The history of the purpose-built dive watch is inextricably linked with the perilous world of underwater military operations. In the early 1950s, the elite French combat diver unit, the “Nageurs de combat,” required a new kind of instrument—a timepiece that was not merely water-resistant, but a reliable tool for survival in the most extreme conditions.
Their missions of sabotage and intelligence demanded uncompromising legibility, durability, and performance. This need gave birth to a legendary genre of watches, and it is this potent spirit that is so faithfully captured in the Redwood Tactical V3 Automatic Watch. It is a timepiece that offers a direct, tangible link to the golden age of the military diver, thoughtfully updated for the modern enthusiast.
The design provenance is immediately evident in the Tactical V3’s case architecture. Adhering to a strict military mindset of function over form, the 40mm stainless steel case is a masterclass in purposeful design.
Its entirely brushed finish mitigates unwanted glare, a critical feature for any tool intended for tactical use, while the optional black PVD coating offers a complete stealth package. The dimensions are perfectly judged for contemporary tastes, with a 48mm lug-to-lug length ensuring a commanding yet comfortable presence on the wrist. Those massive, drilled lugs are not a stylistic flourish; they are an insurance policy against failure, allowing for secure fitting and easy strap changes in the field.
Building upon the foundational requirements of its historical predecessors, the Tactical V3 leverages modern technology to deliver formidable performance. The inadequate water resistance of period timepieces was the primary catalyst for the original Mil-Spec commission, and here, Redwood excels.
A robust 200-metre water resistance rating is achieved through a screw-down crown and caseback, both fitted with high-quality seals. Protecting the olive drab dial is a 2.0mm thick, flat sapphire crystal. As one of the hardest materials on earth, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, it offers exceptional scratch resistance, while its flat profile further minimises the risk of impact.
It’s an assembly engineered to withstand significant hydrostatic pressure, ensuring clarity and integrity at depth. At its heart beats the reliable Miyota 82S0 automatic movement, a dependable workhorse perfectly suited to a watch of this character.
For a remarkable price of £276, the Redwood Tactical V3 offers more than just specifications; it provides a slice of horological history, a rugged and reliable companion imbued with the spirit of underwater commandos.
