Name of Reviewer: Name Withheld (Nous Defions)Name of person who took pictures in review: Nous DefionsWatch Name / Model Being Reviewed / Brand: MTM-Special Forces Patriot, Neoprene Strap, Black
MTM
1225 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015 USA
Toll Free: 1-800-284-9487
Tel: 213-741-0808 Fax: 213-741-0840
Email: sales@specialopswatch.com
Website: http://www.specialopswatch.com/
Facebook:http: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MTM-Special-Ops-Watches/126807460733043
HISTORY (according to the MTM website):MTM, manufacturer of the Pro Ops line of specialized military watches was founded in 1980 by watch technicians and ex-military personnel. MTM is a pioneer in supplying customized watches to corporations, military and police units worldwide. MTM’s mission is to develop tough, dependable, rugged military watches utilizing state of the art technology…watches that comply with and supersede military standards and will complement future warriors and military forces worldwide in the 21st century.
Originally, MTM was approached by members of an elite special forces unit who requested that they develop watches for their unit. They requested features not yet available in the watch industry. These were to be special forces watches which incorporated cutting edge technology and materials. The goal was to find and utilize such technology and to integrate it into the watch with functions that were useful to soldiers, special forces, and tactical units in the field.
During the developmental stage of the MTM Pro Ops Series, inquiries were made by other divisions looking into the possibility of MTM developing a pilot or aviator watch, navy seal watches, police watches and other military equipment. The decision to release the MTM Special Ops first, as the flagship model with its revolutionary lighting system, was then made. It was shortly after 9/11 and the beginning of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq that sales began to accelerate at a rapid pace.
Soon, demand began to increase for specialized watches from SWAT teams, Green Beret and Commando units, Delta Force and law enforcement operations worldwide. That demand led to the eventual development of the Vultures, Seals, Patriots, Predators, Silencers, Navigators, Warriors, etc, which are now being worn proudly by members of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Seals and the U.S. Secret Service Tactical Team.
The success of MTM Pro Ops Watches is a testament to the rugged dependability and forward looking design that goes into each and every model. In the U.S., MTM Pro Ops Watches are available exclusively from MTM and are not available in retail stores. They are available internationally through thoroughly screened and approved distributors only.
Model: Black DLC Plating; Steel, Special Forces Patriot
Price: $550 USD
MTM
1225 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015 USA
Toll Free: 1-800-284-9487
Tel: 213-741-0808 Fax: 213-741-0840
Email: sales@specialopswatch.com
Website: http://www.specialopswatch.com/
Facebook:http: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MTM-Special-Ops-Watches/126807460733043
HISTORY (according to the MTM website):MTM, manufacturer of the Pro Ops line of specialized military watches was founded in 1980 by watch technicians and ex-military personnel. MTM is a pioneer in supplying customized watches to corporations, military and police units worldwide. MTM’s mission is to develop tough, dependable, rugged military watches utilizing state of the art technology…watches that comply with and supersede military standards and will complement future warriors and military forces worldwide in the 21st century.
Originally, MTM was approached by members of an elite special forces unit who requested that they develop watches for their unit. They requested features not yet available in the watch industry. These were to be special forces watches which incorporated cutting edge technology and materials. The goal was to find and utilize such technology and to integrate it into the watch with functions that were useful to soldiers, special forces, and tactical units in the field.
During the developmental stage of the MTM Pro Ops Series, inquiries were made by other divisions looking into the possibility of MTM developing a pilot or aviator watch, navy seal watches, police watches and other military equipment. The decision to release the MTM Special Ops first, as the flagship model with its revolutionary lighting system, was then made. It was shortly after 9/11 and the beginning of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq that sales began to accelerate at a rapid pace.
Soon, demand began to increase for specialized watches from SWAT teams, Green Beret and Commando units, Delta Force and law enforcement operations worldwide. That demand led to the eventual development of the Vultures, Seals, Patriots, Predators, Silencers, Navigators, Warriors, etc, which are now being worn proudly by members of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Seals and the U.S. Secret Service Tactical Team.
