Precista Royal Navy Diver PRS-82
Dive Watch (Military Tool Watch) · Precista (owned by Timefactors based in Sheffield, UK). This is a microbrand/boutique manufacturer known for reviving defunct military watch brands.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Military Heritage. This design is a faithful recreation of the 1982 Royal Navy issued divers' watch, characterized by its asymmetrical case and specific dial furniture.
Type
Dive Watch (Military Tool Watch)
Brand
Precista (owned by Timefactors based in Sheffield, UK). This is a microbrand/boutique manufacturer known for reviving defunct military watch brands.
Movement
Automatic, typically powered by an ETA 2824-2 or a Miyota 9015 (depending on the production batch), 28,800 bph, approximately 38-42 hour power reserve, hacking and hand-winding.
Dimensions
40mm diameter (excluding crown), 14mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. It wears compact due to the short lug-to-lug distance but has significant height due to the crystal.
Description
The Precista PRS-82 is a meticulously crafted homage to the original 1982 diver issued to the British Royal Navy. It captures the rugged, functional essence of military horology with its asymmetrical bead-blasted look and highly legible dial. It is a cult favorite among collectors who appreciate historical accuracy without the fragility or cost of a true vintage military-issued piece.
Key Features
Asymmetrical case design, 'Snake Head' or Cathedral hands, 3-6-9 dial configuration, and the 'England' text at the 6 o'clock position which identifies it as a Timefactors reissue.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'Old Radium' Super-LumiNova faux-patina indices. Features a distinctive 3-6-9 Arabic numeral layout with a large inverted triangle at 12. Cathedral-style hour hand and sword-style minute hand.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a brushed satin finish, intended to reduce reflections for military utility.
Crystal Type
High-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside; designed to mimic the aesthetic of original acrylic crystals while providing modern scratch resistance.
Bezel Details
120-click unidirectional rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert features a 60-minute dive scale and a luminous pip at the zero marker.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown located at 3 o'clock; deep knurling for grip, no crown guards, featuring the 'P' for Precista branding.
Bracelet or Strap
Shown on an aftermarket stainless steel 'Shark Mesh' or Milanese-style bracelet. The original typically ships on a vulcanized rubber 'Isofrane' style strap.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel case back, typically engraved with the brand name, reference number, 200m depth rating, and NATO-style military stock numbers.
Movement Type
Automatic, typically powered by an ETA 2824-2 or a Miyota 9015 (depending on the production batch), 28,800 bph, approximately 38-42 hour power reserve, hacking and hand-winding.
Water Resistance
200 Meters (660 Feet). Suitable for professional marine activity and skin diving, but not recommended for deep-sea saturation diving without professional pressure testing.
Origin & Provenance
British brand (Timefactors); manufactured in Germany or Hong Kong (depending on model) using Swiss or Japanese movements. It is an 'English' branded watch as seen by the dial text.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely manufactured between 2013 and 2023. It utilizes vintage design cues from 1982 but is a contemporary enthusiast piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Microbrand' movement's capability to preserve military history. It is a symbol of the 'Mil-Sub' collecting culture, specifically focusing on the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) specifications.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in 'Good' to 'Excellent' condition. Minimal visible lug wear, a clean bezel insert, and a clear crystal. The shark mesh bracelet is an aftermarket addition that is well-fitted.
Value Estimate
$450 - $700 USD. Value is driven by the limited production runs and 'out of stock' status often found on the manufacturer's website.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years; ensure the screw-down crown is fully engaged before any water exposure. Rinse with fresh water after salt-water immersion to prevent corrosion of the bezel spring.
Similar Watches
CWC Royal Navy Diver (The current MoD supplier), Vintage Rolex MilSub Ref. 5517, Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage.
Interesting Facts
The original 1982 Precista was only issued for one year, making the vintage originals incredibly rare and expensive. This reissue by Eddie Platts of Timefactors revived the name for modern enthusiasts.