Mk II Watches is a brand built around reinterpreting historic tool-watch designs, especially dive watches, rather than reproducing them as untouched vintage pieces. Its named lines include the Nassau, Paradive, Project 300, Hawkinge and Key West GMT. The official catalog lists those families, but a catalog listing alone does not confirm that a particular watch is currently available to buy.
What are Mk II watches?
Mk II is associated with founder Bill Yao and an interest in watch modification. A 2020 profile by Time+Tide describes the Kingston as the watch that brought the brand wider attention and characterizes Mk II’s approach as limited runs inspired by famous vintage watches. That is a description of the brand at the time of the article, not a guarantee that its present-day production model is unchanged.
Mk II’s official collections catalog currently recognizes the Benchcrafted and Ready to Wear families, as well as Nassau, Paradive, Project 300, Hawkinge and accessories. The catalog establishes the product-family names, not the stock status of each reference.
How the named models differ
The models draw on different kinds of historical watch: dive, military, travel and pilot designs. A 2020 account grouped some examples by collection family; the distinction below reflects that article rather than an assurance about Mk II’s current manufacturing or quality-control arrangements.
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| Model | Design reference | Family in the 2020 Time+Tide account | Detail established by the cited source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau 369 | Vintage-inspired dive watch, associated with the Kingston | Benchcrafted | 39 mm; Mk II says it is assembled by hand and individually tested in the USA. |
| Paradive Gen 3 | Military-inspired dive watch | Ready to Wear | Mk II describes its reference concept as watches issued to US Special Forces and CIA maritime units from the 1960s through the early 1980s. |
| Key West GMT | GMT watch referencing intercontinental travel | Benchcrafted | No dimensions or movement details established in the cited account. |
| Hawkinge | Utilitarian pilot-watch design | Ready to Wear | No dimensions or movement details established in the cited account. |
| Project 300 | Inspired by the Omega Seamaster 300 | Benchcrafted | No dimensions or movement details established in the cited account. |
The model descriptions and family groupings in this table come from Time+Tide’s June 15, 2020 profile. The Nassau measurement and assembly/testing statements come from Mk II’s Nassau page. Do not assume the watches share a movement, case construction, availability or production process; the cited material does not establish that.
What stands out about the Paradive Gen 3?
Mk II presents the Paradive Gen 3 as its interpretation of watches issued to US Special Forces and CIA maritime units between the 1960s and early 1980s. The brand says its modern updates include a unidirectional dive bezel, anti-reflective-coated sapphire crystal and a two-piece case it considers easier to service. These are Mk II’s product claims, not independent test results. See the brand’s Paradive concept page for its explanation.
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What to know about Mk II straps and bracelets
The official accessories catalog lists rubber straps, MODSpec straps and a Nassau/Kingston bracelet. The bracelet product page specifies compatibility with the limited Kingston and Mk II Nassau. Check the exact watch reference and fit before choosing an accessory; the stated compatibility should not be generalized to other Mk II models.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the available information does—and does not—establish
Mk II’s official site verifies that these product families are part of its catalog and provides brand descriptions for the Paradive and Nassau. The cited pages do not establish current stock, prices, movements for every model, or that the 2020 distinction between Benchcrafted and Ready to Wear still describes how Mk II operates today. For a specific purchase, confirm the exact reference and its current availability directly with the brand or retailer.
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- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
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- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
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- Water Resistant: Up to 100m (330ft): Suitable for bathing, swimming or snorkeling, but is not resistant enough to withstand scuba diving; 10 ATM.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
