Tactical watches have been around for awhile. Hell, I have a drawer full of watches and most of them fall into that category. I spent some of my youth in the Ranger Regiment and always had an oversized durable watch on my left wrist. Timing was something we constantly relied on for mission success. Something easy to read while being shock and waterproof was the criteria at the time. Since then, my budget has increased a bit and opened new doors to pieces from MTM Watch. The newly redesigned Predator II is my latest watch review from MTM Watch.
MTM Predator 2 Video Review
Although my need for a “tactical watch” is practically zero nowadays, the functionality and style remain my favorite features. Large easy to read analog faces. Robust cases made from titanium or stainless steel. Capable of use while in and around water, i.e. scuba diving, kayaking, etc. But what sets the MTM line apart from other tactical watch companies is the ability to heavily customize the look of the watch. The Predator II is no exception. With options for stainless steel or titanium cases, along with three case finishes, two hand colors, twelve dial configurations and a whopping 34 available bands. There is virtually no way you can’t dial in the look you want when ordering a Predator II.
MTM | Watch Special Ops Collection
My current MTM collection consists of a DLC Black Cobra, black Air Stryk II, gray Vulture and gray Status. So I felt it was finally time to add a silver watch to my growing collection. When selecting case material, I’ll always choose titanium over stainless steel. Until you handle these bigger watches, you won’t understand how much lighter the titanium case and band are over the stainless steel option. Because the silver finish is a little shinier than I typically like, I decided to offset the look with a subdued dial. Choosing the gray face with black numbers and sub dials. However, while using the online configuration feature, I really preferred the bright orange chronograph hands over the gray ones. This visually compartmentalizes the chronograph features from the hour and minute hands. Making it easier for me to interpret when quickly glancing at the watch.
Predator II Specifications:
MOVEMENT | Chronograph Swiss Ronda 5040.D
CASE & BAND | Machined From A Solid Block Of 316L Stainless Steel or Titanium
BAND | Self Adjustable Links Which Are Individually Connected With Allen Screws, Easily Adjusted With The Allen Key Supplied
FINISH | Available in Brushed Silver, Sandblasted Grey and Black DLC Coating
BEZEL | Unidirectional, Ratcheting Bezel
CROWN | Locking, Screw Down
GLASS | Sapphire Crystal; Anti Reflective & Scratch Resistant
DIAL | Brass – Available in 12 Colors to Choose From
HANDS | Illuminated By Gas-Filled Tritium Tubes
CHRONO HANDS (SUB DIALS) | Available in Grey or Orange Color
WATER RESISTANCE | 660 Feet / 200 Meters
CASE SIZE | 44.5 mm (Without Crown) x 15mm (Thickness)
WEIGHT | 9.5 oz. (Stainless Steel), 6.6 oz. (Titanium)
BATTERY | 4 Year Rated Lithium
WARRANTY | 3 Years
PACKAGING | Securely Shipped In Its Own Watertight Tactical Case
Final thoughts:
The Predator II does possess a few features that I do miss in my other MTM watches. First is the very precise Swiss Ronda 5040.D Quartz Chronograph movement. In a couple of months, it’s only varied by a few seconds against my atomic clock. Second is the gas filled tritium tubes on the hour and minute hands. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, creates visible light by emiting electrons through beta decay. The same material found in night sights for a pistol or other firearm. Unlike the traditional luminescent dials that require external light to capture and produce a glow, these tritium tubes provide a green glow for up to 25 years on their own. A feature I wish all of my watches included.
When customizing your watch, I highly recommend purchasing a few additional watch bands from the MTM Accessory collection. Simply swapping a band can completely alter the look of the watch for different occasions. A rubber or NATO band is well suited for SCUBA diving or use in the field. While leather or metal bands offer a classier look for a night on the town. Fortunately, MTM | Watch includes the tools required to adjust the length of their metal bracelets. Eliminating a trip to the local jeweler for adjustment. Or you can follow my lead and purchase several different watches. Lastly, each watch arrives individually numbered and in a watertight hard case.
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