Tactical v3 - Frogman (Solaire)

The spirit of the legendary 50s Mil-Spec diver's watch

BULLETPROOF CASE CONSTRUCTION

The design of the Tactical’s case is pure military mindset: function first. It is a rugged, all-stainless steel construction with a brushed finish to reduce unwanted glare. It is also available with a black PVD coating for a fully stealth package. The diameter is a modern 40mm, the sweet spot for a dive watch. The massive lugs are insurance against failure. They are drilled for easy spring bar removal. 

DEEP SEA-READY WATER RESISTANCE

One of the main reasons the French Nageurs de Combat had to commission a new type of watch was the completely inadequate water resistance of period pieces. The Redwood Tactical v3 watch builds on this solid foundation and uses modern technology for a reliable 200m / 660ft of water resistance. To achieve this rating, both the crown and caseback are screwed-down and equipped with high quality seals.

UNSCRATCHABLE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL

The Tactical v3 is equipped with a flat sapphire crystal. Being one of the hardest materials - rated at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds rate at 10) - it is very scratch-resistant. Its flat shape also minimizes the risk of scratching it. It is mounted with special seals to ensure water tightness. Its 2.0mm thickness is designed to withstand the strong hydrostatic pressure experienced at depth.

HIGH-CONTRAST DIAL & HANDS

When we consider military tool watches, legibility is crucial. This aspect is even more critical in the case of diver’s watches that are used in low light and low visibility environments. The Tactical’s high-contrast dial is devoid of unnecessary details and features large numerals for quick and clear reading, even under water. The pencil-shaped hour and minute hands are all business and the bright red second hand helps confirm correct movement operation with just a glance. 

MULTIFUNCTION ROTATING BEZEL

One of the most noticeable parts of a diver’s watch is the rotating bezel. The Tactical v3 is equipped with a 60-minute, 120-click, unidirectional bezel with virtually no backplay. It is unidirectional to prevent accidentally bumping down dive time. The bezel features a coin edge for easy manipulation, even while wearing gloves. The insert is made of aluminum and features Super-LumiNova luminescent pigment. In addition to a dive timer, the bezel can also be used as a count down timer, compass, and to track a second time zone.

ENERGY-INDEPENDENT MOVEMENTS

With its two different movement options, the Tactical v3 watch offers a superior level of durability that will last you through any adventure. Both the automatic and the solar versions are independent from external power sources. The automatic version offers smooth sweeping seconds and is powered by the movement of your wrist. The solar models are equipped with a miniature solar cell behind the translucent dial. A short exposure to sunlight or strong artificial light provides enough power for up to 12 months.

MILITARY-STYLE CASE BACK

The caseback of the Redwood Tactical v3 watch might appear cryptic for the uninitiated with several lines of coded text engraved into the solid stainless steel piece. In a tip of the hat to government-contract timepieces, the caseback features important information about the watch including model number, type of movement, water resistance rating, date of manufacture as well as manufacturer contact information.The screw-down caseback ensures that the watch is completely watertight and protected from water damage.

POWERFUL LUME

A huge safety improvement compared to period watches, Redwood uses non-radioactive Swiss Super-LumiNova luminescent pigments. The pigment appears off-white in daytime conditions and produces a strong greenish glow in low light after exposure to light or UV. The bezel, all three hands and the dial are coated. White dial automatics feature a fully luminescent dial whereas other models have luminescent numerals and/or hour markers.

CANVAS POUCH INCLUDED

Each Redwood Tactical watch is shipped in a heritage-inspired watch pouch. Borrowing design elements from the M56 Compass bag, the sturdy watch pouch is made of a thick 18 oz. black cotton canvas. It features 2 slots for the watch and tools or replacement straps.

THE REDWOOD PROMISE

Good design, rugged construction, fair price: When we were shopping for a watch, we were told we could only pick two out of the three.

Redwood was born from the desire to be able to own a watch with a great design anchored in history, a quality build with solid specs and a fair price. This is the Redwood Promise.