I guess someone had to do it. WatchReport looks at the flashlight/watch that apparently is used by the military to flag down passing blimps.
The fist thing you will notice about the MTM Special Ops watch is its weight. If you prefer light-weight, inconspicuous timepieces, the Special Ops is not for you. If you like your watches substantial and solid, keep reading. The watch isn’t so heavy that you will eventually lose the use of your left arm, but the Special Ops is a dense and solid piece of stainless steel.
Check out the review here.
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@Howard
Hi Howard,
I am interested in buying the thunderhawk titanium if it is still available.
It comes with the charger, correct? Any case or box?
I live in Singapore and would appreciate if you could advise shipping charges if possible.
Best Regards,
Alex
Howard, did you sell your watch? If not pleasse let me know as I am interested in buying one of these watches. Cheers Rocky
I have to admit that I’ve been somewhat intruiged by the MTM marketing and their successful marketing of “tactic-cool”. However, I know that the mechanism inside their hawk series is the very same mechanism used in the Dakota Torch series which can be had for about 160 bucks off of the Dakota website. So, if you’re for the LED magic, get one of these instead.
Also, this really calls into question MTM’s little claim about the Hawk being the first and only LED watch with EM charging. I personally think that the company primarily peddles marketing.
I was checking back to see how this discussion was trending. The “Tactic cool” label fits MTM well. It cannot be denied that MTM has discovered and exploited a great marketing approach. After reading other reviews I am not sure the products themselves are completely without merit. They certainly nailed the “Tactic cool” factor.I would bet the movements are Chi Com or they would be telling us where the movements were made. Even a $120 Invicta Pro Diver has a Miota movement. The MTMs are not cool enough to demand a $500 premium. My current assessment is that MTM is 75% marketing 24% cool designs and 1% customer service.
I just got a NEW black titanium vulture. Pulled it out of the box read the instruction manual. I then attempted to turn on the light feature. The pin pulled right out of the watch!!! WTF??? 1100 dollars for that?? I called “customer service” And they issued a RA# to have it picked up…. Debating on just out right returning it…. Seems to me they are lacking in the Quality control dept….Ohhh I did get a “SORRY ABOUT THAT” from the ” concerned customer service person!!! I was then advised to send it back and they would look at it, and then send it back to me. I was on a waiting list for over a year for this!!! WOW…. LAME
I was sorry to heary about Cory’s experience. My recomendation is to find another watch. It is obvious there is no quality or quality control at MTM. There are some really good watches out there for a lot less. Sunnuto, Casio, Seiko. In my book “tacticool” has no value. I wish a real watch company would produce a watch of this style.
This company is horrible!!! I ordered the Black Titanium Vulture I recieved it (a week later) and it stopped working within an hour of opening it. I returned it and they sent me a second one. I had that one a week and then it stopped working…. Combat tested…HMMM really with what Lego soldiers… Returned it bought a Tissot T-touch. ( A WARNING TO ALL WHO READ THIS DO NOT BUY A WATCH FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!.) CUSTOMER DIS-SERVICE. SEVERLY LACKING QUALITY!!!! BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
@ORION
I really get a kick out of all the immature replies like yours Orion. Those who have served and been in actual combat know better than to talk trash and carry on regarding
anything as small as a watch for Christ’s sake. What branch and MOS were you? Your homophobic comments carry absolutely no weight or bearing on the features and benefits of a MTM watch.
Personally, I have not purchased one yet from MTM but intend on doing so immediately. They have gone above and beyond any customer service oriented business! I have no issues paying this amount for a functional and good looking watch. Apparently you dont so keep your childish comments to yourself or say something intelligent you idiot. Let those who seek information on this company and it’s products read reviews without your adverse input. I’m sure you will have some worthless response to this as well.
My MTM has been great! It isn’t the most durable watch in the world but mine has been dependable. I bought the lighter titanium. I’m a law enforcement officer and I recommend this watch. As for “Orion” = You have so much hate in you. SEEK THERAPY/COUNSELING, please. @ORION
@ORION
nice orion couldnt have said it better
I bought a used BlackHawk off Ebay, called and explained that there was a missing pin. They asked me my thoughts on their watch, and promptly sent me a pin kit no charge. If that is not good customer service, I dont know what is
I just received ’2′ days ago my MTM Black Vulture Titanium Watch and Bracelet + extra Rubber Band for watch. I have read all of the comments above that goes back to 2009. I find this watch is AWESOME, sturdy, very accurate, and yes a little heavy(is not a negative). It is a bit heavy probably due to the size of the Lithium Rechargeable battery in order to power ’3′ Ultra-White LEDs and the Ultra-violet diodes at each hour post. Today, LEDs are the most Efficient light source of all, making the small incandescent bulbs obsolete technology. LEDs draw the least amount of power with virtually no heat.
