MTM BlackHawk Special Ops Watch
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..
[Video company no longer exists so i'm afraid the video is no more. Imagine a funny and informative video unboxing]
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.
[There were some cool videos embedded here but unfortunately Seesmic stopped doing video.. leaving holes in many peoples blogs across the world. A lesson to us all.]
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
July 20th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
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?
July 26th, 2009 at 8:21 am
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..
July 29th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Thanks for your answers… I think I’ll go for a swiss army watch, then.
E.
August 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Is this watch possible to by in anywhere in Denmark?
August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
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.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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
August 12th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
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
September 21st, 2009 at 6:54 am
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 $50. I thought these would have a good resale.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I have a predator and have wanted a blackhawk. I might buy it off you. Not sure how to go about it though.
September 21st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I’m interested also. What state do you live in? Might also try Ebay and Craig’s list
September 21st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I live in Indiana. I don’t know how to go about it either. I have had it in craigs list and I refuse to use ebay. The only reason I am selling it is because I recently lost my job and need some help until I start getting paid from my new employer, so I am interested in any suggestions on how to sell it. Thanks for all comments.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
If you want contact me at martinkay69@aol.com
October 1st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I want a black hawk or a predator, in titanium. I,m living in Madrid (Spain) and the price is the double than USA. 500$ in USA and 940$ in SPAIN.
How can I buy one from Spain in USA dollar?
October 1st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
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.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
nterested in purchasing a pre-owned BlackHawk at a reasonable price. ceasarsparents@aol.com.
October 28th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
i am thinking whether to buy the titanium black predator or the titanium black patriot?????? please help me decide!!!??
October 28th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
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.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Interested in purchasing a used metal band black warrior…any out there? email borerb@westinghouse.com
November 17th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
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
November 18th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
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….?
November 18th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
unless someone has advice on another brand with a similar style and price, with durability, reliability, and whatnot.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
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
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:10 am
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
January 10th, 2010 at 5:26 am
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I’m looking for a used Black Hawk-steel band with charger. Anybody out there have one for sale?
January 27th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
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
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:21 am
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.
May 14th, 2010 at 11:31 am
i want the black falcon velcro really bad I wish the black one is the same price as the silver… why is the black one $200 more?
price found on specialopswatch.com
August 6th, 2010 at 12:31 am
go to http://www.roguewarriorwatches.com much better, less expensive! I love my red cell. The company ship all over the world. Very nice people
Hans
Germany
August 15th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Don-t buy tyhe ruber strap, it will break very easily.
August 17th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Anybody looking to sell a Titanium Black Warrior? If so I would definitely be interested. Shoot me an e-mail @ deinerwold@innovacresearch.com Thanks.
September 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Just bought a used Blackhawk off Craigslist for $400.00. It will come with a metal bracelet. I don’t like metal bracelets so I ordered a rubber strap from the MTM website. Just saw the comment about don’t buy a rubber strap as they will break. Any more details as to what part of the strap fails? Also, will be selling the metal bracelet if anyone needs one for their MTM watch. perrychance@sunflower.com
September 9th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Perry, I purchased a Black Warrior with velcro strap for Christmas 2009. The warrior is a heavy watch, but the wide adjustable velcro strap makes the watch comfortable to wear. I hardly notice the weight.
September 10th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Thanks for the input on the velcro strap Han. I’ll see what the quality of the rubber strap is like when it arrives and if it seems fragile I can return it and get the velcro strap.
September 10th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
For all those looking for an MTM watch here is how I found mine. I started by looking at ebay and http://www.watchuseek.com. There were 4 different ones available on ebay, but not the exact one I was looking for. Several had recently sold on watchuseek so I had just missed them. I then Googled “MTM Craigslist” and found an out of state ad. Although it was an older ad, I thought I would contact the seller just in case the watch never sold. To my surprise I received a reply from the seller in less than 10 mintues, purchased the watch and it is currently in the mail. Good luck with you search.
