MICROMILSPEC unveils a new watch, the MILGRAPH
The MILGRAPH is an all-new watch available for non-military customers. It features a column-wheel chronograph and GMT function in a Grade 5 titanium case.
“A watch born from over 40 custom military projects. Originally developed for Special Operations Forces, the MILGRAPH is purposefully designed with a swapped crown position to reduce wrist injuries and QuadGrip bezel, enhancing mobility and ease of use when kitted up. Stripped of unnecessary embellishments, the MILGRAPH is a reliable and untraceable timekeeping instrument.”
MICROMILSPEC, a Norwegian timepiece brand founded in 2019, unveiled the MILGRAPH at Geneva Watch Days, held from August 29 until September 2, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
MICROMILSPEC specializes in creating custom mechanical timepieces “in close collaboration with military units and select organizations.” A few of their select customers include French Special Forces, Oslo Fire Brigade, Norwegian Air Defense Artillery, His Majesty The King’s Guard (Norway), Paratroopers NO (Norway), Paratroopers SWE (Sweden), and 333 Squadron Royal Norwegian Air Force.
“Our custom watches are designed to be reliable companions for both daily activities and special situations. Situations where every second counts.”
The MILGRAPH is the brand’s first timepiece that combines a GMT function with a chronograph. It is a “homage to the 30 custom military projects that inspired its creation”, and to the “servicemen and women who value dual-time functionality, keeping them connected with home wherever their duties take them.”
Key Features
Functions
The MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPHS’S functions include:
– Central hours and minutes.
– Central chronograph seconds.
– Chronograph 12-hour counter on subdial at 12 o’clock.
– Chronograph 30-minute counter on subdial at 6 o’clock.
– Running seconds on subdial at 3 o’clock.
– Central GMT hand.
Dial
The MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPHS’S dial features includes:
– It features a “Matte dial with grainy finish and velvet details.”
– The skeletonised hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® X1.
– The central chronograph hand features an orange tip.
– The central GMT hand features an orange arrow towards the tip, the latter coated with Super-LumiNova® X1.
– The hands on each of the three subdials – each with prominent markings – are coated with Super-LumiNova® X1.
– Encircling the outer dial is an hour and minute track, graduated in increments of 5 minutes each. The 12 applied hour-markers are coated with Super-LumiNova® X1.
– The outer flange displays Arabic numerals (even numbers) and dots (odd numbers) for the 24-hour GMT function.
– The brand’s logo, “MICROMILSPEC,” “MILGRAPH” (in orange), “10 ATM”, and “#002” are displayed left side of the dial. “#002” is perhaps each timepiece’s individual number.
Case and Strap
In the first image, the crown is pulled out, revealing the red-alert winding stem. In the second image, the orange arrow tip on the GMT function hand is skeletonised, and not coated with Super-LumiNova® X1, as described under the Dial section above. Perhaps these are prototypes or alternate options for the GMT hand.
The MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPHS’S case, bracelet and strap features include:
– Its “signature octagon” shaped case is made from microblasted Grade 5 titanium, with a satin brush finish.
– Its case diameter is 42 mm and case thickness 15 mm.
– Its lug-to-lug distance is 50.30 mm and lug width 20 mm.
– It features a 120-click unidirectional QuadGrip bezel with a minute scale.
– On its dial side, it features a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
– It features a screw-in closed caseback, with custom engraving options.
– Its “screw-in crown with a red alert winding stem, and a chamfered crown guard” are on the left side of the case.
– The 2 chronograph pushers are on the left side of the case, at (approximately) 8 and 10 o’clock.
“Originally contracted by Special Operations Forces, this left-hand chronograph features a swapped crown position. This unique configuration enhances mobility and comfort, minimizing wear on the skin when worn directly and on textiles when worn on the exterior. MICROMILSPEC’s new QuadGrip bezel, with its four deep indents, allows for seamless operation even while wearing gloves. The titanium case is microblasted for a lasting dark tactical appearance. Each chronograph sub-dial is distinctly labelled for hours, minutes, and seconds, ensuring consistent timekeeping and effortless coordination onsite.”
– It is water resistant up to 100 metres / 10 bar / 328 feet.
– It comes with a black leather strap with a pin buckle or titanium bracelet. Both can be “seamlessly integrated” into the case with the help of a strap change tool, included with the timepiece.
Movement
The MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPHS’S movement features include:
– It is powered by Caliber L121, Soignée, an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement made by La-Joux Perret SA in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
– It drives the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph (central, 12-hour counter, and 30-minute counter), and GMT function.
– It features a stop-second function for accurate time setting (according to the La-Joux Perret SA website.).
– It has 26 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 60 hours.
– It features a movement rate of +/- 4 seconds / day.
Our Thoughts
MICROMILSPEC is among the most unique timepiece brands I have come across. They have harnessed their experience and expertise from military projects to introduce a timepiece for civilians, resulting in the incredible MILGRAPH. Military, special forces and clandestine operation timepieces have not been my horological comfort zone. However, I stumbled upon literature on horology catering to this elite world, and my interest was piqued. Timepieces here are not about haute horology and fine movement finishing. They are functional tools, which must be legible, reliable, perform flawlessly, and be untraceable. They cater to defense, national security, intelligence operations, and human lives are at stake.
“The MILGRAPH, being a mechanical chronograph with GMT functionality, is free of electronic components, making it untraceable and safe for operational use. This feature ensures seamless coordination during operations without the risk of electronic interference or detection. “
Historically, brands such as Breitling, Omega, Rolex, Seiko and Tudor, to name a few, have provided custom timepieces to military units worldwide. MICROMILSPEC, founded in 2019, is a young brand, and has made a name for themselves. The MILGRAPH, inspired by the brand’s 30 or more military projects, is a badass timepiece, one that is extremely good looking, features an abundance of details, and appears well constructed. Given its limited run of 50 pieces annually, I don’t think it will be easy to obtain one. Yet, it will be a superb and complimentary addition to almost any collection, whether military timepieces, or chronographs / dual time, or the most sophisticated haute-horology collection. We at The Cornea Impression wish them all the best for their civilian offerings and look forward to other such timepieces from them.
Additional Details
Name: MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPH
Price: From United States Dollar (USD): 3,850. I suppose the price will increase depending on the customisation options. The brand’s website does not specify individual prices for the leather strap or titanium bracelet version.
The MILGRAPH is limited to 50 pieces annually. MICROMILSPEC’s core business remains custom timepieces for military units and select organisations worldwide.
The MILGRAPH comes in a box featuring both a “glossy piano lacquer” exterior and a “soft touch interior” material.
It includes the following:
– A complementary custom military patch, highlighting the brand’s name and logo.
– A microfiber cloth, decorated with the brand’s name, logo, and side profile of a timepiece, perhaps the MILGRAPH.
– A hidden compartment with a strap change tool and space for additional straps or bracelets.
– The timepiece’s 5-year international warranty tag.
– A certificate of authenticity, featuring the model’s name and individual serial number.
Please visit MICROMILSPEC’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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