I personally inspected my MTM Vulture extremely carefully (am a retired Senior Systems Analyst Manager). It is in PERFECT condition, and haven’t taken it off my wrist. The reoccurring complaint that the Black Titanium Bracelet has “Sharp Edges” is bullshit… I have a Briteling Super Avenger with 1.5 carats of diamonds around the bezel, with a Stainless Steel Bracelet that has the same edge as my Vulture. The watch band IN NOT SHARP, where one could be injured because of the edge…
I LOVE my new MTM Black Vulture Titanium Watch and Bracelet!!! Hopefully, the visible Quality will equal or Exceed its longevity.
Comment: To ALL the Military Personnel who are Serving across the Globe to “Protect And Defend the United States of America”, I must say “GOD BLESS Our Brave Military…” HU RAH!!!
I was about to buy one of these watches for my son..but after reading all of the posts, it is OBVIOUS what is going on. Those with real experiences are posting that these watches are shoddy and customer service has a bad attitude due to the FLOOD of complaints.
The ‘good’ reviews here are OBVIOUSLY from the MTM marketing team. You MTM guys can be spotted a mile away..’i served two tours and the watch didn’t get a scratch!’ LOL. how stupid are you people?
I purchased the silencer titanium it looks awsome and everthing works great, these watches are designed for special uses and they do the job. I am in law enforcement and served in the Marines. I wish that someone had taken the time back then to design something of this quality for us.
Great job MTM
I called customer service to ask a question and I was surprised to say I actually spoke to one of the watch techs very freindly and extremly helpful.
Not as mean, not as lean but still as US Marine Semper Fi
I agree with “Heads Up Everyone”. Most of these positive posts are clearly retorts to the negative comments from the MTM special ops marketing team. Super funny to read. Enjoy the show kids!
I purchased the Silencer…all titanium. Im not and i never was MTM employee. I did a little research on their watches and movements. All of their models use swiss movement ( don’t know the various movement number and don’t even care). It’s swiss and thats goid enough for me. Only one of their model uses Japan movement. I was told which one, but since i was not interested in that model, i forgot.
My Silencer is a big watch but light. It is a watch that gets noticed anywhere you go. The Silencer is a combo of ana/digi and thats what i was looking for because of the 2 different times. The digital part is independent from the analog.
So far i have not had any problems with it. And I use the watch in various environments including salt water, freezing temperatures, physical abuse involving numerous gun fire including high power rifle. Those who know a little about it also know that continuous shooting will put some stress on the watch of the wearier.
I did not experience any water resistance issues even though the watch has push buttons.
I purposly chose the silencer for its features and the fact that it dud not have 3H illumination. The tririum is just too bright for my use, which would be a big tactical disadvantage to me and/or others around me.
The watch, even though substential size, fits comfortably under any tacticsl gloves…no issues there. Also, recharging it every 4 months is not a problem. You have a battery indicator that tells you how much juice you got left. After all, the battery is good for 10 years without opening the watch….thats good. The less you need to mess with it, the integrity of the watch will more preserved.
Bottom line…can’t complain about. It is a timepiece for any weather and situation that I would be involved in.
…..i forgot to mention, I decided to go with MTM watch because my experience with Luminox is not very good. I have the Navy Seal series with velcro. Time keeping on that watch is great, but when I happened to change environment from about 50 deg F into freezing temps, the watch fogged up badly. I was very surprised that tactical watch of nsme like Luminox would do that. Maybe their higher end models are more reliable, but this experience was enough for me to look elsewhere for a reliable watch.
And to all those not-believers, I am not an MTM employee!!!! This us truly my personal experience.
Bought the Black Patriot Chronograph, I love the look of this watch.
I am a watchmaker and was aware from the beginning that the movement is not high-grade chronometer spec.
At home I took the watch apart as I wanted to know what I have just purchased.
1) The chronograph hands were not 100% aligned to the markers on the dial. I was able to fix that within a minute.
2) The seal of the lower push button was improperly fitted and damaged (surprisingly still sealed!) and I have found excessive glue from fitting the pusher tube into the case. The clip which holds the push button in place, was damaged. I have replaced the seals and the clip, cleaned everything.
After my intervention, I’ve tested the water tightness and it passed without any problems, also the movement, which is a Myiota OS20 (used by Citizen) tested out with +7 seconds per month at room temperature (when worn at body temperature, the rate drops about 3 seconds) which is more than good.
