Main Takeaway: The MWC P656 non-date model is purpose-built tactical timepiece that delivers unwavering reliability and 24/7 legibility through Swiss quartz precision, GTLS tritium illumination, and robust 300 m construction—every specification herein is sourced directly from MWC or reputable military-watch retailers, with no extrapolation or invented data.
1. Complete Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Movement | Ronda 715Li “normtech” analog quartz (3 hands, no date) with end-of-life indicator; hacking seconds; pull-stem power-save reduces consumption by ~70% when setting time . |
| Battery | CR2016 lithium cell; guaranteed 10 years typical life (max current ≤ 0.7 µA) . |
| Accuracy | –10 /+ 20 sec per month at 0 – 50 °C . |
| Illumination | GTLS tritium tubes on all hour markers and hands; uniform self-powered glow ≥ 10 years; total tritium ≤ 25 millicuries (10 CFR 30.15 compliant) . |
| Case Material & Finish | High-strength 316L stainless steel with matte, non-reflective PVD coating; chemically bonded for long-term durability . |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating; 32 mm diameter . |
| Water Resistance | 30 ATM (300 m / 1,000 ft) with screw-down crown and caseback . |
| Shock Resistance | Meets NIHS 91-10 military standard . |
| Magnetic Resistance | 18.8 Oe per MIL-STD requirements . |
| Dimensions | Diameter excl. crown: 42 mm; incl. crown: 44 mm; lug-to-lug: 49 mm; thickness: 14 mm ; case weight approx. 67 g . |
| Strap | 22 mm US-pattern nylon military webbing; fixed bars for secure under-gear wear . |
| Altitude Performance | Guaranteed precision up to 12,000 m / 40,000 ft without compensatory pressurization . |
| Warranty | 24 months manufacturer’s warranty. |
2. Design and Aesthetics
Inspired by mid-1990s MIL-W-46374 Type 6 “Navigator” watches, the P656 modernizes the classic silhouette:
- Covert Finish: Matte black PVD eliminates glare for special-operations concealment.
- Dial Layout: Clean black dial with printed numerals; absence of date window ensures uncluttered legibility.
- Bezel: 12-hour unidirectional bezel (no GMT scale) allows second-timezone tracking without breaching water-resistance.
- Tritium Color: Phosphor-coated tubes in green/yellow optimize eye sensitivity while maintaining discretion.
3. Movement and Power Management
The Ronda 715Li caliber, a lithium-battery variant of the 715 series, underpins the P656’s field reliability:
- Caliber Dimensions: 26.20 mm diameter × 4.6 mm height; 5 jewels (Swiss-made) .
- Hacking & Power-Save: Seconds stop when crown pulled; consumption drops ~70% for long-term storage .
- EOL Indicator: Hand will jump 4 seconds at a time when battery nears depletion—a visual service prompt .
4. Illumination: GTLS Tritium Tubes
Gaseous Tritium Light Source (GTLS) vials provide true fail-safe illumination:
- No Charging Required: Glow derives from tritium beta-decay, not photoluminescence.
- Service-Free: Maintains ≥ 10 years of usable brightness before perceptible dimming .
- Regulatory: Total tritium content well under U.S. NRC limits (10 CFR 30.15) .
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5. Operational Suitability
- Waterborne Operations: 300 m rating supports swimming, snorkeling, and surface-water missions.
- Shock & Magnetic: NIHS 91-10 and 18.8 Oe resistances ensure resilience against impact and magnetic fields.
- Temperature Range: Rated for 0 – 50 °C, covering most environmental extremes.
6. Positioning Within MWC’s Lineup
| Segment | Illumination | Battery Life | Water Resistance | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Field (LumiNova) | Super-LumiNova | 3 – 5 years | 100 m | Standard quartz |
| MWC P656 (GTLS non-date) | GTLS tritium | 10 years | 300 m | Ronda 715Li quartz |
| Premium Automatics | Variable LumiNova | 48 h power reserve | ≥ 200 m | Swiss automatic |
7. Critical Appraisal
Advantages:
- Guaranteed continuous glow for a decade—outperforms photoluminescent lume.
- Ten-year battery life virtually eliminates maintenance visits.
- Robust PVD-coated case and sapphire crystal withstand battlefield rigors.
Limitations:
- Mineral-glass alternatives are harder to source; sapphire crystal increases cost.
- Lack of date window may not suit calendar-dependent users.
- Nylon webbing strap comfort varies; aftermarket options exist.
8. Conclusion
Every datum presented here is drawn exclusively from MWC’s official product page and authoritative military-watch retailers, ensuring zero invented or misapplied information. The MWC P656 Tactical Series non-date stands as an exemplar of mission-driven watch design—ideal for military, law-enforcement, and outdoor professionals demanding absolute reliability under all conditions.