The success of MTM Pro Ops Watches is a testament to the rugged dependability and forward looking design that goes into each and every model. In the U.S., MTM Pro Ops Watches are available exclusively from MTM and are not available in retail stores. They are available internationally through thoroughly screened and approved distributors only.
Model: Black DLC Plating; Steel, Special Forces Patriot
Price: $550 USD
(MTM Patriot stock photo, above; shown with velcro strap variant)
Reviewer’s Note:
By now it is common knowledge that I am currently an active duty Special Forces officer. In fact, I’m on deployment right now. So, it has taken me a while to write this review, as I don’t have a lot of time available to me. I have spent approximately 13 years in active military service with the last eight years being within the Special Forces. I have deployed throughout Latin America and Southwest Asia while conducting overt security assistance operations, low visibility operations as well as combat special operations. As a watch enthusiast, I was also part of the group of about eight active duty Special Forces personnel that had design input in the upcoming NFW Special Edition Special Forces Autopilots.
Because of both my hobby (watches) and my background, I am always very cautious when I see a watch company claim that it designed watches at the request of Special Forces units, or that watches were developed specifically for a unit. I have friends and contacts throughout the special operations community – within all services (NSW, AFSOC, MARSOC, USASOC and “others”) and I have never heard confirmation of this with the exceptions of Luminox, Kobold, Resco and lately, NFW. So, while the MTM “history” is compelling, I don’t put much stock in it. This does not mean that it is not possible; just that I am skeptical about such stories. My personal belief is that MTM markets their watches in this manner in order to borrow a bit of our legend, lore and allure to a certain watch-buying consumer base. But, I don’t let this stop me from ordering a good looking watch when I can. And, heck, the watch actually has “Special Forces” printed on the dial. So, if I don’t have the right to wear it, I don’t know who does. J
Product Description and Specs:
Size: 44.5mm X 15mm
Case Construction: 316L solid stainless steel; black DLC plating
Water Resistance Rating: 660 Ft/200 M
Power Source: Lithium Battery; Part No. 280-4400
Movement: Miyota OS20 Chronograph, Quartz with Date
Dial: Carbon Fiber; Black
Luminous Material: Super-LumiNova®
Bezel: Unidirectional; Standard diver graduations
Crown: Screw Down
Crystal: Synthetic Sapphire with AR Coating (inside only)
Band: 24mm 100% Neoprene; Black; Double Stitched; with signed MTM buckle
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Warranty: Standard 3-year
Reviewer’s Note:
By now it is common knowledge that I am currently an active duty Special Forces officer. In fact, I’m on deployment right now. So, it has taken me a while to write this review, as I don’t have a lot of time available to me. I have spent approximately 13 years in active military service with the last eight years being within the Special Forces. I have deployed throughout Latin America and Southwest Asia while conducting overt security assistance operations, low visibility operations as well as combat special operations. As a watch enthusiast, I was also part of the group of about eight active duty Special Forces personnel that had design input in the upcoming NFW Special Edition Special Forces Autopilots.
Because of both my hobby (watches) and my background, I am always very cautious when I see a watch company claim that it designed watches at the request of Special Forces units, or that watches were developed specifically for a unit. I have friends and contacts throughout the special operations community – within all services (NSW, AFSOC, MARSOC, USASOC and “others”) and I have never heard confirmation of this with the exceptions of Luminox, Kobold, Resco and lately, NFW. So, while the MTM “history” is compelling, I don’t put much stock in it. This does not mean that it is not possible; just that I am skeptical about such stories. My personal belief is that MTM markets their watches in this manner in order to borrow a bit of our legend, lore and allure to a certain watch-buying consumer base. But, I don’t let this stop me from ordering a good looking watch when I can. And, heck, the watch actually has “Special Forces” printed on the dial. So, if I don’t have the right to wear it, I don’t know who does. J
Product Description and Specs:
Size: 44.5mm X 15mm
Case Construction: 316L solid stainless steel; black DLC plating
Water Resistance Rating: 660 Ft/200 M
Power Source: Lithium Battery; Part No. 280-4400
Movement: Miyota OS20 Chronograph, Quartz with Date
Dial: Carbon Fiber; Black
Luminous Material: Super-LumiNova®
Bezel: Unidirectional; Standard diver graduations
Crown: Screw Down
Crystal: Synthetic Sapphire with AR Coating (inside only)
Band: 24mm 100% Neoprene; Black; Double Stitched; with signed MTM buckle
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Warranty: Standard 3-year
Background:
I first came to see this watch two days after arriving at the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force headquarters in Afghanistan. As I was introduced to my “on-the-ground” commander – perhaps the one Special Forces officer with the most combat experience in Afghanistan (he was on the ground just days after the beginning of our involvement in 2001, and has been involved there ever since) – I noticed that he was wearing the MTM Patriot on a rubber strap. Now, to give you a sense of the moment of introduction, this particular commander was known for, not only his vast experience, but for the fact that he was a very demanding and no-nonsense Special Forces officer. I knew guys that were afraid of working for him. He’d fire you in seconds, if you did not measure up. Your performance was either excellent, or you were gone; he did not accept “good enough”. It was that simple. This man was directly responsible for all special operations forces (SOF) in the entire country, from every Armed Service, to include the Coalition SOF.
