Mk II Debuts the Paradive Type XIII Embracing a Unique Part of Military Watchmaking History

Mk II has always embraced the deep history of the issued military watch. Their watches are known for their simplicity, straightforwardness and sterile aesthetic that highlight the purpose-built and military nature of these field tools. From their Cruxible field watch and their Hawkinge pilot’s watch, to their popular Tornek-Rayville diver, they’ve taken the original designs and created a range of watches built for the modern day wearer. Mk II recently announced their latest addition to their line of “Ready to Wear” watches with the Paradive Type XIII, which we were able to check out in person during WindUp NYC last weekend, and spoiler alert, there’s a little something quirky going on with the handset, and it’s a good thing.

With the Paradive Type XIII, Mk II highlights a point in time when military watches returned from service, and to the surprise of the owner, with unoriginal parts to the watch. This might sound like a nightmare situation if this occurred nowadays, but according to some anecdotes from Mk II, some of the “Frankenwatches” that returned actually came back looking better, and somehow more functional. As the story goes, one watch that made its way back had larger hands and significantly more lume. As the folks over at Mk II call it, “happy accidents”.

As far as the general look and aesthetic goes, the Paradive Type XIII handset is sort of funky when you compare it to the rest of their lineup. The blackened area of the hour hand gives the illusion that it’s much shorter and highlights the minute hand that forgoes the traditional sectioned structure, giving way to more lume. The orange seconds hand adds a flash of color that we’re not used to seeing from Mk II, and throwing in the Arclite lume, legibility should never be a problem.

The distinct monocoque construction and subtle asymmetrical case style remains thanks to the additional steel hugging the crown at three. The entire stainless steel case gets the signature Mk II beadblasted finish, completing the stoic look of the Type XIII. The 41.25mm case width, 49.50 lug to lug, and 15.24 case thickness is surely going to be felt on the wrist, but then again, that’s the personality of this watch – it’s burly and supposed to feel like you could bang it around a couple of times without worrying you’d have to send it in for a service. It’s also worth noting that the Type III no longer comes with fixed spring bars, and instead comes with a pair of sturdy 2.50mm removable spring bars.

The Paradive Type XIII comes with two different bezel options: a 12 hour bezel or a count-up diver bezel, both fashioned out of aluminum. Powering the Type XIII is the SII NE15 automatic movement equipped with 24 jewels, 21,6000 vph, and a little over 50 hours of power reserve. Strap options are plentiful whenever you’re looking into adding a Mk II and the Type XIII is no different, offering up your choice between their Nytex ribbed nylon strap, MODspec (NATO) strap, or a rubber strap.

Both the 12-HR and Diver Paradive Type XIII retail(ed) for $895. Unfortunately, and in true Mk II fashion, both models are already sold out. Stay tuned to the Mk II space for future information on re-stock and new releases. Mk II Watches