Camel Trophy Adventure Watch Ref. 136.061-069 'Master' Series
Field / Adventure Watch / Dive Style · Camel Trophy (Mondaine/Mondia). Originally licensed by the tobacco brand to Mondaine Watch Ltd, a Swiss manufacturer known for reliability and accessible luxury tool watches.
Period: Modern Tool Watch Era (1990s). Stylistic indicators include the heavy sandblasted finish, the 'Camel Trophy' branding associated with the off-road rallies of that decade, and the transition from tritium to luminova markings.
Type
Field / Adventure Watch / Dive Style
Brand
Camel Trophy (Mondaine/Mondia). Originally licensed by the tobacco brand to Mondaine Watch Ltd, a Swiss manufacturer known for reliability and accessible luxury tool watches.
Movement
Quartz Movement, typically Swiss ETA or Ronda calibers (likely ETA 955.xxx series), providing high accuracy and durability for rugged adventure.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38mm; Thickness: 10mm; Lug-to-lug: 44mm; Lug width: 18mm. It wears like a classic mid-sized field watch.
Description
The Camel Trophy Adventure watch is a cult classic that captures the 'Indiana Jones' spirit of the 1990s. Designed to withstand the rigors of the world's most grueling off-road race, this timepiece emphasizes utility and ruggedness. With its sandblasted steel case and compass bezel, it was marketed as an essential tool for explorers and enthusiasts of the Land Rover-sponsored rallies of the time.
Key Features
Distinguishing branded metal strap shroud above the lugs; 20 ATM water resistance; compass bezel; matte sandblasted finish; distinctly 90's adventurer aesthetic.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with an applied 'Camel Trophy' logo at 12 o'clock. Features printed yellow-gold tone indices with aged lume, a date window at 3 o'clock, and '20 ATM' printed above 6 o'clock. Baton-style hands with a central sweeper.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a matte sandblasted/beaded finish to reduce reflections, characteristic of military and adventure-style field watches.
Crystal Type
Mineral crystal, flat profile, showing standard light scratching consistent with use as a rugged tool watch.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel with compass markings (N, E, S, W) and degree indicators (0-360) in 30-degree increments. Sandblasted steel finish matching the case.
Crown & Pushers
Knurled screw-down crown located at 3 o'clock, protected by integrated case guards to maintain the 200m depth rating.
Bracelet or Strap
Black padded leather strap with a unique 'Camel Trophy' branded metal end-link/shroud connecting to the lugs, which is a signature design element of this specific model.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback featuring the Camel Trophy logo and reference number engravings (136.061-069).
Movement Type
Quartz Movement, typically Swiss ETA or Ronda calibers (likely ETA 955.xxx series), providing high accuracy and durability for rugged adventure.
Water Resistance
Rated at 20 ATM (200 meters/660 feet). While historically suitable for diving and swimming, age may have degraded the seals; professional testing is recommended before water exposure.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured during the height of the Camel Trophy off-road rally event's popularity (1980-2000), specific to the adventure gear licensing line.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–1995, based on the specific aesthetic of the sandblasted case and the 'Adventure' branding era.
Cultural Significance
A prime example of 90s 'Adventure Marketing.' This watch represents the era before the shift to smartwatches when a sturdy quartz analog watch was the height of tactical technology for the average outdoor enthusiast.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The case shows minor surface abrasions consistent with regular wear. The dial indices have developed a nice creamy patina. The strap shows significant creasing from wear. Crystal has visible micro-scratches.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven primarily by nostalgia and collectors of Camel Trophy memorabilia rather than pure horological complexity.
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years. If used for swimming, the gaskets should be pressure tested annually and the screw-down crown must be fully tightened. Clean the sandblasted case with a soft brush to prevent dirt buildup in the texture.
Similar Watches
Seiko 'Alpinist' (SARB017) with internal compass; Hamilton Khaki Field; TAG Heuer Professional 2000 (90s era) for the similar sandblasted aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Camel Trophy watches were given to participants and staff of the legendary Land Rover Camel Trophy rallies. While a 'lifestyle' brand, the actual watches were manufactured by reputable Swiss firms like Mondaine, making them surprisingly capable in the field.