MTM BlackHawk Special Ops Watch
May 8, 2008 by Documentally
Today, only 18 hours after ordering on the phone I took delivery of an MTM BlackHawk Special Ops watch in titanium.
I imagine there has never been a complaint of any MTM watch arriving damaged as the case it arrived in was an incredibly sturdy, watertight ballistic ’seahorse’ case. With the watch already being water resistant to 330Ft and it’s case made from solid titanium, I imagine the post office could well drive off a cliff into a quarry and you would still get to receive a shiny new timepiece.. albeit a day or so late.
As soon as you take the ballistic case out of the cardboard box you feel you have purchased from a company that take great pride in it’s products.
I have only worn it for the last 14 hours so this is more like my first impressions rather than a review. Here is a video of the un-boxing..
I ordered the optional nylon strap as i have never really got on with metal ones. I want a watch that is substantial and solid but not one so heavy as i’m always aware it’s there. Nylon softens with time and really trims the weight of a watch down. Combined with the lightness of the titanium and this timepiece is not too weighty at all. I imagine the steel option is heavy enough to throw through a double glazed window though.
One of the main reasons for me wanting this watch apart from it’s apparent durability and use of hi-tech materials was the innovative addition of four LED’s embedded in the carbon fiber watch face. According to MTM’s website the Special Ops lighting technology was requested by the Special Forces in their original design specification.
Everyday I carry a torch (flashlight) with me as living in rural British countryside I often find myself in unlit spaces. I may not ever need to signal other members of an elite squad of Special Forces or scour a map in pitch darkness as I calculate the coordinates of an air strike, but just today I found the more than adequate illumination offered by the watch assisted me in plugging an additional HDMI cable in a tricky spot and remove a thorn from my dogs foot on a late walk. This is more than enough for me to be impressed and tomorrow I shall leave the little ARC-P flashlight I wear round my neck in my bedside drawer.
There are two types of light settings, an internal lighting mode uses the three bulbs with a blue diffused light for illuminating the watch face and the external lighting mode uses another set of three extremely powerful led’s emitting a bright orange light.
You may be wondering where all the energy comes from to power these lighting options as the watch is normal size and does not seem to be packed with an oversized battery.
Very cleverly the MTM BlackHawk also employs a unique recharging system. With no need to ever replace the batteries, you just place the watch on the specially designed recharging stand for a few hours every month. You are notified well in advance of the battery running flat by a second hand notification system that discreetly lets you know when power is running low. This is the first electromagnetically charged device I think I have owned but I imagine there will be many more to come.
I was a little concerned by the need to recharge a watch even this infrequently but am never away from home that long so it should not really be a problem and the charging stand isn’t ridiculously oversized so at a push it could be taken with me.
So.. It’s early days as far as my opinion goes and although my first impressions of this watch are good, I do have a habit of destroying watches that do not live up to their reputation and will report anything that may be amiss.
As I write this though I have just let the dog out for a wee in the back garden and was almost as amazed as she was as the watch illuminated the area of the garden she had snuck off to. Not really a life saving use of this great looking piece of hi tech engineering but one of the reasons for it being my choice over the many other hard wearing watches out there.
Already, this watch has liberated me from carrying a separate piece of kit (flashlight) in my everyday list of gadgets and paraphernalia I feel I must carry incase they’re needed.
All I need now is a watch that also incorporates a phone, a Leatherman, a wallet, my keys, a USB drive… …and so on.
Here are a few reactions to my video post:
In the UK this particular model retails at £399 ($499) and the steel version can be bought for £329 ($412). Prices in the US about a third lower.
The watch can be purchased from SpecialOpsWatch.co.uk
..and in the US SpecialOpsWatch.com
Does anyone know how these watches compair to the luminox brand? They are also considered a good rugged navy seal watch also The Luminox may not look as cool but they are available at your local watch store.
Hi I have had a Blackhawk Titanium for about a year now and it has been a great watch. Original strap is still in one piece, the watch is still ok, the LED lights are still fine. I have been very pleased with this watch and don’t know what all the moaning is about. How many watches won’t scratch or show wear and tear after a while if you wear them every day. I think some people think that just because it says special ops on the face this watch is bullet proof.
want to purchase the MTM brand, with the larger case and the LED I went to the web site and the the one I was looking at is not available till 2009. Any ideas !
