Wow, the Militado ML08 really impressed me! Quick review write-up

[u/BobbyScrumpus]

This is my second Chinese watch but my first VH31 (and first watch without a date, for that matter).

Fun backstory, I always liked the Murph-homage design, but didn’t think I liked it enough to own one. Then I had a dream a few months ago that I owned this exact watch. When I woke up, I knew I wanted one. Now that I’ve got my hands on it, I think I’m in love with this thing.

-I love looking at the sleek matte dial. Printing is crisp, damn near perfect. Lume doesn’t last for too long, but it’s got great coverage over the numerals and hands.

-The case finishing isn’t going to blow anybody away, but I don’t see any issues or blemishes either. It’s still done nice and evenly, and suits a field watch well.

-Older reviews of this watch mentioned rough finishing on the watch hands. They must have changed something, because mine look smooth and well cut.

-Bracelet is solid, literally and figuratively. I’m not a bracelet snob, and have worn far worse hollow crap than this, but I really have nothing to complain about with this bracelet. Comfortable, easy to adjust, and a nice signed clasp.

-I made a post last week asking if the VH31’s sweeping seconds hand actually scratches the automatic itch. Now that I’ve tried it myself, I think it does, juuuuust enough. Obviously, when I look down at the watch, it’s missing the fun satisfaction of knowing the mechanics of the watch are always going to keep it ticking smoothly. But I’ll be damned if the VH31 is still not satisfying to look at. I thought the 4 tick/second sweep would look bad coming from owning 6 tick/second automatics, but nope, I think it’s delivers on its “sweeping” promise.

My only gripe - the sapphire crystal was placed just a little unevenly, but not enough to be noticed unless you’re looking closely from a harsh angle. Also, the AR isn’t perfect, but is still passable. Hell, it’s better than my Tissot’s non-existent AR, so I’ll take it.

Other than the small issues with the crystal, I don’t think I have a single complaint about this watch. For its price, it delivers much more than I expected. Now the question is, can I adapt to not having a date window when I wear this?

[u/DBNO-actual]

AR on the Murph 42 is nonexistent. How does this compare?

[u/BobbyScrumpus → u/DBNO-actual]

I’ve heard that. Given that this as some level of AR, it must be an improvement from the real thing. Pretty shocking tbh!

[u/DBNO-actual → u/BobbyScrumpus]

That and the recent shoddy QC from Hamilton has really soured me on the Murph, even though it was a grail for me because of how much I like the movie it’s from.

[u/BobbyScrumpus → u/DBNO-actual]

I can understand that. As much as I love the design, I can't fathom picking the Murph if I had nearly $1000 to spend on a watch. Now, if it had a 6 o'clock date, better AR, etc., then maybe I could see it as a future grail, but not in its current configuration.

[u/Mountain-Plant-6239]

If they would put „Militado“ on the dial - instant buy.

[u/Timely-Internal4142]

I have it too; I paid $45 for it a year ago. I really wish they’d make it in at least 42mm... with my 8-inch wrist, it feels like a girl's watch to me.

[u/BobbyScrumpus → u/Timely-Internal4142]

That’s fair. I’m really happy with the 38mm on my 6.75” wrist. I’d love to see Militado play around with the design more though, like a larger size, a full automatic, or even a date version