So, when I’m introduced to this “hard charging” warrior, what do I do? Do I salute? No. Do I utter some pleasantry? No. I actually grab his wrist, lift towards me and say, “Damn, sir… that’s an awesome watch!” He smiled and replied, “Cool isn’t it? My wife sent it to me as a gift.” About a month later, my wife sends my MTM Patriot as her gift. I have a great wife!
Watch Box:
I will not repeat what has oftentimes been said regarding MTM’s packaging. Simply put, their plastic “Pelican Case”-like box, including foam insert padding, ensures that this watch will survive just about any shipping service out there. If something happens during shipping that damages this watch on delivery, it is highly likely that the delivery service driver didn’t survive it either. Enough said.
Box comes with all normal paperwork and instructions. No surprises there.
Case – Crown Side:
The crown-side of the case features a textured crown that is very easy to grasp with either gloves, or without. This is a screw-down crown that you can actually screw out with the watch still on. It sits very well centered on the case so that it does not, in any way, come into contact with the wrist. This is a good thing because the crown texturing would make any prolonged contact with the skin a painful experience. The pushers on either side are easy to operate and function just like any other Miyota OS20 movement you may have used out there. The top pusher activates (starts/stops) the “survival orange” colored chronograph hand, while the bottom pusher simply resets it to the 12 o’clock position. This chronograph DOES NOT do split times. Up to 60 full minutes are recorded via the 9 o’clock sub-dial. There is no capability to record sub-second increments (i.e., 1/10th of a second). Only full seconds are recorded (via the chronograph hand) and full minutes via the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The lugs do not angle down much. But, for the size of this case, this contouring is not necessary. The watch sits well on the wrist. The bezel sits flush with the sides of the case; no overlap.
I first came to see this watch two days after arriving at the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force headquarters in Afghanistan. As I was introduced to my “on-the-ground” commander – perhaps the one Special Forces officer with the most combat experience in Afghanistan (he was on the ground just days after the beginning of our involvement in 2001, and has been involved there ever since) – I noticed that he was wearing the MTM Patriot on a rubber strap. Now, to give you a sense of the moment of introduction, this particular commander was known for, not only his vast experience, but for the fact that he was a very demanding and no-nonsense Special Forces officer. I knew guys that were afraid of working for him. He’d fire you in seconds, if you did not measure up. Your performance was either excellent, or you were gone; he did not accept “good enough”. It was that simple. This man was directly responsible for all special operations forces (SOF) in the entire country, from every Armed Service, to include the Coalition SOF.
So, when I’m introduced to this “hard charging” warrior, what do I do? Do I salute? No. Do I utter some pleasantry? No. I actually grab his wrist, lift towards me and say, “Damn, sir… that’s an awesome watch!” He smiled and replied, “Cool isn’t it? My wife sent it to me as a gift.” About a month later, my wife sends my MTM Patriot as her gift. I have a great wife!
Watch Box:
I will not repeat what has oftentimes been said regarding MTM’s packaging. Simply put, their plastic “Pelican Case”-like box, including foam insert padding, ensures that this watch will survive just about any shipping service out there. If something happens during shipping that damages this watch on delivery, it is highly likely that the delivery service driver didn’t survive it either. Enough said.