Thanks
I’ve had my Blackhawk for just under a year now, awesome watch! I don’t use the LED lights that often and I’ve managed to have the charge last three months! Also no scratches on the watch face. My only criticism would with the nylon strap. I live in South Africa so the summers are pretty hot. The nylon strap does absorb a lot of sweat and therefore smells a bit after a while. I’ve tried washing it with various soaps but haven’t found anything yet that takes away the smell completely. Looking to the get the rubber strap soon.
I dont care what watch you have (my current is a Sub Rolex) it will scratch, I am just trying to decide between the Warrior SS or all black Warrior. Any advice
Thanks
Roy.. Hi.. and thanks.. now all i can do is smell my strap.
It’s getting wiffy. I may need to stick it in the washing machine. (I’ll take it off the watch first.)
Has anyone made enquires about replacing the battery should there be a problem. As we all know batteries have life span.
Thanks
Hi mate,
First of all I’d like to say really nice review!
I’m looking for a good quality watch to buy and always been fond of military type watches although I’ve never owned one before hehe.
Being this a military type watch and from your comments above I suppose it can withstand some sort of abuse, nothing extreme.
Could you please let me know if this watch is waterproof and if it can be used for swimming or while taking a bath?
What I want is a long lasting watch and I think this might be it.
Thanks again for your review!
Greetings from Mexico.
Saludos!!!
Hi Benno,
Mine loves salt, fresh and hot water the same.. just make sure you rinse it off after swimming in the sea.
I have had a Black Titanium Silencer for four months now and the watch keeps great time, there are no signs of wear on the watch or band however the small screw that holds the band to the watch has unscrewd and been lost.
I am waiting to find out if I can buy the screws on there own or if I need to buy a new strap, I hope it’s the latter as if I have to buy a new strap for the sake of a 10p screw I will not be quite so happy to recommend the MTM brand to others.
I will post an update as soon as the UK distributor gets back to me
I bought my Black Hawk Titanium in the Netherlands and get a nice discount and the BALLISTIC VELCRO band for free. Great internetshop and a great deal.
I also have a seiko sportura and a suunto advisor. Fore sure nice watches, but my favorite is the Black Hawk. It does’nt matter if those watches are (yes or no) worn by special teams. I like the model so thats why i bought it. Its a lot of money, but i think it’s worth it.
Thanks for everyone’s comments. I’m in the market for a watch that can withstand a pretty good beating. Looking at the MTM site and their watches, a lot of them have Luminous numbers…anything special about this feature? Are they any different than normal watches out there where you have to leave them under light to recharge?
I’m debating whether or not I need one with the tritium tubes or will the luminous numbers work for me. I tend to be in low light environments and the watch definitely will not being seeing too much day light if it needs recharging.
Thanks everyone.
I am the proud owner of a MTM watch. I just so happen to be wearing it now! I have the Seal Squad Divers Watch (12,000 meters water depth rating). I have had my watch for about two years now and I have never been happier. I was in my Wife’s hometown of Ojai California and was acosted by Kiefer Sutherland. He saw my watch and just had to talk to me about it. He was a little jealous that I had the Navy Seals watch, he told me that he wanted that one, but it had been sold out for a while. We had a three hour chat that started cause he recognized my watch! This thing has rarely left my wrist and has been a fathfull companion during my time in Iraq. I have never had a more reliable, durable, kickass watch before in my entire life and I doubt that I ever will! Highly recommended for all you aspiring to be a soldier.
I have owned a Blackhawk Black Steel band for about two years now. I have deployed with this watch to Iraq and many other areas around the world.
Pros: I have been very rough on this watch and have a few minor scratches on it. The pins in the band tend to loosen after time but if you use loctite or thread locker on them they will hold for at least a year. LEDs are bright, VERY bright you will have good illumination when in need. These lights have saved me from stepping on or near some pretty bad stuff.
