I have never been shy about my penchant for nice watches. However, I also play hard, and anything I wear has to withstand just about any condition. You never know when I may make my way back to the Amazon jungle or hike the Colorado Rockies again. So, when I find a watch that was designed for combat personnel yet looks stylish enough for a business dinner, I’m in. That is the hallmark of the entire MTM Watch catalog, but for this article, I focus on the Predator II.
The MTM Watch Predator II: Tough Enough for Combat
Earlier this year, I got my hands on MTM’s Status smartwatch and was impressed with its style, construction, and functionality. Although I had heard of the company before, the Status was my first hands-on introduction to MTM’s products. Needless to say, I am hooked.
Building on a 15mm thick titanium or 316I stainless steel case, the Predator II is as rugged as it is elegant. Likewise, featuring sapphire crystal glass with an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and ultraviolet-protective coating, the Predator II can handle whatever you can dish out. Its rugged yet stylish design traverses any occasion—from combat to the boardroom.
The Predator II is not only able to take a beating but is also water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet). In addition, the unidirectional, ratcheting bezel is ready to take your adventure to the depths. And while you’re down there, the hands are illuminated by gas-filled tritium tubes for high visibility, keeping you on track.
Classic Styling of the Predator II
The Predator II is very customizable, ensuring it has a place in any situation. The case is available in three colors—black, silver, and grey—depending on operational requirements. Likewise, there are eleven different dial options and two different hand color options to fit any personal preference or need.
The watch’s face features a highly functional chronograph function, set off by a multi-layered dial for a stunning aesthetic. This multi-layer design sets each function of the Predator II apart, making it easier to focus where you need to.
Another example of functional aesthetics is the rotating bezel, which is knurled around its exterior for effortless operation, wet or dry. Likewise, the crown and chronograph buttons are also knurled for fast, easy operation. All three buttons screw down to ensure that they are not accidentally actuated. Adding to the style, the three buttons have a hex tool impression. However, it is purely aesthetic, and I would not recommend tightening them down with an Allen wrench.
The screw-down back adds style and helps ensure the watch’s water resistance. Etched into the back is the MTM logo along with the words “MTM USA—Special Ops” and “Combat Tactical Precision.” In addition, each watch includes a serial number, as the Predator II is a limited edition timepiece.
Weighing four ounces, the Predator II has some heft to it, adding to its rugged, durable feel. Each watch ships with a lithium battery that is manufacturer-rated for four years. So, it will stay in the fight as long as you.
Get Strapped
As with other MTM watches, the quickest way to transform the Predator II from the battlefield to the boardroom is to change the band. With a host of bands to choose from, you can quickly change the watch’s look and feel.
Band options include hex titanium bracelets, three levels of rubber, ballistic Velcro, nylon P-66, nylon NATO, nylon NATO XL, leather, and OC leather. Each of the band options is available in multiple colorways to best suit your personal preference or requirement.
When it’s time to swap the band, the Predator II uses a screw bar attachment, which I really like. This type of attachment provides a very solid connection to the watch that will not easily break under hard use. Plus, swapping out the band doesn’t require the tedious job of trying to depress a spring bar interface. Simply take two hex wrenches and unscrew the bar.
Unfortunately for me, I cannot have a watch touch my skin, or I slow it down. So, I am pretty much stuck with NATO straps, and MTM’s NATO straps are very well-built and look great. However, the only complaint I have is that the end of the strap just barely sits under the last strap keeper.
Fortunately, it is an easy fix. I just purchased a pack of rubber watch band keepers and put one on as an additional retention point. It works great, and my watch band doesn’t come out of the built-in keeper anymore.
Movement and Chronograph
The Predator II operates on a Swiss quartz Ronda 5040.D movement, delivering dependable accuracy you can count on. However, the watch doesn’t stop at just keeping accurate time. It also provides a chronograph function for more precise measurement of elapsed time. This can be beneficial for estimating how far you’ve traveled, synchronizing operations, etc.
The three-dial chronograph measures down to one-tenth of a second and offers start/stop and split time functionality. Correspondingly, it has a measurement range of 10 Hours, 59 Minutes, 59.99 Seconds. Available in your choice of orange or grey hands, you can choose between high visibility or a more subdued visual.
The two knurled chronograph buttons screw down to prevent accidental depression and are easy to operate. To recalibrate the hands, simply pull out the crown and depress the two chronograph buttons simultaneously. This will reset the chronograph’s hands and allow you to adjust each hand separately to re-zero them.
MTM Watch Packaging
As I mentioned in my review of the MTM Status, I rarely talk about packaging. But sometimes, it is worth mentioning. MTM Watch is one company that gets its packaging right.
The Predator II arrived in a Pelican-style waterproof/impact-resistant case. Two solid clasps help to secure the case, while two holes on the front corners allow you to lock it. On the exterior of the case are the MTM Special Ops logo and the web address in raised type.
The case interior features a heavy-duty foam lining cut out to house the watch and accessories. Among the accessories are the warranty card, instructions, two Allen wrenches, and a slot for an additional band.
Like I said, I usually don’t put much stock in packaging. But if you want to set your product apart as a stand-out in its class, this is how you do it.
Hard-Use Hardware for a Hard-Use Lifestyle
Like I said earlier, I love fine watches, but I am hard on my gear. So, when a watch that looks great with a suit jacket can also handle the rigors of hard use, that’s my sweet spot. For years, MTM has been in the business of building military-grade timepieces engineered for the most extreme conditions. If it can take what our special forces dish out, it can handle whatever I put it through.
In addition, including a chronograph only increases the Predator II’s functionality, not to mention the overall aesthetic that a chronograph provides.
With an MSRP of $960.00 – $1,590.00, it delivers functionality that exceeds its price point. It is a must-have for anyone who enjoys precision, durability, and style.
For more information, please visit MTMWatch.com.
MTM Watch Predator II Specs
| Movement | Quartz – Swiss Ronda 5040.D |
| Glass | Sapphire Crystal; Anti Reflective & Scratch Resistant with Ultraviolet Protective Coating |
| Chronograph Mode | Measuring Range: 10 Hour, 59 Minutes, 59.99 Seconds |
| Water Resistance | 660 Feet / 200 Meters |
| Case | Titanium |
| Case Size | 44 mm (Without Crown), 15mm (Thickness) |
| Bezel | Unidirectional; Ratcheting Bezel |
| Weight | 4.0oz Titanium |
| Finish | Available in Brushed Silver, and blasted Grey and Black DLC Coating |
| Battery | Lithium – 4 Year Manufacturer Rated |
| Crown And Buttons | Locking, Screw Down |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
| Dial | Brass Or Carbon Fiber – 12 Colors To Choose From |
| Limited Edition | Each Watch Individually Numbered |
| Hands | Illuminated By Gas-Filled Tritium Tubes |
| Packaging | Securely Shipped In Its Own Watertight Tactical Case |
| Chrono Hands (Sub-Dials) | Available In Grey Or Orange Color |
| MSRP | $960 – $1,590 |
Disclaimer: MTM Watch provided the Predator II for testing and evaluation. However, the company had no input or impact on the author’s findings or reporting.