Box comes with all normal paperwork and instructions. No surprises there.
Case – Crown Side:
The crown-side of the case features a textured crown that is very easy to grasp with either gloves, or without. This is a screw-down crown that you can actually screw out with the watch still on. It sits very well centered on the case so that it does not, in any way, come into contact with the wrist. This is a good thing because the crown texturing would make any prolonged contact with the skin a painful experience. The pushers on either side are easy to operate and function just like any other Miyota OS20 movement you may have used out there. The top pusher activates (starts/stops) the “survival orange” colored chronograph hand, while the bottom pusher simply resets it to the 12 o’clock position. This chronograph DOES NOT do split times. Up to 60 full minutes are recorded via the 9 o’clock sub-dial. There is no capability to record sub-second increments (i.e., 1/10th of a second). Only full seconds are recorded (via the chronograph hand) and full minutes via the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The lugs do not angle down much. But, for the size of this case, this contouring is not necessary. The watch sits well on the wrist. The bezel sits flush with the sides of the case; no overlap.
Dial:
The dial exhibits non-lacquered carbon fiber. Under optimum conditions, you can observe the carbon fiber detail. But, I happen to prefer the clear lacquered finish that George Fox developed for his carbon fiber NFW models. It is more visibly stunning with that particular application. On the MTM Patriot there are three distinct sub-dials on the dial and they are positioned such that the dial remains fairly symmetrical and balanced (save the date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock position). The 3 o’clock sub-dial is a 24-hour dial. IT IS NOT capable of exhibiting a second time zone. It only shows you the current time in a 24-hour format, which is useful if you are conducting multi-theater operations where times are commonly used in GMT/Zulu format. In this way, it puts all operational and supporting elements on the “same sheet of music”, and no time conversion is required. So, to the B1-B pilots taking-off from Dyess AFB, TX, to support your operation, some 6,812 nautical miles away to somewhere in the Uruzgan Province, 1430 Zulu is the same time to him, as it is to you; no conversion.
The dial exhibits non-lacquered carbon fiber. Under optimum conditions, you can observe the carbon fiber detail. But, I happen to prefer the clear lacquered finish that George Fox developed for his carbon fiber NFW models. It is more visibly stunning with that particular application. On the MTM Patriot there are three distinct sub-dials on the dial and they are positioned such that the dial remains fairly symmetrical and balanced (save the date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock position). The 3 o’clock sub-dial is a 24-hour dial. IT IS NOT capable of exhibiting a second time zone. It only shows you the current time in a 24-hour format, which is useful if you are conducting multi-theater operations where times are commonly used in GMT/Zulu format. In this way, it puts all operational and supporting elements on the “same sheet of music”, and no time conversion is required. So, to the B1-B pilots taking-off from Dyess AFB, TX, to support your operation, some 6,812 nautical miles away to somewhere in the Uruzgan Province, 1430 Zulu is the same time to him, as it is to you; no conversion.
The 6 o’clock sub-dial is the second counter. It operates continuously whether, or not, you activate the chronograph. It’s function is totally independent from the chronograph and it does not record sub-second increments. The 9 o’clock sub-dial records up to 60 minutes of the chronograph counter. This resets upon pressing the bottom chronograph button, below the crown. The hour registers are in standard analog format. Both the 6 and 9 registers are partially cut-off by the sub-dial cut-outs. As mentioned before, the date window is positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock registers and wedged between the 3 and 6 o’clock sub-dial cut-outs. The date window font is black on white which was a smart choice, in my opinion. With all of the black color on the dial and case, as well as with all the other elements therein, it would have been difficult to discern the date if the date font was white on yet another black background. All of the registers on the sub-dials are white as well.