September 10th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I’m still looking for a used black Warrier w/metal band if anyone can help…Brent borerb@westinghouse.com
September 10th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Perry, I don’t think that MTM allows returns on straps.
September 11th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Brent, there is currently an MTM Warrior on eBay. It has a rubber strap, but I may be able to help you with a metal strap as I will be taking mine off when it arrives Monday. Last time I checked the bid was at $103.00.
September 16th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
MTM Blackhawk arrived in the mail in perfect condition. I put a brand new MTM rubber strap on it (style 2 with the knife etched into it) as I don’t like metal bracelets. I’ve owned a number of outdoor/military/dive watches and this one is hands down the most tactical/rugged looking watch I’ve seen. The light modes are impressive. Finally found the watch I’ve been looking for, for all these years.
November 6th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
If there is anyone looking for a good deal on a black warrior rubber strap watch NEVER used please feel
free to email me at Drugdocrx@aol.com. Looking to get 350.00 USD for it. New was 545.00 USD. Have box
and will ship anywhere in the US from sunny Florida .
November 21st, 2010 at 1:29 am
I am interested in a metal band for my silver falcon. Anyone looking to sell one or know an aftermarket band that will fit? Email me at twcampbell3@gmail.com.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:08 am
I bought a black Vulture last year. I am a graduate of the SFQC. A friend suggested I look at this watch. Sure, I like its look and feel. I have a big wrist.
It took me a while to get used to the light function. I am not sure I really am. I think a Vulture with T-100 gas tubes would be better for a soldier in the field, quite frankly. I would also suggest a T-100 gas tube at the 12:00 position on the bezel. If they can’t do that, then perhaps a lume dot at that spot.
The white light function is too bright to use in a tactical mode. But it worked well enough when I dropped my glasses in the movie theater. I also used it once to add oil to my car at night on the side of the road. In a tactical setting, any NVG would see that light source like it was a search light. Even if you covered it up, the potential light leakage might still show up. I suppose most of you reading this won’t have this consideration to worry about. Still, since the company claims it has the design of Special Operations Forces in mind, I provide feedback for whatever that is worth.
In my humble opinion, the rescue blinking light function is also too bright for real world useage, unless it is a civilan emergency. Most any SF soldier would turn on an IR light for night operations. If I were hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail and broke my leg, or my car drove off the road, then that would be practical for the white lights. But I contend it is not a practical tactical light. On the other hand, perhaps some soldiers with whom they consulted thought it would be a great feature.
A really useful set of settings might be:
1. UV lighting. Timed setting. Already in the watch.
2. White lighting. Timed setting Already in the watch.
3. IR lighting. This to replace the blinking white light setting.
As I am not a watch designer, I don’t know if this is possible.
But the real issue I have with the watch is that the light switch, when you use it at all, is too delicate. I have only used it a few times. But it broke. To use it, you have to unscrew a tiny collar around the light button. This frees the switch. Then you depress the switch a few times to get the appropriate light setting. Then you have to screw the collar back in place to maintain water tightness after you are done. I don’t think I was rough with it.
The warranty card indicates one must use it gently or some such words. That might be something the watch maker should put on the facts about the watch on line as a prospective buyer considers the feature. But no words can truly describe how delicately one must actually handle this function. On my watch, the screw would not screw back into its thread.
For what it is worth, that kind of delicacy is not a good feature for a soldier in the field or for a watch that purports to support Special Operations Forces. So I sent the watch back for warranty repair. I still like the watch, but I would advise a user not to use the light function too often and certainly not when you are under duress. I would also add that this seems to be an inherent product defect.
Finally, the calendar has some sort of goofy 38 day wheels in the watch or something like that. At the end of each month you have to reset it by as many days as a week if you are in, for example, February.
