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The Encyclopedia of Horology

London, United Kingdom

CWC

Partially verified

Military-spec timepieces for the British Armed Forces

History

The company was established in 1972 by Ray Mellor after he left his position as the UK Managing Director for Hamilton.

Mellor named the venture the Cabot Watch Company after the 15th-century explorer John Cabot, whose expedition had departed from Bristol. The manufacturer was specifically created to provide military-specification timepieces to the Ministry of Defence during a period when other suppliers were withdrawing. Since its inception, the brand has functioned as a dedicated supplier of robust, mission-specific wristwatches for the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

The extended history summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Current watchmaking & later fate

  • The firm continues to operate as a supplier of watches for the British military and for consumers globally.
  • The company maintains its business address in London for both retail and contract sales operations.

As stated in the references listed under Sources, retrieved 2026-11-03. Ownership and collections change; check the maker's own announcements for the latest position.

Key models

RN Diver Watch
The RN Diver Watch is a notable military timepiece known for its robust construction and fixed bar design.

Known markings

  • The company uses the trade names Cabot Watch Company and CWC to identify its products.

Serial numbers

No serial-number system for this maker is recorded in the cited references.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

In the object catalogue

3 catalogued objects are recorded under CWC. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • Front view of the CWC military automatic wristwatch on green fabric strap
  • The CWC British military issue RAF Pilots Chronograph, showcasing the black dial with dual subdials and Broad Arrow emblem.
  • Frontal view of the CWC military wristwatch showing dial, hands, and strap

Sources & references

  1. Cabot Watch Company, Wikipedia (English), retrieved 2026-11-03 (text CC BY-SA 4.0)
  2. CWC History | British Military Watch Supplier Since 1972, cwcwatch.com, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Historical Perspectives: CWC: The Watch That Replaced ..., hodinkee.com, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  4. Brand Spotlight: An Introduction to CWC Watches — 60Clicks, 60clicks.com, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  5. CWC: the history of British military watches – Cabot ..., mostra-store.com, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  6. The History of CWC Cabot Watch Company Military Watches, hawkrigger.com, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.