Militado ML07

The Militado ML07 is a classic field watch with a rugged yet versatile design. Its a military inspired design, but its modest 36mm case size, thin profile, and domed sapphire crystal offer a vintage aesthetic. The party piece to this watch and the entire Militado company, is the price.

The ML07 features a stainless steel case with a sand-blasted finish, giving it a durable yet understated look. A highly legible dial, featuring bold Arabic numerals for both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. The ML07 comes in two dial colors, a classic black, or vintage-inspired cream color.

When a china based watch company with no history in watchmaking comes up, its easy to imagine quality as an issue. In the case of this small field watch, it's surprisingly sturdy. The sand-blasted case has a smooth, even finish. Militado does offer the additional option of a sapphire crystal, but at this price point its difficult to imagine a true sapphire crystal is actually included. Regardless of what the crystal is actually made of, it looks fantastic with its high-domed top.

Inside the ML07 you will find a quartz VH31 movement. A reliable japanese watch movement, that perhaps due to compatability issues, isn't as widely used as I would expect. One of my favorite features is the "sweeping seconds" hand of the VH31. Its not actually a sweeping seconds hand, but the VH31 movement beats 4 times per second, giving the seconds hand a much smoother appearance.

Why I love this Militado ML07 over a seemingly infinite selection of field watches, is their simple design, durable build-quality, and a price that is nearly untouchable by any other brand. For the K-1 crystal model, it retails on their website for $50, or $65 for the "Sapphire Crystal" option.

Pros: Classic field watch design with Military inspiration, durable stainless steel case, reliable Japanese movement.

Cons: Water resistance without a screw down crown is concerning, the crystal might not be true sapphire, an 18mm lug width could be bumped up to a larger 20mm-making it much more universal.

Technical Data:

Movement type - Quartz movement with "sweeping seconds" hand

Caliber - VH31 Movement

2 Jewels

Case Material - Sand blasted stainless steel

Case Size - 36mm diameter, 10.1mm thickness, 43.75mm lug-to-lug

18mm Lug width

Crystal - Bubble k1 high crystal clear AR coating, Sapphire high crystal clear AR coating

Water Resistance - 10 bar