Ancon M26 Tank Mark II Bronze Military Green Automatic Miyota 45mm 200m Diver

Ancon used this open space for some branding, engraving “M26” on the side towards the wearer and a large “Ancon” logo on the opposite side. I go back and forth on how I feel about this. On one hand, it’s an interesting detail that is uncommon, adding texture and a bit of technical appeal, that simply looks cool. On the other, it turns the side of the watch into a billboard for the brand, though one doesn’t see that side much themselves. In would have liked to have seen the details typically reserved for the case back engraved here instead, like some sort of spec list.

The side of the watch looks like a short bridge, with large lugs coming down like supports at a sharp angle and a thick span between them. Moving up, the eye is lead across the interestingly shaped bezel and finally to the beautifully domed sapphire crystal. The sheer thickness of the central case is worth marveling at…so much bronze. It looks like you could run it over with truck and it would be no worst for the wear.

On the right side, at 3 is a very large onion-esque crown, also made of solid bronze, that measures 8 x 5mm. It’s another interesting piece, with nice details that make it unique. It’s a screw down crown, which adds to the solidity of the case, with a shape that tapers on both sides, giving it a squat barrel form. It is also signed on the outside face with a small Ancon “A” logo that looks good. Often bronze watches use steel or titanium crowns to prevent the bronze from touching your skin. I happen to think the bronze crown looks awesome, especially as it has patinated, though I did notice some green on my skin. Similarly, the display case back is steel with an aperture rather than bronze.The Miyota 9015 within is stock save an Ancon logo on the rotor, but alway enjoyable to look at.

The best thing, and I mean absolute best thing, about the Ancon M26 Tank is how well it wears. If you’re a regular reader of w&w, you’ll know that as much as I try, large watches just don’t look or feel right on my wrist. So my own collection steers towards smaller watches, probably averaging 40mm. The Tank, despite it’s 45mm case and 47mm bezel diameter, wears very well on my 7″ wrist. The trick is the severe downward angle of the lugs and barrel shape.

When you strap the watch on, it sort of hugs on to your wrist, conforming to the natural shape, despite its blunt, boxy design. What you get is a watch that fits nicely and is quite comfortable. Basically, this is the big watch for guys with somewhat smaller wrists. That said, it will still fit larger wrists, though at a certain point I imagine the lugs would start to dig in. As far as presence goes, like its namesake, you see this watch coming from a mile away. It’s big, chunky and bold, yet the bronze and green dial are pleasantly understated.

Adding to the comfort, the M26 Tank features 26mm lugs and comes with 2 great straps. First is a hearty, dark Italian leather, with a matte finish, black edges and cream stitching. The warm, chocolatey brown brings out the color of the bronze nicely, and the rugged design works with the overall aggressive aesthetic. The strap features a very thick, bronze pre-V buckle as well, tying the whole thing together.

The second strap, and perhaps my preferred, is made of a drab olive green canvas with black leather lining. The simple, textured canvas plays off of the rawness of patinated bronze, emphasizes the case color and brings out the dial. Since 26mm NATOs are uncommon, and would likely make the watch a bit more cumbersome, this canvas strap achieves a similar aesthetic. It also will make for a more comfortable option during the summer. The watch only comes with one buckle, so you do need to swap it between straps, but that is easy enough.

In both cases, this is a watch that is best complimented by similarly robust and rugged clothing. Heavy canvas shirts, jeans, boots, etc… Think Carhart and Chippewa with this guy. This is a great colder weather watch, that while casual, would still work in a more laid back office environment. Just don’t expect to fit this under a shirt sleeve.

The other strong argument for this watch is the value and it’s a pretty decent deal for what it has going on. Bronze, sapphire, Miyota 9015, 2 great straps and seemingly bullet proof construction. While not cheap, it’s also not overpriced and seems to add up. So, in the end, this is very enjoyable watch.