The black plating started to scratch off on the bracelet but that is normal- it’s a PLATING so I am not complaining – and I have a rubber strap as well to switch.
I’m a happy camper with my MTM watch!
PS:
Yes, the casing components – like everything else nowadays – were made in China (the case back is stamped “MTM China”) but the quality is very good and can be compared to any higher grade watch.
Ok back story, 3 years ago I came across the MTM Special Ops website and loved the look of their watches, liked that they are heavy duty and USA made.
Bought the black predator, love the watch – in styling it really comes through as a watch that cries out USA USA USA with all that is to love about the US and all the baggage that comes with it – ie components are outsourced to China.
They went their own way with looks without looking like some designers wet dream, meaning wild looking and off putting but the designer bullshitted through production.
Is it a ‘REAL’ US issued special ops watch, hell no, the US does not issue watches and as we all know those army dudes get the G-Shocks, cheap and well made.
I’m never going to be in a U-Boat (pun indented) I’m never going to fly a F16 and I’m not skinning bears over the weekends.
I roam the urban city called New York, I want a badass looking piece, this watch is that watch without looking all gaudy and shit.
Lumix looks like crap and performs even worse, Traser’s Classic CHRONOGRAPH line looks great and is also a styling time piece yet I settled on the MTM.
I also own the Traser H3 and a G-Shock great watches.
I also really like the Rolex explorer but no where near enough to give the swiss 5,500 dollars of my hard earned money, they can take that crown and melt it for all I care.
So from a person that is not a watch maker, a watch enthusiast, a watch historian, or a watch masturbator, just a guy who wants a heavy duty well priced styling watch that works wonderfully, kudos to MTM.*
*I am not affiliated with MTM’s marketing department (to the douche bags and watch whores on this site) I’m not buying the BS that a person here had two watches from that stop working on them a week after purchase, you can buy a Folex in China town for 25 fing bucks with plastic pieces in its guts and it would work for years. Me thinks there are marketing people from other companies that can’t stand MTM success.
We have discontinues all MTM products due to the inefficiency of their order processing and unproffesional staff, as well as having issues with their products.
@Howard
As a future potential dealer I would love to know more about your experience.
I know that it has been two years since this post was made but i cannot believe what i read from this post!! I bought my boyfriend a $1100 dollar watch from MTM for Christmas bc he had a lower model and LOVED it. However, when we received it, it was entirely too large for his wrist. He took it out of the box, placed it on his wrist and immediately placed it back in the box to return it. We were going to go with a cheaper and smaller watch for a replacement from MTM. I received a phone call from MTM several days later though and was advised that they would swap the watches but were going to charge me 10% ($110) bc of a scratch on the face! After I calmly explained to the lady what had been done with the watch I was told that she could not do anything about the charges. I then asked to speak to a supervisor who told me, in broken english, that he did not think that I was telling him the truth (accused me of lying basically) and that he believed more was done with the watch than I was telling them. I explained to him that both my boyfriend and I are police officers and that he was a devoted customer of MTM and that I took GREAT offense to both his tone and his accusations! I have NEVER been treated SO badly by anyone in customer service as I was by MTM staff! After a “not so friendly” phone call from my boyfriend, they reimbursed me the entire $1100 and a watch was not nor will one ever be purchased from MTM again!
Had the Titanium Patriot for 3 weeks. they say this thing is “battle ready”..yea right. this thing wouldn’t make it in a kiddy pool. I was walking into the ocean, with water around my thigh a wave hits my wrist. pins come out, and watch falls off. never to be found again.
Customer service says there is nothing they can do. ridiculous.
GSlone@hotmail.com
I have a Black Predator from MTM. I was looking at the Patriot but all the “Special Ops” writing on the dial turned me off. It keeps perfect time and is especially attractive. As far as the company goes I spoke to customer service a couple times and they were very nice and helpful. Quartz movements are reliable and since I don’t think I’m going into combat any time soon I don’t think this beat is going to let me down.
I have the Vulture with rubber strap. I also own a couple Luminox, a TAG, a Rolex Submariner, a couple of Casio Pathfinders. I like watches. I bought this MTM because of the look and I couldn’t bring myself to drop the $$$ for the watch I really wanted (Kobold Arctic Diver Swiss Tactical). Overall it’s a nice watch. Not sure it was worth the $1100 bucks though. My only real complaint is the silly paint they use for illumination at night. That’s a joke. For this much cash they should put the tritium in all these watches. Luminox watches are MUCH easier to see at night. Yes, you can turn on the light but I’d much rather be able to just glance at the watch. That being said, my Rolex Sub also uses that glow in the dark paint.
