The 10 Best Mkii Watches Money Can Buy
MK II has built a reputation on creating watches that give a modern-day spin to some of the most celebrated military timepieces of the last century. Combing classic Swiss accuracy with American craftsmanship and Japanese precision, the brand has become associated with high quality, affordable watches that blend good looks with exceptional functionality. If you’re in the market for a new piece of wrist candy, you won’t be disappointed with any one of these ten exceptional pieces from the MK II collection.
10. Tornek-Rayville
Based on the legendary combat dive watch issued to US troops in Vietnam, the Tornek-Rayville is a workhorse that’s built to go the distance – and to look good as it does it. With a bold, high contrast monochrome color scheme and a score of enviable features (not least the water resistance to 200 meters, the 120-click uni-directional bezel, and the luminescent indices and numbers), this a watch designed to satisfy the most discerning customer – and in that, it succeeds beautifully.
9. MK II Hawkinge AGL
Developed in collaboration with Recon Marine veteran Robert Spangle of ThousandYardStyle.com, the Hawkinge AGL perfectly exemplifies both the understated elegance and expert craftsmanship integral to MK II’s MO. The uncluttered dial offers excellent readability (with each hour/minute divided into 5-unit increments for easy readouts to the minute, and nighttime visibility helped along nicely by the use of Super-LumiNova BGW9 on the dial and hands and green emission Arclite lume on the sweep). Meanwhile, the blacked-out British styled sword hands and yellow-tipped sweep seconds hand complements the monochrome scheme perfectly.
8. MK II Hawkinge
With a subtle but eye-catching design that tips its hat to the watches issued to the British military, Commonwealth and BOAC pilots from 1948 to the 1980s, the MK II Hawkinge is a sophisticated, refined piece that encapsulates the brand’s commitment to timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. Chief highlights include the comfortable 37.80 mm diameter size, the suburb durability (thanks in no small part to the shock-absorbing Delrin movement ring), and the superior nighttime visibility.
7. MK II Cruxible Hellion
The second variant of the Mk II Cruxible is the Cruxible Hellion, a piece that pays tribute to the iconic Elgin canteen watch developed for the UDT during the war. Available in both date and non-date configurations, the watch features a smorgasbord of appealing features, including a solidly built stainless steel (316L) 39 mm case, SuperLumiNova BGW9 technology to ensure superior nighttime visibility, water-resistance up to 100 meters, and a high dome case back for superb wearability. Consumers looking for a watch that marries understated good looks with outstanding functionality certainly won’t be disappointed with this attractive little number.
6. MK II Cruxible
As Gear Patrol notes, the MK II Cruxible, MK II’s homage to the navigation watch worn by generations of US military personnel, is a heavyweight addition to the brand’s already excellent lineup. Featuring a big, dynamic face in a monochrome scheme, an understated, elegant design, easy to read numerals, and hands featuring SuperLumiNova technology, it’s worth every cent of its remarkably affordable $649 price tag.
5. Mk. II Fulcrum
Described by Wound for Life as a modern take on the Rolex MilSub, the Mk. II Fulcrum is a delight to anyone looking for a piece that combines vintage sophistication with state-of-the-art craftsmanship. Coming in at 42 millimeters in width and just under 15 millimeters in thickness, it’s big enough to be a contender in the current market for big watches, without being so big as to feel clunky. The drilled lug holes add a nice touch, while the use of non-ferrous materials in the case offers protection from magnetic fields up to 80,000 A/m. The timekeeping, as you’d expect of any piece from MK II, offers the ultimate in precision.
4. MK II Paradive GEN 3
Created in tribute to the watches worn by US Special Forces and CIA maritime personal between the 1960s and 1980, the MK II Paradive GEN 3 is a rugged, unapologetically masculine creation with some very appealing features. Lucky owners can expect precision timekeeping thanks to its Japanese made SII NE15 movement, a robust but not cumbersome 41.25 mm diameter, a 200-meter water resistance, and, courtesy of SuperLumiNova technology, superb nighttime readability.
3. MK II Project 300
Get ready- the MK II Project 300 is about to be launched, and if the early signs are anything to go by, it’s going to be a cracker. With bespoke attention to detail, a superb fit and finish, and a ruggedly masculine aesthetic, this little wonder is all set to be your new favorite thing. Standout features include the outstanding readability (thanks to its use of SuperLumiNova BGW9 rated technology, you’ll get a full 7 hours of glow-in-the-dark capability), a 300-meter water resistance, excellent strength via the double-domed sapphire crystal with AR coating, and an Elabore grade/Rhodium plated Swiss made automatic movement with Incabloc shock protection.
2. MK II Nassau
As Worn and Wound notes, the MK II Nassau has a unique character and a healthy dash of elegance. With a masterful design, a flawless execution, and a sturdy build, it’s as comfortable on the wrist as it is easy on the eye. Notable features include the lustrous black and silver two-tone plated date dial with red/black/silver bezel inlay, the high-grade Swiss Made mechanical movement, superb nighttime visibility, and water resistance up to 200 meters.
1. MK II Key West
Designed to recapture the halcyon days of airline travel, the MK II Key West is a thing of beauty. Featuring a glossy white dial, a limited edition case back design and a score of outstanding features (not least the excellent nighttime visibility, the shock-absorbing movement ring, and the double-domed sapphire crystal case with anti-reflective coating) it’s an elegant, stylish piece that’ll take pride of place in even the best collection.