The hour hand resembles a delta design that is reminiscent of an aircraft in supersonic flight, such as a B1-B with its wings swept back, as seen from above. I felt that it was a nice design touch in keeping with the military motif of the watch. The minute hand resembles a bayonet and the handle of the blade actually has a mirror-like appearance. I have never seen this approach in any military watch before, or since, and it is another nice touch. Now, truth be told, the bayonet is not the blade involved in most of special operations symbols, heraldry and history. In fact, it is the Fairbairn-Sykes-like V-42 Stiletto (similar to the F-S Dagger), that was officially issued to the First Special Service Force. It is the outline of the V-42 that is currently on the official insignia of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, the US Army Special Forces, US Special Operations Command, etc. The bayonet on the MTM Patriot is more similar to the one used on the official insignia of the US Army Infantry. The hands have Super-LumiNova® applied throughout with “survival orange” paint outlining the outside edges. The chronograph hand is just an arrow.
The dial exhibits the lettering “MTM” in red just under the 12 o’clock register. Under that are the words “SPEC OPS” (an abbreviation for “special operations” that is actually rarely used within the special operations community). “SPEC OPS” is printed in Super-LumiNova®. Under this the dial exhibits the words “Special Forces”, followed by “660 FT/200M” and “WATER RESISTANT”. It’s all centered and nicely balanced.
The rehaut exhibits very fine numbering and graduation lines offering the 24 hour format. Because of the very fine nature of the font, this particular feature is more for aesthetics than for practical application. You’d have to really take a good look at the rehaut to figure out what is written on there if you were depending on this to tell the time. But, then again, if you could not already tell the 24 hour time from the 3 o’clock sub-dial, or the regular hour and minute hands, you probably have no business wearing this watch.
Bezel:
The bezel turns in sixty clicks and lines up perfectly with the registers underneath in the dial. The “bezel pearl” at the “0” position has Super-LumiNova® applied to it. This is a great feature because you can use it to mark an area on the watch with it in the dark. The bezel has a “coin”-like feel to it on the edges, which makes it very easy to grasp and turn. The bezel does not turn too easily, but I’d prefer if it was much harder to turn it. With all the kit we wear, it would be fairly easy to turn it accidentally. There are seven bolt-like accents on the bezel that appear to be purely aesthetic and non-functional.
The hour hand resembles a delta design that is reminiscent of an aircraft in supersonic flight, such as a B1-B with its wings swept back, as seen from above. I felt that it was a nice design touch in keeping with the military motif of the watch. The minute hand resembles a bayonet and the handle of the blade actually has a mirror-like appearance. I have never seen this approach in any military watch before, or since, and it is another nice touch. Now, truth be told, the bayonet is not the blade involved in most of special operations symbols, heraldry and history. In fact, it is the Fairbairn-Sykes-like V-42 Stiletto (similar to the F-S Dagger), that was officially issued to the First Special Service Force. It is the outline of the V-42 that is currently on the official insignia of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, the US Army Special Forces, US Special Operations Command, etc. The bayonet on the MTM Patriot is more similar to the one used on the official insignia of the US Army Infantry. The hands have Super-LumiNova® applied throughout with “survival orange” paint outlining the outside edges. The chronograph hand is just an arrow.
The dial exhibits the lettering “MTM” in red just under the 12 o’clock register. Under that are the words “SPEC OPS” (an abbreviation for “special operations” that is actually rarely used within the special operations community). “SPEC OPS” is printed in Super-LumiNova®. Under this the dial exhibits the words “Special Forces”, followed by “660 FT/200M” and “WATER RESISTANT”. It’s all centered and nicely balanced.
The rehaut exhibits very fine numbering and graduation lines offering the 24 hour format. Because of the very fine nature of the font, this particular feature is more for aesthetics than for practical application. You’d have to really take a good look at the rehaut to figure out what is written on there if you were depending on this to tell the time. But, then again, if you could not already tell the 24 hour time from the 3 o’clock sub-dial, or the regular hour and minute hands, you probably have no business wearing this watch.
Bezel:
The bezel turns in sixty clicks and lines up perfectly with the registers underneath in the dial. The “bezel pearl” at the “0” position has Super-LumiNova® applied to it. This is a great feature because you can use it to mark an area on the watch with it in the dark. The bezel has a “coin”-like feel to it on the edges, which makes it very easy to grasp and turn. The bezel does not turn too easily, but I’d prefer if it was much harder to turn it. With all the kit we wear, it would be fairly easy to turn it accidentally. There are seven bolt-like accents on the bezel that appear to be purely aesthetic and non-functional.
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