by Michael Satterfield - 01/12/2021
I have been enjoying wearing the MTM Hypertec H-61 for the last few weeks, a watch from a brand known for its rugged military-grade watches. Each MTM is made in the USA and is GSA approved as a military specification compliant timepiece. While the Hypertec line is the entry-level for MTM, you wouldn't know it based on the high quality of finish and attention to detail, the H-61 is a lot of watch for the money as many other sports watches are in the same price range as the H-61.
The H-61 arrives in a watertight "pelican case" type box, it is a very impressive package and defiantly protects the watch in shipping. Also included in the box are tools, a warranty card, and a short user guide. The watch itself is numbered and while this one is on a stainless steel bracelet, it is also offered on a NATO strap or a rubber strap.
The solid stainless steel case is finished to a very high standard and I would say is on par with most luxury watch brands. The locking crown is smooth and feels good to operate, what looks like a secondary button is actually a knob that allows the wearer to rotate the inner bezel, the adjustment and operation a smooth and precise, but it does require deliberate effort so it won't be moving with each brush of a sleeve. In addition to the rotating inner bezel, the H-61 features a unidirectional rotating outer bezel which also feels well made.
The dial and crystal are very nice, blemish-free, and again a reflection of the quality of the timepiece. While the H-61 isn't marketed as a tactical military watch, it does carry over many of the masculine features of the more purpose-built operator watches that the brand is known for, the blocky case, hexagon pushers and lug screws, and while it does have a nice weight to it with the stainless steel bracelet. The dial includes a date complication and a 24 hour hand, but unlike most MTM watches only the hands have lume.
Flipping the watch over the case back is solid with the MTM knife logo, while the H-61 isn't sold as a military tactical watch the case back does give a nod to the brand's military heritage with "Combat Tactical Precision" engraved on it along with the model and serial number. The bracelet is adjustable and the tools are included, I removed two links to get the perfect fit. I am also going to put it on a striped NATO strap which should be a good look for spring/summer.
Thanks to its 42mm diameter and thinner case the MTM Special OPS Hypertec is very comfortable to wear as a daily watch and thin enough to wear with a suit if needed. While it is far from a dress watch, with the stainless steel bracelet it is elegant enough to transition from casual to business casual.
SPECS:
Glass: Sapphire Crystal: Anti Reflective & Scratch Resistant
Case: 316L Stainless Steel
Case Size: 42mm X 12.5mm
Weight: 7 oz
Battery: Silver Oxide
Dial: Brass
Warranty: 3 Years
Overall I have to say I am very impressed with the quality of the Hypertec H-61, while it isn't a hardcore tactical military watch, it does echo some of the brand's military-style and makes for the perfect daily sports watch. It is a great entry point into the MTM brand and is well built, plus with the options of case finish, dial color, and strap style, there is an H-61 that will appeal to most watch lovers. Priced from $385-$530 the MTM Hypertech H-61 is comparable to sports watches like the TAG Heuer Formula 1 which start at $1,000.
For more info or to shop the Hypertec collection by MTM visit mtmwatch.com.
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