iW Magazine Summer 2019 | Page 117

Caseback of the MTM Special Ops Sherman 3-GER, showing sword logo and a view into the ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chrono- graph movement The MTM Special Ops Sherman 3-GER ball-bearing bracelet links are inspired by the thick treads of the Sherman tanks used in WWII. function for a tank, ball bearings set between the bracelet’s links reduce the friction between the links, minimizing wear and tear on the bracelet. MTM says the invention is the first watch bracelet to be made using ball bearings. Not only does this novel construction reduce wear and tear, the ball bear- ings also underscore the watch’s (and the brand’s) deep military inspiration. But MTM veers from military protocol by offering the Sherman 3-GER with a wide variety of color and material options. The ball bearings can be made in any of three color and material choices: synthetic sapphire (blue), ruby bearings (red) or steel (metallic). The links themselves can be made in any of four colors to match the case, including titanium, black DLC titanium, gray sandblast or brushed gold-plated. To really mix it up, each MTM Sherman 3-GER is sold with three additional straps, including a leather strap, a nylon fabric strap and a rubber strap. THE WATCH The Sherman 3-GER, which MTM Special Ops debuted in late 2017, is a military style, COSC-certified, 46mm chronograph watch powered by an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph with day-date display. Each individu- ally CNC-machined case features a screw-down crown and a clear sapphire caseback topped by an MTM sword logo. The watch is water resistant to 200 meters. MTM didn’t build all its technical surprises into the Sherman 3-GER bracelet. The watch boasts a bezel that, with a quick clockwise twist, can be raised 1mm. This MTM Special Ops ‘Double Action’ approach to minimizing crystal wear and tear again demonstrates the brand’s can-do approach to performance-minded case and bracelet design. Each MTM Special Ops Sherman 3-GER watch is individually numbered. A total of 340 pieces will be made: 200 in black DLC, 50 in silver, 50 in gray and 40 in gold hues. Price: Between $10,000 and $12,500, depending on the material and color options selected. SUMMER 2019 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 117