Cons: After about two years my charge seems to not last as long, about two weeks and my watch would be dead. I called MTM in LA and they told me to send it in and they would fix any problem free of charge, even paid me back for having to ship it out to them. When I called the lady was very helpful and answered all my questions.
Overall this is a great rugged watch that as stood up to all my demands and mistreatment. I would suggest it to anyone who was willing to spend the money on it. I plan on ordering a Vulture but really like my metal band and have been trying to find out if I can fit a Blackhawk band to it……I guess I will find out! Hope this answers some questions for all of you that are looking for a great watch.
Hey Christian,
Well I am still on the watch hunt, still looking for a mil-spec watch that will hold up to future Ambulance runs and whatever else south florida wants to throw at me. I am considering both the Blackhawk and Predator models. I’m just not sure if I want to end up with another piece of gear to charge all the time (phone, laptop, flashlight) my current watch (Citizen, Nighthawk also a great watch) is about ready to retire. Its been about 8 months since I last wrote you and I wanted to check in before I went out and bought an MTM watch. I am curious to know how your blackhawk is holding up, besides the normal wear and tear. I was wondering how the battery is holding up? Do the LED’s or watch itself get hot after alot of light usage? how often do you charge it? and last but not least, you said in your video that you considered going for the Predator, what about the Predator did you like/dislike about that model?
Cheers!
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Yes it is still my daily watch. I use the light for about 20 seconds a day nothing much so i hardly ever charge it and don’t notice any heat or suchlike. The only reason i would go for another watch right now is to have something with a date window.
I hope this helps, Cheers,
Christian
Well men, it has been roughly six (6) months now since I have purchased the BLACK WARRIOR TITANIUM and needless to say it has performed… quite literally flawless to my needs. The tritium cue’s that this watch gives off is absolutely beautiful to view in low light and in the darkest of environments.
This lighting system is of an amazing feature and has granted me the ease as to quickly glancing @ my wrist effortlessly to engage the local time. The simple date window is equally smooth and to the point. No bells and whistles to press just ..BLAM… there it is… today’s date. Simply perfect little marvel.
The durability has equally shown its mark for strength during bush hunting, weekend camping and coastal salt water fishing; not to mention my work in Orthopaedics. Plaster-of-Paris and 3M Fiberglass has no effect on this watches surface; as a simple wipe off and a quick wash in the sink, with betadine soap, quickly restores this time- piece to its original luster.
Documentally, I believe that the hardened SCRATCH RESISTANT ANTI-REFLECTIVE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL in watch making is key to producing a very tough watch face. This watch simply looks the same as the first day I removed its body from within the box. There is nothing different, cosmetically speaking, different. The accuracy is almost three tenth of one second off since I dawned it to my wrist nearly six months earlier!
I am Smiling….)
For my active lifestyle this was a highly smart choice in time- piece.. simply put. This watch has no plastic what ever on it. This watch has no filler of any sorts to confuse its purchaser when moments count. As I have stated in previous threads a watch is a tool and it need not be complicated if all you are going to do mostly is tell time.
I will report back in a few weeks and let you know how it performs diving in the South Pacific Ocean when on vacation. This was the primary focal points for this watches purchase. I was in need for a no nonsense dive watch and a price that was reasonable. Like I mentioned earlier.. I will not be diving the ‘Mariana Trench’; rather no deeper than 190′ below the sea.
Simply put, -This watch will hurt you and then ask you ‘Politely’ if you would like another round, or two, or three, or four… When the paramedics scoop up your remains they will see the watch.. pick it up and marvel at it before again hearing for the very last time ‘”Would you like a round, or two…”‘
Thank you Documentally for your post. It has helped me in making a rewarding choice in a fun and actively induced watch design such as the BLACK WARRIOR TITANIUM by MTM.
Yes It actually helps quite a bit, I always use to notice heat coming from the LED on my duty light after prolonged use, but I suppose the situations that the watch LED would be used in wouldn’t come close to the stress and punishment I put my duty light to. A for a date window, I couldn’t agree more of course with all of the LEDs packed into it I’m sure there would be some serious re-engineering to be done. I think I’ll have to give it a try! I’ll write back soon.
Keep up the valuable Work!
