Product Details
SKU Code: ELV553LS
This particular watch is based on a 1950s pattern Elvia watch. The watch has a box sapphire crystal which looks outwardly identical to the original plexiglass crystal, the watch also has a 25 or 26 jewel automatic self winding movement housed in a robust stainless steel case, the watch can be handwound if required and the movement also has a hacking function for synchronisation and represents exceptional value for such a high specification timepiece. It should be noted that both the Swiss Sellita SW200 and German Schätzle SUW1929 are closely based on the ETA-2824 movement and many of the components are interchangeable.
The watch uses Luminova as opposed to the Tritium which was used in the 1960s. The main advantage with Luminova is that unlike Tritium it does not deteriorate with age and is non radioactive. On this particular variant the paint colour mimics the appearance of aged Tritium paint and although the T is encircled, which would indicate tritium, this is done only for historical reasons.
This watch measures 39mm in diameter and is supplied with a high quality calf leather strap and a presentation box.
Dimensions and Specification:
- Width Exc Crown: 36 mm
- Width Inc Crown: 39.5 mm
- Thickness with crystal 13.3 mm
- Lug to Lug 43.5mm
- 200m / 660ft Water Resistant
- Movement Swiss Sellita SW200 or German Schätzle SUW1929
- Power Reserve 38 hours
- Screwdown locking crown
- Screw Caseback
- Sapphire Crystal *
- Luminova Paint
- 20mm Calf Leather Strap
* A lot of people ask us what are the benefits of sapphire crystal over the original plexiglass? The answer is that synthetic sapphire is by far the best material for watch crystals because it is very strong and also shatter and scratch resistant, these characteristics make it very appealing to military and security personnel, police officers and people who lead active outdoor lifestyles, these groups account for over 70% of our customers. The original plexiglass crystals which are made of a plastic/acrylic type material which were used in the 1960s suffered the drawback that firstly they were very easily scratched and secondly, it wasn't overly difficult to crack them if they were impacted the other drawback is they greatly limited the water resistance of the watch. To get things into perspective we find that when clients have accidents with watches resulting in a cracked crystal over 90% are usually watches with mineral glass crystals or plexiglass, even factoring in that we use hardened mineral crystals in many watches they still do not come close to sapphire for durability under adverse conditions. The reason that sapphire crystals are so strong is that after the sapphire glass is manufactured it is also heat-treated to remove its internal stresses—which can cause weakness—it is then made into the watch crystals and two layers of anti-reflective coating are applied, interestingly sapphire crystal is now used on the latest iPhone. Of course sapphire crystal comes at a price hence you find that it's normally only fitted to higher end watches.
MWC are official distributors for ELVIA watches.
