MTM/Special Ops Reveals The Revolutionary Technology Behind The Patented Sherman 3-Ger Watch Bracelet
In a bold move today, Los Angeles-based MTM/Special Ops Watch Company reveals the secret behind the construction of its revolutionary watch bracelet that equips the brand’s Sherman 3-Ger tactical watch. The patented bracelet was inspired by the thick treads of the nearly indestructible Sherman Tanks of World War II and is radically different from anything else on the market not only in looks but also in technology.
The bracelet was conceived of by MTM (Multi Time Machine) owner, Joe Casis, who – in an effort to create a bracelet as durable and unique as the brand’s military tactical watches -- turned to ball bearings for the technical construction of the bracelet. This move marks the advent of the world’s first ball bearing constructed watch bracelet.
The decision to use ball bearings rather than pins or rods in the bracelet construction was two-fold. On the one hand, there is the connection to the Sherman Tanks that inspired the look of the bracelet, as ball bearings were one of the most pivotal and important elements used in the making of the WWII tanks, planes, artillery, and other equipment. On the other hand, there is the functional aspect: ball bearings and their easy rolling ability reduce the friction amongst the metal components and also reduce wear and tear on the bracelet.
Additionally, from an aesthetic point of view, the bracelet is now devoid of any pinholes and pins, making for a beautifully clean side view. From a technical point, the ball bearings are sturdier than pins and offer greater longevity and durability. Each bracelet link is machined from solid titanium and connected via a machined metal, sapphire or ruby ball bearing. This construction also offers a smooth fluidity to the bracelet that enhances comfort and ergonomic appeal.
Another innovation that MTM brings to the Sherman 3-Ger bracelet is the fact that customers can choose the ball bearings they want used in their bracelet from several different colors of metal bearings, synthetic sapphire or ruby bearings, similar to the jewels used inside mechanical movements, or a mixture of them. This intriguing option yields an interesting aesthetic to the watches, which are crafted in titanium and offered in four colors with matching bracelets (titanium, black DLC titanium, gray sandblast, brushed gold-plated). There are also a host of other customizable options when selecting a Sherman 3-Ger watch with a unique ball-bearing bracelet.
Each Sherman 3-Ger watch (already revolutionary in itself thanks to a bezel that can be raised by the wearer by 1mm to further protect the crystal) is also sold with three additional straps, including a leather strap, a nylon fabric strap, and a rubber strap. However, it is the bracelet that reigns supreme for tactical use. Bracelets with ball bearings and floating links are made to fit, but are also adjustable Each MTM 3-Ger watch retails for between $10,000 and $12,500 depending on the options selected.
About the Sherman 3-Ger watch:
The limited 46mm Sherman 3-GER is designed in California and assembled in-house in downtown Los Angeles. Its Swiss automatic ETA 7750 mechanical Day/Date movement is a certified COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) chronometer chronograph. Fewer than 3% of all Swiss watch movements are accurate enough to be awarded this certification. The watch case is machined from solid grade-2 titanium, offering the ultimate combination of strength, durability, and comfort. Each case is meticulously CNC machined, one unit at a time, to uphold MTM's demanding tolerances and long-life expectancy. Each watch features an unprecedented Double Action bezel that can be rotated counterclockwise to raise its height by 1 millimeter to protect the watch and sapphire crystal from damage, especially when it comes into contact with exterior forces or surfaces. Each watch is fitted with a sapphire case back, as well, for viewing the movement. Both sapphire crystals are anti-reflective coated to reduce glare. The chronograph pushers are spring-activated and there is a screw-down crown, making the water resistant to 200 meters. Each watch is individually numbered and a total of 340 pieces will be made: 200 in black DLC, 50 in silver, 50 in gray and 40 in gold hues. It is further possible to customize certain aspects of the watch.
About MTM/Special Ops:
Multi Time Machine (MTM) has been designing, manufacturing and assembling watches in Los Angeles for 25 years. MTM Special Ops is the watch of choice for the military, first responders, law enforcement agencies and hunting advocates. They are rugged, extremely durable and battle tested. Some models incorporate critical functions such as radiation detection sensors, the brightest flashlight ever to be put in a watch, and more. The materials used include military grade titanium and lithium-ion hour markers and Super-LumiNova hands. One version, the Sherman 3-Ger even offers the world’s first nearly indestructible ball-bearing bracelet construction.
About ball bearings and Sherman Tanks
The USA's Sherman Tank used high-quality ball bearings throughout the drive train, motor, and moving tracks. Similarly, the ball bearings in the bracelet of the MTM Sherman 3-Ger watch are integral to the performance, function, and aesthetics of the watch. They are also tied to the roots of the inspiration. In fact, according to an article entitled “How Ball Bearings could have changed the course of the second world war,” by Eric B. Golson at the London School of Economics, “During the Second World War, ball bearings and machinery for producing them were some of the most sought after and fought over manufactures, vital components in aircraft, tanks, automobiles, guns, submarine engines, and similar war material."