Andrew
MY WATCH SUCKS…DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
A black titanium predator was given to me as a gift from my wife. After about 2 weeks of NORMAL wear, two pins unscrewed from the band with one being lost, and the crown screw fell off disabling the watch rendering it useless. After speaking to the non friendly customer service rep (twice), a return UPS label was finally received and the watch was sent back. Approximately 3 to 4 weeks later, these minor problems were “fixed.” Got the watch back, wore it for about 2 weeks on and off, then while shopping with my wife and daughter, the watch band screw that attachs the band to the watchface- feel out and was lost somewhere in Wal Mart – of all places.
I have not been hard on the watch, nor has the watch been mistreated. I’m no “special operator” but do work as a State Police Officer and act as a normal guy. This watch IS NOT what it is advertised to be. I can only imagine the added stress this type of equipment failure would bring to the person who IS hard on the watch and relies heavily on his/her equipment!!!
I’ve owned and used a LUMINOX for about 2.5 years and it has never failed me, AND i can actually tell what time it is in the pitch black…unlike the MTM “Special Ops” watch.
I’m getting ready to send my high speed, low drag, go fast, special operator, over priced, heavy TITANIUM timepiece back to the company where it came from and HOPEFULLY get a refund.
I was a firm believer in “you get what you pay for” but not in this case. Speaking of “case,” the black PLASTIC (not titanium-as mentioned in the review) is the best part of the package but its just too bad for me that I have to send it back with the watch to protect it from further damage.
Good luck in the future to all of you who have an MTM Special Ops watch that actually works!!! AND…more importantly, BE SAFE OUT THERE!!!
About a year ago I ordered a Black Predator with ballistic band. Overall a very cool looking watch. Unfortunately I broke the glass recently when locking up my bike. (the end of the chain hit the glas) the ratcheting bezel fell of a couple of days later which I found quite strange. After putting it back on it did not ratchet any more (moves in both directions now) and I’m not able to get it of again. Fortunately Holland has an importer of these watches so I will send it back for repair. I also ordered the rubber band (style 1, style 2 kind of sucks) I found the ballistic band very cool looking but not all that comfortable. the watch tends so more around a bit.
I am thinking about purchasing the MTM Black Warrior with black steel band. I would like to know if the black coating on the case and band are highly scratch resistant?
I have the Special OPS “Black Hawk” titanium and have had it for about 6 months with no problems to report. The band does tend to scratch and show a little wear. I have only charged it twice and never noticed the two second movement on the second hand, however, the leds would not stay on so I figured it was time to charge.
I also have a Luminox chronograph and love the luminous markers on the watch face they are very bright in low light. So if that’s what you are looking for it’s a great watch choice.
Someone mentioned the question of replacing the battery on the MTM watch and haven’t seen a reply. As far as the Luminox they only give the illumination of the markers 10 years or so on that watch too, what then?
As for customer service it is sad to read reports of poor costumer service from any company. I haven’t dealt with MTM yet knock on wood, however, have had to send back my Luminox for a broken security clasp and was unable to even reach a person to talk with. Had to send it back through the store I purchased it from and it took a couple of months to get back! Rude or unprofessional customer service is unacceptable, especially when you are spending this kind of money. As far as asking or expecting free stuff because you are spending alot of money, go into business for yourself and see how much stuff you give away. They just don’t need to be rude about it.
Overall, love both watches and no complaints for either. Look great and work as intended. Would buy another without hesitation.
I also have a Rolex GMT, have had it for 13 years and worried about scratches and dings for years! If it’s on your wrist it will get dinged and scratched, it adds character and maybe even a story or two.
Oddly enough, here’s a question not yet asked, nor described by MTM.
It looks like the hour and minute hand are equipped with Luminova, or Tritium (or any other agent designed to cause self illumination).
Is the 5 second blue light designed to augment viewing in the dark, or is this the ONLY way to view the watch face in the dark?
Hi Kieran, There is no self illumination of the hands or numbers. i use the blue light to view in complete darkness.
cheers.
