THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: PRECISTA
MODEL: RN82
YEAR: 1982
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 39mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: TEXTILE NATO
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
As military watches go, most people have heard of the top line heavy hitters, the SAS issued 5513/7 Millsubs, the Panerai Radiomir, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the IWC Mark series to name a few, but a watch that definitely challenges these titans for rarity is certainly this Precista Auto Diver from 1982.
The MOD stopped issuing Submariners as part of clearance divers kit in the late 70's due to cost, it was only the SAS that had the luxury of using them into the 80's, CWC, a UK based business set up by Ray Mellor won the contract for 1980 and 81 to supply the Navy with a made to spec automatic dive watch, but unexpectedly lost the contract for 1982 to a lesser known company called Precista.
Southern Watch & Clock Supplies based in Kent were manufacturing watches under the brand name Precista since the early 50's, they won the contract to supply the Navy and their sub divisions with an automatic dive watch in 1982 only. The watch, similar to the CWC the year before, had a 39mm waterproof case and fixed bars with a screw down crown. The watch runs a ETA cal 2723 automatic movement and all case backs are marked 'Racine Swiss' inside. The 0552-923-7697 was the 'Royal Navy Service Management Code' with 1294 being the service number and 82 the year of assignment.
The condition of this watch is absolutely superb, found in a house clearance a few years ago, the watch was part of a large collection that was only discovered when the previous owner passed away, a surprise to his family. The dial and the 'snakes head' hands are in mint condition and show no cracking or moisture damage, the tritium marked bezel is also in great shape.
The original nato is still present, showing oxidation on the buckle. This is an extremely rare watch, some aficionados estimate around 100 were made, how many still survive is a mystery.
We have just had the movement serviced and its running well. A must have watch for any serious dive watch or military collector.