Dispatch #3: Two Watches. One Soldier
When GPS Goes Dark
Most of us rely on technology without giving it a second thought. GPS, maps, fitness tracking, notifications—it’s all there at a glance.
But what happens when that technology can’t be trusted?
This week’s submission comes from a serving member of the military, whose choice of watch changes depending on the mission.
On most days, they wear a Garmin Fenix 5X.
It does everything they need: tracking fitness, recording training, providing navigation and maps, and standing up to the demands of military life. Like many serving personnel, it’s become far more than just a watch—it’s part of their everyday kit.
However, when deployment comes around, things change.
In environments where GPS jamming and electronic warfare are a genuine threat, smartwatches aren’t always an option. If GPS can’t be relied upon—or the use of connected devices is restricted—it’s time to go back to basics.
That’s when the Garmin comes off the wrist.
In its place is an issued analogue military watch.
From the photograph, it appears to be a CWC (Cabot Watch Company) SBS Quartz Diver, or a very close variant.
Several details point in that direction, including the CWC logo at 12 o’clock, “Quartz” printed above 6 o’clock, the day/date window at 3 o’clock, the asymmetrical case with integrated crown protection, fixed strap bars fitted with a NATO strap, and the classic military dial featuring broad sword hands and a fully lumed triangle at 12 o’clock.
If it is indeed the SBS Quartz Diver, it’s a watch with genuine British military heritage. The design is based on watches supplied to UK Special Forces and other military units, where simplicity, reliability and durability matter far more than features. Genuine military-issued examples typically feature a black PVD-coated case, fixed strap bars and military markings engraved on the caseback, including a NATO Stock Number (NSN) and issue details.
CWC has produced several very similar military divers over the years, including the SBS Quartz, RN Diver Quartz and G10 Diver. The presence of the day/date display makes the SBS Quartz Diver the most likely candidate, although a photograph of the caseback would confirm whether it’s a military-issued example or a civilian purchase, along with its approximate year of manufacture and the contract under which it was produced.
It’s a fascinating reminder that while technology has transformed military operations, reliability still wins when conditions become unpredictable. An analogue watch doesn’t rely on satellites, software updates or battery-hungry GPS. It simply tells the time—and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
For this soldier, the choice isn’t between analogue and digital.
It’s about using the right tool for the mission.
One watch helps prepare for the job.
The other is trusted when the job really begins.
The Watches
Daily Wear
Garmin Fenix 5X
- Fitness tracking
- GPS navigation and mapping
- Long battery life
- Built for training, exercise and everyday military life
Deployment
CWC SBS Quartz Diver (appears to be)
- Issued analogue military watch
- No reliance on GPS or smart features
- Purpose-built for reliability in electronically contested environments
- A design with genuine British military heritage
At Watches of Blue Light, we’re discovering that the watches worn by those who serve aren’t chosen to impress—they’re chosen because they’ve earned their place.
Whether it’s on an ambulance, in a prison, on patrol, or deployed overseas, every watch tells a story.
What’s on your wrist—and why? We’d love to hear it. Send us a photo of your watch, tell us what you do, and explain why it’s the watch you trust. You might just feature in a future Dispatch.