Thanks Doc
Hi, I live in Germany, do you know if I can buy this watch without paying taxes in Germany, because here this watches are pretty expensive, so I was thinking in buyin it by internet in UK. Nice watch, but I like the MTM Predatos, is there some review about it. Thank you. You know Euro ir harder than L, so it could cost me almost the same as in US.
I got this watch when I heard Jack Bauer was wearing one for Season 5 of “24″. I also travel internationally, to rough parts of the world. So I thought this rugged looking watch would survive longer than $25.00 Swatch Chrono that died on me after 10 years of faithful service.
The $495 (at that time) price tag was quite high for a no-name no-county watch, but I thought I was paying for the vanity. And vanity it was. It’s a cool toy, but it failed on me. The metal for the case, bezel, crown, bracelet, everything was SO soft that it was full of nicks and chips in a few days. The way Jack Bauer wears this thing, it would have exploded in one episode.
I change locations often, so I adjust the time on the watch on a weekly basis.The screw stem on the case twisted off with the crown, after what… 6 times!? Now I can’t screw the crown back onto the body. And the thing is, anything on the outside of the watch is NOT covered under the warranty. This is probably because MTM can switch out the whole internal mechanism with some ready-made part from their supplier (PRC?) but the outside parts are specially designed in small quantities.
Oh, by all means don’t let me discourage you from purchasing this memorabilia. But beware, this watch is for your display case, not for your wrist.
Hi Celia, i have to say i am very surprised by your experience. I bought the titanium version.. (I imagine that would be the one in 24 too) and it is rock solid. I wear it every day and it is waring really well. I think it is a bit off that MTM won’t repair your winder f.o.c. I would be tempted to email them with a link to your comment and this as i feel they can see this matter is resolved with sone god old fashioned customer service.
Please let me know how you get on.
I will also ‘tweet’ the result on http://www.twitter.com/documentally
still cant decide between blackhawk or patriot…… anyone have both and able to post a review?
decided to go for a Hawk in the end. i found out why alot of peoples pins/screws snap:
1- 1st and 2nd generation of these watches had a lot thinner pins/screws that if over tightened easy snapped or with movement loosened
2- titanium is a sticky metal. i.e. if screws are not powdered or lubed after time they stick in the joint and when you try and open or screw down, or with excessive movement they can snap
the uk company above i spoke to were extremely nice and said if there were any faults (depending on what) it would not have to be sent back to USA but they could fix.
Im waiting for mine to arrive tomorrow – im a plumber and martial arts teacher so im sure this will get put through the paces of abuse – il keep you all posted
Hi, leader of the broken watch team again. So I contacted MTM on the 3rd anniversary of my purchase (out of warranty). but they didn’t ask about my warranty and was willing to take a look at my watch. I sent it to their Los Angeles location and a week later, it’s back, fixed, free of charge. Customer service was good and the repair was prompt. But this makes me wonder if they fixed my watch FOC because they were nice or because this was a material defect. Well, either way, I’m happy that my watch is fixed.
About the MTM watches…there is alot to say! These watches have a very sensitive coating… I own the Black Hawk and the coating started to come off the same day! once received. I sent the watch back and exchanged it for another one and the same thing happen with the Vulture….now i have been waiting for the new vultures about everytime I call in they say Apirl, end of June, August or September…I mean how long does it take to do this dam watch….over all both watches worked for a couple of days after my experience I do not reccomend any of these watches to anyone!!!!!
Hi Matthew, what are you doing with your watch? Mine is still looking awsome.. In fact i would like it to show wear a little more. That said, I did not buy my watch for it to look shiny and new. I bought it to do a job. I have worn it every day and it still looks great. There is a little titanium showing on a couple of corners but as i said.. I wouldn’t mind it showing a little more..
I have to agree with Documentally, I’ve had my Black Hawk for a year and a half now, and besides the bezel edge’s coating which is wearing off a tiny bit, the rest of the watch is still looking really good! I must say though, reading all of the above posts, that MTM may have produced a few lemons and agree fully with the users that MTM should cover the repairs of these watches. I don’t know how big MTM is, but maybe they should look into their QA procedures….
