretation of the enduring 0052 design associated with British land, sea and air forces.

The 0052 Tonneau Case

“Tonneau” means barrel in French. The curved case shape is associated with watches produced by Hamilton and CWC. Under British military requirements, related watches were known as 6BB for the Royal Air Force, W10 for the Army and 0052 for the Navy.

The solid-metal case developed from earlier military water-resistant designs. A stop-seconds, or hacking, function allowed precise time setting; this recreation also includes that function. The enduring shape remained desirable even as movement technology changed. Early quartz movements were too large for it, while later low-cost mechanical military watches returned to the design.

Some of these watches became known informally as G10/98, after the equipment-request form soldiers used to obtain replacements. Despite that unflattering association with disposable watches, the tonneau shape itself remained a long-favored British military design.

The H.S. Dial

This unusual dial existed in British military service, although not in this tonneau case. The earlier design used a much larger aluminum case before World War II. H.S. refers to Hydrographic Survey, accompanied by a broad arrow. Where a wristwatch designation often used an 8, this dial carries a C.

C was once interpreted as a manufacturer’s code. A document dated 8 February 1945, concerning chronometer and watch pattern numbers, states that H.S. C and A.T.P. wristwatches were supplied by the Hydrographer at Creechbarrow House, Taunton, for specific special duties and were excluded from the general list. This suggests a specialized purpose. The number 103 above 6 o’clock is a naval control code.

The rare dial’s coded appearance inspired our Royal Army W10 H.S. Dial. After approximately two and a half years of interest from military-watch enthusiasts, we developed these colorful versions to enjoy the same design in a more fashion-oriented way.

The Broad Arrow — Great Britain

The recreation retains the broad arrow between H.S. and C, signifying British government ownership. Later military requirements no longer called for company names or trademarks on the dial. The arrow’s history is associated with Henry Sidney’s heraldic pheon and its subsequent adoption as an official government mark.

1. H.S. Orange Dial

Orange adds a refined accent to an outfit. Coordinate it with a cap, socks or scarf. It works with black and white, warm browns and beige, or with contrasting blue and green for a more striking combination.

2. H.S. Blue Dial

Blue suggests calm, confidence, loyalty and trust. The vivid dial creates a fresh, composed impression and adds interest to an outfit. Coordinate it with accessories such as a cap, socks or scarf.

3. H.S. Red Dial

Red is associated with strong emotions, passion and affection. In Japan it is also a celebratory color, often paired with white. It works with monochrome shades, related warm colors such as beige, brown, pink and orange, or contrasting khaki and navy.

4. H.S. Yellow Dial

Yellow is a warm primary color associated with brightness, joy and energy. It is an uplifting, attention-catching accent that pairs with black, white, beige, gray, brown, khaki, blue or green.

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