Militado ML05 v2 Review – A Familiar Field Watch Refined Through Dial Design

The Militado ML05 v2 builds directly on the foundation of the original ML05, retaining its utilitarian field-watch DNA while introducing a meaningful visual evolution. In practical terms, very little has changed. The case, crystal, construction, and overall footprint remain identical to version one. What differentiates the v2 is the dial—and that change alone reshapes the character of the watch. Thankfully the price remains in the $60 before tax space. If you’re budgeting around the same amount, there are a few noteworthy options we’ve already covered.

Where the original leaned heavily into a traditional 24-hour military layout, the ML05 v2 adopts a more contemporary, assertive presentation. The result is still unmistakably a field watch, but one with greater visual confidence and modern appeal. On the wrist, it feels purposeful and familiar, yet refreshed.

This is not a reinvention. Instead, it is a refinement that focuses on legibility, presence, and visual balance. For those who appreciated the original ML05’s honesty but wanted a bolder dial execution, the v2 feels like a natural and well-judged progression. It’s worth placing this model within the wider landscape of similar releases.

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Design & Case

The ML05 v2 uses the same compact and wearable stainless-steel case as the original. Case diameter measures 38 mm, with a thickness of 10.5 mm, much of which is attributable to the tall domed sapphire crystal. Lug-to-lug length comes in at 48 mm, paired with a 20 mm lug width. This proportion creates a classic field-watch stance, with a lug-to-case ratio that makes the watch feel planted and assertive on the wrist.

The lugs arch outward before sweeping down in a subtle drooping taper. This curvature helps the watch hug the wrist effectively, keeping the footprint comfortable despite the longer lug span. The entire case is finished in a uniform sandblasted texture, eliminating reflections and reinforcing its tactical, no-nonsense personality.

There is no polished casework to distract the eye. The only contrasting element is the thin polished lip of the screw-down caseback, which adds a touch of visual layering when viewed from the side. A fixed bezel sits slightly recessed into the midcase, forming a clean platform for the domed crystal to rise from above.

Movement & Crown

Inside the ML05 v2 is the Seiko VH31 sweeping-seconds quartz movement. It operates at four pulses per second, producing a smooth, mechanical-like sweep rather than a traditional one-second quartz tick. The movement offers quartz accuracy rated at up to ±20 seconds per month and a stated battery life of up to three years.

Crown interaction is straightforward and satisfying. Positioned at 3 o’clock, the unsigned screw-in crown measures 5.8 mm in diameter. While modest in width, it is tall, which makes it easy to grip and rotate. The threading feels tactile and slightly notchy, providing clear feedback during operation.

There is no date function in this configuration, allowing the crown to move directly into time-setting mode. Once set, the hands remain exactly where placed, with no visible drift. The crown screws back down securely, working in conjunction with the screw-down caseback to maintain the watch’s stated water resistance.

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Bezel

The bezel on the ML05 v2 is fixed and minimalist, designed purely as a framing element rather than a functional component. It sits slightly recessed into the midcase, creating a subtle step that visually separates the case from the crystal.

Its simplicity is intentional. By avoiding markings or texture, the bezel allows the dial and crystal to remain the dominant visual features. This restraint aligns with the watch’s utilitarian field-watch ethos and keeps the overall design clean and focused.

Strap

The ML05 v2 is paired with a black nylon strap that matches the watch’s functional character. The strap is flexible and comfortable while clearly built for durability. It is secured with rectangular sandblasted stainless-steel keepers and an unsigned matching buckle.

The squared-off hardware mirrors the angular, tool-oriented design of the case, reinforcing visual cohesion. Drilled lugs further enhance usability, making strap changes quick and easy—an appreciated detail for a field watch intended for everyday wear.

Crystal & Dial

The tall domed sapphire crystal is one of the defining elements of the ML05 v2. It features a clean bevel at the edge, creating a distinct visual boundary rather than a seamless blend into the bezel. Anti-reflective coating is applied, revealing subtle green and purple hues under sharper angles while remaining largely invisible head-on.

Beneath the crystal sits a matte black dial framed by a finely sandblasted rehaut that echoes the case finish. A white printed minute chapter runs around the outer edge, ensuring clarity and precision. Hour markers consist of elongated white batons, paired with bold Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12.

Just below 12 o’clock, a British broad arrow emblem reinforces the watch’s military heritage. The new sword-style handset is bolder than the original, finished in white for maximum contrast. A long white seconds hand glides smoothly around the dial, a visual benefit of the VH31 movement. Lume is applied consistently, prioritising legibility over decoration.

Summary

The Militado ML05 v2 succeeds by focusing on what matters most for a field watch: clarity, durability, and coherent design. By leaving the proven case and construction unchanged and concentrating improvement on the dial and handset, Militado has refined the watch without compromising its utilitarian roots.

The result is a watch that feels more confident and visually engaging while remaining faithful to the original’s purpose-driven ethos. For those who admired the ML05 but wanted a bolder, more contemporary dial layout, the v2 delivers a compelling and thoughtfully executed update. If you’ve enjoyed this piece, you may also want to explore Militado, particularly their other dive-focused releases.

Militado ML05 v2 Specifications

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