I am not sure if I am the only one thinking this, but how is it that a Navy Seals, special ops, etc… etc.. watch needs to be charged once a month? I am guessing that in extreme conditions and situations, a watch that lasts longer would be more sufficient. Let alone having to carry the charger wherever you go. I read a review about someone in Iraq who fried his charger by plugging in into a 240V outlet rendering the watch useless since he cannot buy a charger so easily. I am not in the military but I have been living in the Middle East for a while and was in Kuwait during Desert Storm. On many occasions, electricity would be out for weeks. I am assuming that a Citizen eco-drive or a Seiko Kinetic would be more reliable. Not that I own any of those watches, but it just makes more sense.
I really like this MTM watch but it just does not seem as reliable as they make it sound. Am I wrong?
I’m a full-time paramedic, and have worn a Blackhawk with velcro strap for some time now. so far the watch has easily lived up to MTM’s hype, with no scratches on the crystal or in the coating. (This from a guy that broke a Rolex, which is a watch with a wholly undeserved reputation. But that’s another story!)The Blackhawk keeps typically quartz accurate time, which really isn’t an issue to me, since I set it against an atomic clock weekly, anyway. The 100M water resistance is more than adequate for the considerable time I spend in the water. I initially thought the LED lighting system was pretty gimmicky, and bought the watch for the rechargeability. (Is that a real word?) Well, let me eat those words. The LED lights are probably one of the handiest gadgets I’ve ever owned! It seems like I always need a light, and now I’ve got one. If you’re looking for a rarely seen watch that won’t let you down, the MTM series is a grrat choice!
I agree with Phil on the Luminox. I cannot speak for this watch, but after what I have heard, I am sticking with Luminox. I have had the original Luminox Automatic (the only automatic they made until the Blackbird) and have been more than pleased with it. Luminox watches may not be the most attractive, but in my line of work nothing else has come close. I am an engineer and do some commercial diving work on the side. I have never taken off my Luminox for fear of it getting damaged. I have actually had this watch pinned in chain and equipment before, had it fully caked with river silt, mud and sand, and like my own body, just rinse and go. I have had it for five years now (and mind you this is the model Luminox marketed as their classic luxury model) and have never had a problem with it. It is only rated for 100 meters, but I have never had to work deeper, coastal N.C. and sound waters…Also, the saphire glass face is a must. As long as I have had this watch I have never scratched the watch face surface, yet, the steel watch itself has many dings, etc. The only time the watch face doesn’t shine is when it was caked with mud or the occasional grease or food deposit in which a quick rinse does the trick and it once again looks good as new. I have the model 1602 and if I new at the time that Luminox would cease production on this original 25 jewel ETA automatic workhorse with tritium lighting I would have bought 2 of them before the price sky-rocketed from a mere $400 to now almost $1,000 a piece. Now I have to wonder will this watch outlive me? I suppose I will try titanium next, but I can’t seem to get my first Luminox to die!!! When in doubt, go back to the original and buy a Luminox…
I bought my Black Predator (with ballistic band) about a year ago. (in the Netherlands) Overall I’m very pleased with the look and feel of the watch. It’s quite a conversation peace. The quality of the watch I’m not so sure about. As I said I purchased it about a year ago but after only 4 months the rotating bezzel fell of. After putting it back on it did not click any more and also rotated in both directions. At about the same time I put a crack in the glass while locking up my bike with a chainlock. (It did not hit the watch very hard) Unfortunately I had to wait quite some time to receive my watch back from the Dutch supplier(about three months). witch I found very strange. they did not react to any of my questions via email. After calling the several times I finally got the person responsible for the repairs. He told me the watch was on the top of his list and that it would arrive asap. It had taken so long due to problems with availability of the parts he needed. I finally received my watch about a week ago, and I’ve been wearing it fulltime. I’m still pleased with the look but sceptical about the durability. hopefully I’ll be able to enjoy the watch for a long time, witch I should considering the price I paid.
regards Bob
I bought my Blackhawk Special Ops titanium watch about a year ago. I have been wearing it from time to time. The look and functionality of the watch has been good. However, the paint of the watch is quite easy to get off. I found the paint of the light button on the side has been faded off with no reason. Other than that, I have been very pleased with this watch