Description
The Shanghai Watch Commander Scout traces its lineage to the Type 114, Shanghai Watch’s first military diving watch.
Developed in the 1960s in response to military requirements, the Type 114 combined automatic winding and a date complication with enhanced resistance to shock, magnetism and water. Some examples were issued to senior military officers, contributing to its reputation as an officer’s watch or general’s watch.
The modern Commander revisits that history through a compact 37.5mm case, 300m water resistance and a unidirectional titanium bezel. For the Scout, Shanghai Watch combines those functional foundations with a silver-grey sunray dial and beige nylon-leather strap for a softer, more understated interpretation.
Inspiration & Design
The Commander collection draws directly from Shanghai Watch’s Type 114 military diving watch.
Its origins can be traced to the A641 project of 1964, an experimental high-grade slim watch that contributed to subsequent development. Following a requirement for an automatic watch with date display and enhanced shock, magnetic and water resistance, Shanghai Watch developed the 29-jewel Type 114 military diving watch in 1965. A 24-jewel version using the SS4C movement followed in 1968.
The contemporary Commander retains recognisable elements from the Type 114 while refining them for modern wear. Shanghai’s calligraphic signature remains at 12 o’clock, the date window occupies the traditional 3 o’clock position, and the characteristic wedge-shaped hour markers have been streamlined.
At 6 o’clock sits the distinctive two-bar, four-star insignia, providing the most immediate visual reference to the Commander identity.
Dial & Case
The Scout is distinguished by its silver-grey sunray dial, whose brushed surface shifts subtly with changing light. Grey-toned hands and indices maintain the restrained palette, while the steel-coloured two-bar, four-star insignia sits above the “Made in China” signature at 6 o’clock.
Pencil-shaped hour and minute hands are paired with a slender seconds hand with a broadened tip. The three-dimensional wedge indices and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova® for low-light visibility.
The satin-brushed 316L stainless-steel case measures 37.5mm across and 13.45mm thick, topped by a domed sapphire crystal. Shanghai Watch pairs it with a silver-grey unidirectional titanium bezel, which also incorporates Super-LumiNova®. The material brings strength and corrosion resistance while reducing weight around the perimeter of the watch.
A screw-down steel crown and solid steel caseback help deliver a substantial 300m / 30ATM water-resistance rating.
Movement
Inside is Shanghai Watch’s ST2130 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4Hz.
The 28-jewel calibre provides central hours, minutes and seconds together with the date display at 3 o’clock, with approximately 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
A solid steel caseback keeps the emphasis on durability and the Commander’s tool-watch character rather than displaying the movement.
Bracelet / Strap
The Scout is supplied on a 20mm beige nylon-and-leather strap, chosen to complement the cooler silver-grey dial and case. It uses a conventional pin buckle and quick-release construction.
Also included is a 20mm stainless-steel bracelet, fitted with a turtle-back clasp and quick-release system. This effectively gives the Scout two distinct personalities: more relaxed and field-inspired on the beige strap, or more conventionally dive-watch oriented on steel.
Final Thoughts
The Commander Scout demonstrates how effectively Shanghai Watch can use its archives without becoming constrained by them.
The Type 114 provides genuine historical substance, but the modern watch stands on its own: compact dimensions, sapphire crystal, a titanium diving bezel and 300m water resistance make it a capable contemporary tool watch.
Of the two Commander executions, the Scout is the quieter choice. Its silver-grey palette and beige strap soften the military influence without erasing it - making the watch particularly easy to wear beyond its historical context.
Technical Specifications
| Case size: |
37.5mm |
| Case material: |
316L stainless steel |
| Case back: |
316L stainless steel
|
| Movement type: |
Automatic |
| Movement no.: |
ST2130
|
| Power reserve: |
Approx 42hrs |
| Dial: |
Silver grey sunray; applied wedge-shaped indices with Super-Luminova; pencil hour/minute hands and linear seconds hand with Super-Luminova
|
| Glass: |
Sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance: |
30ATM |
| Strap type: |
1x strap; 1x bracelet |
| Strap material: |
Nylon and leather strap; stainless steel bracelet
|
| Buckle: |
Stainless steel
|
| Warranty: |
2 years |
