Finding a good tactical watch that is asembled in the USA isn’t an easy task these days. With so many companies outsourcing both design and manufacturing to other parts of the world, “Made in the USA” is becoming a scarce motto. Hopefully, the current administration can turn things around. But for now, owner Jerommie Smith of Smith & Bradley are quietly designing and assembling their watches in Florida. And I had the opportunity to test and review one of their latest watch evolutions, the Sans-13.

Building on the original Sans-13 model, this latest evolution is the product of thousands of man hours in both design and rigorous testing. One of the main features in the new Sans-13 is the enhanced illumination technology. Referred to as “Lume Plates”, this new technology utilizes an embedded illumination plate providing up to 8 hours of glow in total darkness. The watch face features number “cut-outs” that expose the Lume Plate below. The amount of illumination provided from this new technology will easily go toe-to-toe with Tritium timepieces. As evidenced by the picture below.

Protecting the face of this watch is a flat Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating. This is a nice feature in a tactical watch for a couple of reasons. The watch can be viewed from any angle without distortion. And you won’t give up your position by reflecting light towards the enemy. Constructed of 316L Stainless Steel, the Sans-13 case and band are extremely corrosion resistant. And featuring a depth rating of 660 feet, it will hold up to any depth and pressure you can throw at it. Finally, the Black PVD finish is just one more layer of protection from the elements, maintaining a tactical yet classy appearance.

Smith & Bradley Sans-13 Specs courtesy of smithbradleyltd.com

• 200 Meter Water Depth Resistance
• Swiss Ronda Movement
• Flat Sapphire Crystal With Anti-Reflective Coating
• 120 Click Unidirectional Bezel
• 316L Stainless Steel Solid Screw Down Case Back With Silicone O-Ring Seal
• Crown Tube With Double O-Ring Internal Seal 
• 316L Stainless Steel Full Brush Case In Stainless Steel And PVD Version
• 24 Hour Dial
• Sandwich Dial- Entire Background Is A Lume Plate
• Lume Plates Embedded In Hands
• Full Dive Watch With Military Specifications For Tactical Use
• Full Metal Bracelet- Each Link Has An Individual Screw Bar To Adjust Length
• Screw Bar Attachment For Metal Bracelet To Watch Body
• Locking Strap Buckle With Safety Latch
• 3 Adjustments Within Buckle For Fine Adjustment 
• 2 Year Limited Warranty                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
• 24mm Lug Width
• 11mm Thickness
• 49mm End To End Measurement 
• 42mm Case/44mm With Crown Gaurd
• 4.7 Ounces Weight With Metal Bracelet Attached
• MSRP $395

Initial Impressions: The Sans-13 from Smith & Bradley is a simple, reliable and durable timepiece. Featuring Swiss movement at a very reasonable price, the Sans-13 will maintain accuracy for years. Most of my personal watches are larger 47mm Titanium cased timepieces. Although the Sans-13 is a bit smaller at 42mm, it still feels substantial on my wrist. The Stainless Steel case is robust and durable albeit a bit heavy for it’s size. But I’m unfairly comparing a $1500 Titanium watch to a $395 Stainless watch. However, I will continue to wear the more affordable Sans-13 watch to work. As a General Contractor, I tend to bang my watch around and I’m confident that the Sans-13 will willingly take the abuse.

Pictured in article: Recycled Firefighter wallet, Kershaw Launch 7