British Heritage & Swiss Engineering
The Vertex M100 is a notable model offered by Vertex Watches, a historic British watch brand with a rich heritage. The M100 is part of the brand’s revival collection, paying tribute to the military roots and classic designs of Vertex watches from the past.
The Vertex M100 draws inspiration from the iconic Dirty Dozen watches, which were commissioned by the British military during World War II. These watches were designed to meet strict military specifications and were produced by twelve different watch manufacturers, including the original Vertex company. Vertex was originally founded in 1916 by Claude Lyons. The company was shut down in 1972 after the Quartz crisis and was reopened in 2015 by Lyons’s great-grandson, Don Cochrane.
The first new Vertex for 45 years, based on the cal59 from WW2
This M100 features a manual wound ETA movement and showcases a clean and understated aesthetic. With a focus on legibility and functionality. The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case, which is a versatile and comfortable size suitable for various wrist sizes. The case is carefully crafted to withstand the demands of military use and everyday wear.
The dial of the M100 is minimalist and easy to read, featuring Arabic numerals carved from Super LumiNova. Syringe-style hands that are coated with the same for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The lume is a sight to behold and is a stand out feature of this superb watch. The dial design stays true to the military-inspired heritage of Vertex watches.
Inspired By The Dirty Dozen Watches Of WWII
Powering this Vertex M100 is a reliable ETA manual wound movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, reducing the need for frequent winding. The manual wound version is no longer available (as it was only made in a limited number and available to military personnel only).
Currently the M100A can be bought directly from Vertex. Featuring a custom automatic Swiss movement with Vertex’s Cal59 ratchet weight and unique Super-LumiNova dial.
The M100 is offered on a range of strap options, including leather and NATO straps, allowing for personalisation and versatility. Each strap is carefully selected to complement the watch’s aesthetic and provide comfort during wear.
As with all Vertex watches, the M100 reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail. The watch combines historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship to create a timepiece that is not only functional but also pays homage to Vertex’s military heritage.
Overall, the Vertex M100 is a significant model within the brand’s revival collection, representing the essence of Vertex’s historical military watches while incorporating modern elements to appeal to contemporary watch enthusiasts.
As an owner, it wears so well. It hugs the wrist and is a bit of a strap monster, looking at home on a NATO, rubber or MN strap. It’s not a cheap watch, coming in at £2,500. However with superb military heritage, a stunningly easy to read dial and bad-ass lume, it’s hard not to admire it. We’d highly recommend heading down the Vertex’s London based HQ to get hands on. You won’t be disappointed.
