What is the MICROMILSPEC MILGRAPH T5?
The MILGRAPH T5 (“T5”) is both an evolution of the brand’s MILGRAPH, its military-inspired destro (crown on the left) chronograph and a tribute to the brand’s first watch, The Field Testing Unit (FTU). The FTU was “a program where 30 timepieces were issued to personnel within the Norwegian Armed Forces to be tested in real conditions and evaluated for performance and accuracy.”
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Does MICROMILSEPC specialise in watches for military and special forces units?
Yes. MICROMILSPEC is a Norwegian brand that specialises in ““made-to-order” watches for military, first-responders and special clients.” Their customers include the Canadian, French and Norwegian Special Forces, His Majesty The King’s Guard (Royal Guards battalion of the Norwegian Army), Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates (naval combatant units of the Royal Norwegian Navy), Smoke Divers unit of the Oslo Fire Brigade, Asymmetrical Warfare Group (American anti-terror unit), Swedish 323rd Parachute Ranger Squadron, among other such units.
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What are the MILGRAPH T5’s dial features?
The T5 is presented in two dial variants: Chrome dial with a brushed sunburst finish and a Black dial with a sunburst finish. Subdials for small seconds (3 o’clock), 60-minute counter (6 o’clock) and 12-hour counter (12 o’clock) feature distinctive markings. The hands (except central seconds) and applied hour-markers are coated with Super-LumiNova X1.
What are its case, bracelet and strap features?
Its case is made from Grade 5 titanium with a satin brushed finish. It measures 42 mm (diameter) * 15 mm (thickness). Lug-to-lug distance: 50.3 mm. Lug width: 20 mm. It features a 120 click bi-directional QuadGrip bezel with a minute scale. Dial side features a domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The closed caseback features custom engraving options. Water resistant up to 20 bar / (approximately) 200 metres / 656 feet. Both dial variants are available with either a red, black, or white rubber strap. Alternatively, a Grade 5 titanium bracelet is offered.
“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.”
Is it powered by an automatic movement?
Yes. It is powered by Caliber L121, Soignée, an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement made by La-Joux Perret SA. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph functions: central seconds, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter, and GMT function. It comprises of 26 jewels, beats at a modern rate of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 60 hours. Movement rate is +/- 4 seconds per day.
What do we think?
Military and pilots watches have an allure of their own, irrespective of whether the brands have real military, special forces, and pilots heritage. It hits differently when a brand has actual heritage and a proven track record in these domains. MICROMILSPEC falls in the latter category; they first and foremost cater to military and special forces customers. Commercial customers followed later.
Its watches are not haute horology comprising of precious metals, grand complications and complex movements featuring interior angles. Rather they are horology of another kind; one where its dial legibility and lume, and the case and movement’s construction, robustness and reliability can mean the difference between life or death for the brave men and women of military and special forces units who wear them. In this regard, the MILGRAPH T5 is hard to fault, and will bring a smile to collectors who understand and appreciate this world.
Additional Details
Name: MILGRAPH T5
Variants: Chrome dial with choice of red, black, white rubber strap and titanium bracelet. Black dial with choice of red, black, white rubber strap and titanium bracelet.
Price: Euro 3,500 for the rubber strap versions. Euro 4,000 for the titanium bracelet version. Prices include VAT / Tax.
Limited to 35 pieces across both dial variants with choice of strap and bracelet. At the time of writing this article, the watch is sold out. Maybe they will have further quantities next year. Please sign-up on the brand’s website for upcoming releases.
5-year international warranty.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