Who designed that? A small and petty complaint I admit since one has to reset just about any watch calendar feature in many months, but it seems as though a 31 day wheel, like most watches have, would make more sense. Plus, last time I checked, there are seven months with 31 days. Thus, more than half the time you don’t have to reset most watch dates. Even a lunar calendar does not have as many days in a month as this watch suggests there are.
For $1,100, it seems like MTM could have contemplated this feature better. Maybe I don’t know about some capability it has and if so, I apologize and ask for some education.
On the MTM web site, under their gallery, I think they should show photos of real people using the watches they sell. Mostly they show actors or people who use these watches as vanity pieces. I thought it was a tool watch when I got it. But if they did that, who would buy a watch with a photo of a guy like me as an endorsement? As an ordinary guy, I have no name brand recognition!
I commend them for their warranty service. They will have it back to me inside of a week. That is much faster than I thought would happen. Kudos to MTM on the warranty work. I also think the staff is responsive when you call MTM. The ladies who take the call are very efficient, friendly, and courteous. I give them a salute!
Once I get the watch back, I will probably buy the neoprene strap. I have a large wrist, but I think the rubber strap is too thick even for my beefy arm. That is a vanity feature, not a problem with the watch.
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
Also looking for a metal strap, anyone wanting to sell one please let me know: banjaxt @ gmail.com.
April 20th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
My wife purchased a BlackHawk for my for our Anniversary this Jan. I had been searching and comparing watches for some time when I decided this was the brand and model for me. Like most others here, I was amazed with how massive this thing was. I am 6’1 and 250lbs so I need a bigger watch to fit my profile. This was perfect, and I could not be happier….for about a week, then the black finish started rubbing off the band. I emailed MTM and was treated very well (which I should be after dropping $600 on a watch). MTM emailed a return label and paid shipping charges both ways. It took about two weeks to get it back, and upon opening the package it was love at first sight (again). Two weeks later…same problem, the black finish started rubbing off again, I emailed customer service again because they were so helpful before, but this time was different. I had to play phone tag (I was the only one playing though) to try to reach someone. After two weeks of getting the run around, MTM offered to exchange my BlackHawk for a SilverHawk, which seemed reasonable to me, but they also wanted to keep the $145. difference. Maybe its just me, but something about that deal doesn’t seem right. After trying to get in touch with the manager (who is also the owner), and being told he was on lunch every time I called (different days different hours, and twice on the same days in 3 hour windows) I contacted the BBB, they basically told me they cant make MTM stand behind their warranty, so I was out of luck. I now own a $600 paperweight, that I’m embarrassed to show my friends. The morals of this story are 1) don’t let the ads fool you, they are NOT well built. 2)save your money and buy a different brand (or just not a black one) 3) if you still think this watch is for you, use an AMEX so at least they will help when you realize you wasted your money on a piece of crap.
April 20th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Update as of 4/20/11 I have sold the metal bracelet for my MTM Blackhawk watch.
October 15th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Had the Titanium Patriot for 3 weeks. they say this thing is “battle ready”..yea right. this thing wouldn’t make it in a kiddy pool. I was walking into the ocean, with water around my thigh a wave hits my wrist. pins come out, and watch falls off. never to be found again.
Customer service says there is nothing they can do. ridiculous.
GSlone@hotmail.com
November 17th, 2011 at 6:32 am
I am looking to buy a Black patriot with a Velcro band.
Email me at Jpbutler256@gmail.com is someone is interested in selling one
November 17th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Hey guys, I’m looking for a 1st gen black seal with the liquid filled case. I know they dont make them anymore but if someone maybe selling one please let me know.
Thanks
November 17th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
I have a black titanium Silencer watch which is now over 3 years old and still going strong the only problem I have found is the strap is looking a little tatty and worn now and the metal ones are very expensive to replace apart from that it has done exactly what it said on the tin.
If your looking for a reliable, accurate and chunky watch you won’t go far wrong with an MTM.
January 8th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
Hi anyone know where I can get my special ops repaired in the uk as they dont do it themselves and just get a run a round when calling all the main dealers