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
Steve,
Fixed it for ya!
“I traveled around the world, and I know for a fact not to buy an American watch. Quality is inferior just like an American car you always take it in for repairs. Of course watches and cars don’t really mean %&!@*?! when it comes to liberty and freedom. So, let’s just say American “EVERYTHING ELSE” (i.e. healthcare system, national defense, cost of living, choice of cuisine, freedom of choice, etc.) is d. near spot on, Chap! And now we all know why Living American can pretty much enable you to buy anything Swiss, German, Italian, Swede, and oh, yeah, British…from anywhere in the world.
Am I right, Steve?
MTM Seal Xtreme
Ive Had mine for 2years now & im pritty hard on my watches, they take there fair share of abuse & are usally on my wrist 24/7. Ive no complaints this watch is an accurate time piece & very durable. If you want an active rugged watch this brand is for you. It does exactly what it says on the tin!! buy one..
Thanks for your answers… I think I’ll go for a swiss army watch, then.
E.
Is this watch possible to by in anywhere in Denmark?
Hey guys,
Does anybody know the reason why the MTM xtreme ops watch has gone from oil filled and waterproof to 39,000 ft to helium pressure relief valve and water resistant to 3,300ft. E.T.A was April of this year but now it’s not available yet till november. I contacted the company last week and got generic answers. My answer about waterproof vs water resistant was not really answered. They just said its improved. How So??? And the price is going to be the same. Anybody that can help is appreciated.
Before I shed out $1800! I’d pay that for the first one but its almost worth to pay $545.00 for a warrior that has almost exact specs except goes to 660ft.
Chris I just bought the Titanium Black Warrior and I could not be happier. I got tired of waiting for the new “Extreme” then the “Vulture” and I am so Glad THAT I did. THE WARRIOR is light (Titanium) strong and the tritium gas tubes work better than I ever expected. Apart from the delay in the availability of the “Vulture” I found the staff extremly helpful.I asked a lot of questions. They always responded promptly and I never received a generic letter. I bought it from the South African distributor. I have read a lot of whyning but I can’t agree. No complaints from my end at all. I doubt you will ever reach 3,300 feet. ENJOY I don’t believe you can go wrong with MTM.
Mark
ps: Chris the South African distributor at: http://www.specialopswatch.co.za/collection/series.asp?seriesid=3 still have the original version Extreme Ops Seal for sale for R1899 which converted to $ is about $1100. A good price if interested. I am sure they can ship it to you if you are interested .a there e-mail is info@synchronal.co.za Hope this helps.
Mark
Anyone know how to get good resale out of a mtm blackhawk? I have had mine for a little over a year and it does have some wear on the band, but I took it to a pawn shop wanting to get at least $150 for it and was only offered $50. I thought these would have a good resale.
I have a predator and have wanted a blackhawk. I might buy it off you. Not sure how to go about it though.
I’m interested also. What state do you live in? Might also try Ebay and Craig’s list
I live in Indiana. I don’t know how to go about it either. I have had it in craigs list and I refuse to use ebay. The only reason I am selling it is because I recently lost my job and need some help until I start getting paid from my new employer, so I am interested in any suggestions on how to sell it. Thanks for all comments.
If you want contact me at martinkay69@aol.com
I want a black hawk or a predator, in titanium. I,m living in Madrid (Spain) and the price is the double than USA. 500$ in USA and 940$ in SPAIN.
How can I buy one from Spain in USA dollar?
Jose, you might try Ebay-USA these watches come up for auction periodiaclly or perhaps having a friend in the USA purchase the desired watch for you and shipping it to in Spain.
nterested in purchasing a pre-owned BlackHawk at a reasonable price. ceasarsparents@aol.com.
i am thinking whether to buy the titanium black predator or the titanium black patriot?????? please help me decide!!!??
I had a hard time choosing between the two as well. I narrowed it down to those because I wanted the chronograph function and I use it a lot for running. I went with the Predator because I prefered the larger link band but you really can’t go wrong either way. I bang the hell out of mine and haven’t had a problem yet. Good luck, it’s one of the more pleasant decisions you’ll have to make.
Interested in purchasing a used metal band black warrior…any out there? email borerb@westinghouse.com
Also interested in purchasing a Blackhawk at a reasonable price. Gave my old one away to a friend who deployed to Afghanistan. Kinda miss my old one. This was BEFORE the whole 24 craze.
email at zeinhander@yahoo.com
I’m looking at a few different models. right now it appears that the vulture would have everything I would want (light modes, recharger, waterproof to 660ft) but it doesn’t have a chronograph and it’s sold out. I was also looking at the patriot, predator, and warrior. and the hawk is always a stand by option, as far as the light modes go. I’m just not a big fan of the reduced depth, just in case of diving. I’m in Iraq right now and I’m also not sure how to get one sent here. anyone have any advice as far as an all-in-1 package? which is the most well-rounded for a decent price? I really don’t want to pay $1000, so….?
unless someone has advice on another brand with a similar style and price, with durability, reliability, and whatnot.
also definitely preferred is some sort of luminous dial, numbers, backlit face, etc so i wouldn’t have to shine a flashlight on it to see
Hello to all from around the world… and especially you “Documentally” for this post. Here I am once more to complete another review, thus far on the -’BLACK WARRIOR TITANIUM’.