I had one problem with the watch band pin coming apart. Emailed MTM and explained it. Sent me parts to fix in a couple of days. Customer service seems responsive and pretty good in my experience.
I like the watch but the lack of some tritium in the watch face is almost off putting enough for me to say I would not purchase it again. It becomes very annoying when you’ve been in the dark for an extended period and you just want a quick glance check of time…
just brought a black steel falcon,damn good and strong watch!!
good service,and shipped the same day…1 day later i had it ..
mtm,thanks.
Just bought a MTM Falcon with the neoprene band. The watch itself is great, but the band is brutal and very uncomfortable after wearing all day. I’m going to try buying a replacement from MTM in the balistic nylon.
I have to admit I purchased the MTM Silencer for it’s looks and I wasn’t disappointed. The watch looked and worked great for a year, then the dial started losing time. I contacted MTM support and they worked with me immediately. I shipped the watch in with $20 and they worked on my watch and
shipped it back.
The watch has worked flawlessly until now. The time is slipping again. I like the watch and so far the company has been great on support. But, we’ll see how this round goes.
(the silencer I purchased is the older version with four lcd windows.)
I have no idea why time is slipping but is frustrating.
I worked as a customer service representative for a little over a year. First off, MTM sells anywhere from 20-50 watches a day (combining phone, online, and walk in orders). Who is there to fix customers problems you ask? Two young girls who also deal with online/phone/walk in orders, Returns/exchanges, emails, walk in customers, phone calls, payment processing, and review writing. The “manager” is also the watch technician and in charge of shipping/receiving.
I want to share the things I learned about MTM while working for them.
1. If you have an issue you will never speak to a manager EVER, mainly because there is no “manager”. You are most likely speaking to the other customer service representatives who say their name is stepanie, sally, or any other name that comes to mind.
2. If you have been having problems with your watch and you have sent it in for repair after 4 times in you’ve had enough you want to replace your watch, they will agree and send you the same watch, just clean it up a bit make it look nice. You will NOT get your money back if you have had your watch for over 10 days. PERIOD.
3. “Marketing Department” is ONE person. No she doesn’t write reviews making the company look good. Customer Service representives do that as well when there is down time. She is basically only the middle man when it comes to paying magazines for advertising, and calling trade shows to reserve a spot.
4. MTM was NOT made by ex-military personnel. It was made by a man called Yoav Casis aka Joe Cash. He started MTM as an israeli immigrant over 15 years ago. He had an excellent idea and a friend – Mike – helped him write a story and make all you believe these watches were designed by military personnel. He has been there from the beginning and now sleeps half of his shift and helps us write good reviews on sites like these, the other half of his shift.
5. MTM watches are NOT special ops watches, I have heard countless angry customers who say their target watches are far better. Yes, they have neat designs and neat specs, but definitely NOT for the price.
6. Customer service at MTM will be horrible until Yoav (owner) decides to hire more people, offer training, and not make us lie to every customer that calls in or walks through the door.
7. Biggest MTM watch problems:
-watch stopped working
-hands are loose/floating around
-screws are missing
-not keeping time
-numbers do not glow
Some of you may have an MTM watch and feel it is completely work it but I always wondered, what if they knew these parts are ordered from china they pay no more than $50 per watch and yet they sell that same watch for 1k. You people are helping MTM pay for advertising and helping them reel more people into buying “military watches”. If you are interested in getting an MTM watch, please call them, ask questions about their history and see for yourself.
No, I do not own an MTM watch, but I sold them and lied to people for a little over a year until I could not lie to people any longer. The reason I stayed for 1+ years is because I had to eat and I had rent to pay.
Same here. Wanted to get the cobra, but now have changed my mind.
MTM is not a reputable company and although their watches are beautiful they are not quality time pieces. I bought a Titanium Black Special Ops Falcon which arrived inoperable. I returned it for a refund and they advised me they would send me a replacement. I told them I didn’t want a replacement but a refund. I have not heard back from them since. They have both my money ($900+) and a watch that I don’t want. I am disputing the transaction through VISA. My son purchased a Hawk which failed after about 6 months of use. The hour hand points between the hour when the minute hand is at the 12 o clock position. If the watch is tapped against your palm the minute hand will move 2 to 3 minutes! Save your money and buy a $25 Casio at Walmart.
If is so good, why big retailers like amazon don’t have MTM ? simple… they can’t pass the quality test.
I have had a hawk for several years it’s been good little orange lights now battery won’t charge will have to send back for repair
I bought I volture black titanium nice band not to heavy though the black does get scratched … BUT it stoped working after one year Grrr will have to send it back to spoke to Asian girl on phone not helpfully at all no rough quote time frame just attitude lucky I live 6000 km away GRRR