The New Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage Edition Gets The Black Badger Treatment
With the Milgraph, Norwegian microbrand Micromilspec released one of last year’s highlights. The brand’s rugged GMT chronograph turned out to be a surprisingly versatile watch that offers great functionality and combines that with a brilliant injection of modern design. The result was one of my favorite hands-on experiences of 2024. In the next step for the Milgraph, the guys at Micromilspec teamed up with James Thompson, aka Black Badger. They collaborated on the special 75-piece limited edition Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage. The result is a crisp white dial version of the Milgraph with Black Badger’s signature rich lume application and an accompanying anime story. Yes, you read that correctly.
Let’s kick things off with that anime universe that Micromilspec and Black Badget created. The two parties found a common mindset as small independent forces in an industry dominated by big brands. It sparked the idea for the alternate anime universe known as The Time Universe, where a charming space pirate named Black Badger is the main character. It’s a whimsical story and a light-hearted jab at the world of watches. It reminds me somewhat of the brilliant marketing materials that Linde Werdelin unveiled back in 2010 with their The Perfect V comic. While the anime story that comes with the new Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage is a playful idea to bring the watch’s story to life, we are here to talk about the watch.
The details of the Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage
The new Milgraph Sabotage takes the same canvas as the first model. However, using different colors completely changes the watch’s presence. Let’s start by reminding ourselves of some of the specs. The Milspec comes with a microblasted Grade 5 titanium case that measures 42mm in diameter, 15mm thick, and 50.3mm from lug to lug. The case is water resistant up to 100 meters and features a microblasted finish chosen to eliminate reflections.
The case features the characteristic QuadGrip bezel with its signature four deep indents. The indents make it super easy to turn the bezel with its elapsed-time scale. Additionally, they add a nice visual touch to the overall design. As I explained in the review of the regular Milspec, the 60-minute scale continues underneath the bezel. As a result, the functionality is never compromised. Another immediate memory is the joy I had rotating the bezel. The pronounced knurled edges make it easy to operate, and the crisp clicks are an absolute joy to hear. They are proof of a well-thought-out and sturdy military watch.
The bright colors completely change the presence of the Milspec
The titanium case is matched with a matte white dial, which is contrasted by black markers and text. Additionally, the centrally mounted hands are skeletonized and executed in black. The GMT and central chronograph hands get an orange tip to stand out. Additionally, the hands used for the chronograph counters are orange, while the running seconds hand is black. Lastly, the rehaut is bright orange and features a 24-hour GMT scale in white. But as the watch gets the Black Badger treatment, you know there is more to the story. The hands and hour markers are all treated with white X1-grade Super-LumiNova that lights up “ultramarine” in the dark. Black Badger has specially designed this unique color with RC Tritec in Switzerland. 
The Milspec is a destro GMT chronograph with a unique yet cleverly designed layout to be used during military missions. You can read the specifics in my hands-on review of the previous model. As you can see, the branding is placed on the left side of the dial. The “Sabotage” designation is printed in orange to match the other orange details. Additionally, the three sub-dials are different in size due to the necessary hierarchical reading of information during military missions. This new version feels crisp and colorful compared to the inaugural black dial model. Unfortunately, Micromilspec didn’t provide an image of the lume, because I would love to see that dial in the dark.
The La Joux-Perret L121 caliber
Hidden behind the Black Badger case back is the La Joux-Perret L121 that powers the watch. This automatic column-wheel chronograph caliber with a caller GMT function operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and offers a 60-hour power reserve. It is the perfect power train for the watch because it combines a chronograph and a GMT, which is an excellent combination for military usage.
The Micromilspec offers the Milgraph on a texturized orange rubber strap with a microblasted titanium tang buckle. You can also get an optional leather strap. Lastly, there is also a microblasted titanium H-link bracelet with a push-button butterfly clasp. The watch will be delivered with a serial number-matching Zirconium and SuperLuminova dogtag in white and orange.
Black Badger and Pat Pruitt, a legendary specialist in advanced materials, co-created these laser-engraved and blowtorch-oxidized dog tags. The new Micromilspec Milgraph will be available starting on the 22nd of May at 18:00 for $3,850 on the rubber strap. I love this new take on the Milspec, and I do not doubt that all 75 pieces will sell out fast, considering how different and cool this new Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage is.