I have posted four readings on this site in regards to the BLACK WARRIOR TITANIUM: One on 6/8/2008, 13/8/2008, 21/9/2008 and on 26/2/2008. In this review I will discuss the over all wearings of this time-piece and some comments about this watch to date.
Please keep in mind that I could care non-the-less on weather you (Our Readers), or for that matter the company,(M.T.M.) might regard on this said review of this most wonderful time piece.
The purpose here is to inform you on its particular performance thus far, ie. the “BLACK WARRIOR TITANIUM,” since its purchase over one year to date. With this said… lets proceed shall we?
First off I do not work for M.T.M. rather; I am a human being that likes to play. Having a time piece of any sorts is a must for me, as I need to tell time.
After some lenghtly reviews of popular watch designs nationally and internationally in the past before M.T.M.’s purchase; the choice was made.
I questioned exactly as to the function of my intended use of a dynamic watch. That simple.
I was honest with my ideal purchase of a watch and the required desire of a time piece to suite my high levels of an active life style. I could have chosen another just as easily; but I chose this one instead.
It would be difficult to say anything negitive about this watch thus far. Unless… those of you who warrent its cultivation by the hands of mere-mortals imperfect… well; it is what it is. -And it is an absolute “Hulk” of a dive watch and so much more to boot!
It is currently on my wrist as I type this page and it looks absolutly Fantastic! -No Joke.
So far it has seen the floors of the Pacific Ocean @ a level depth of 140′ (French Polynesia) and scraped its sandy bottom on many occasions while diving. Rip Curls on the shores and sandy beaches for a month long vacation.
Bazaar’s too Bush Hunting for Elk and Black Tail Deer in the Pacific North West Region where I reside. Trail running and hiking; working in hospital using plaster-of-paris (which contains lime). And yet, the dial has literally not a scratch on its face. Not a glimmer of a hint of a scratch.
The ‘TRITIUM GAS TUBES’ are here to stay in the watch world. There is no doubt that any watch maker will discontinue using these wonderful little self sufficient gems for electrical lighting in this class of watch design. They are perfect in this class of design and function. Koodo’s M.T.M. -Well Done!
I take it that if the lighting makes you more visible on enemy radar; well then I guess you could just purchase a velcro-strap with a hoodie to go over the face of the watch if your worried about being spotted by your foe. Seriously, they claim 25 year life on the gas tubes? Darn! I guess I would be dead and gone by then mates. Kidding… I would just buy another and then be gone after it wears its self out. All this for under 1200.00 USD. Sold!
Accuracy in telling time:
This watch takes a lithium battery that lasts 10 years. Free from dial up’s……………. I’ll say that again for those of you who missed it: “-This watch takes a lithium battery that lasts 10 years”. Accuracy is mute.
I have two atomic clocks; one @ my residence and the other here @ hospital. Never have I ever lost a second during the testing phase that is still ongoing of this watches accuracy to tell proper time. I only change the date then set it once more. Pure simplicity!
Like I have said before in prior posts: With over 6,000 hours diving under my belt I see no need for the more expensive watch other than dimentional looks and pricing. Remember to keep in mind exactly what it is you are after in a watch before committing your dollars towards its purchase. Life is all too short and dollars are all too precious these day’s for many.
Choose wisely and until the next review… enjoy life to the extent of your imagination.
Nature
P.S. Thank you Documentally for your posting board. It has truly helped me with a fine purchase thus far! Good on you Mate. Trinidad & Tobago, Curtis
I purchased a Dark Warrior in black with steel band roughly 2 years back. The watch weighs 1/2 lb. and there is no mistaking that it is on your wrist. It’s built like an M1 Tank and to this day I cannot stop looking at it. I love the watch, but I use my atomic Casio Pathfinder to calibrate the time. It seems to run roughly 20 seconds slow per month. Overall, what a bad-ass rock solid all American watch.
I’m looking for a used Black Hawk-steel band with charger. Anybody out there have one for sale?
I put an email out there earlier without contact information. I am looking for a Black Hawk-steel band with a charger.
Email me at roywalters1@yahoo.com
Guess this is a bit late, I saw a question regarding why MTM switched from the awesome silicone oil filled casing to the helium. I think the reason for the switch is so the consumers can change the batteries easier. The oil filled casing required the customer to ship it back to MTM for battery replacements.