Militado D12 V2 Review – A Modern Take on the Dirty Dozen Military Watch

The Militado D12 V2 is what happens when a modern microbrand pays genuine respect to the mid-century field watches that inspired it. At around $70, it’s a faithful reinterpretation of the Dirty Dozen aesthetic — compact, legible, and stripped of excess — yet built with modern materials like sapphire, Super-LumiNova, and 100 m water resistance.
Where many budget field watches lean on nostalgia as decoration, the Militado D12 V2 executes it as purpose. Every line, texture, and proportion feels deliberate — utilitarian first, elegant second.

Design & Case

At its core, the Militado D12 V2 gets the sizing exactly right. The 36 mm case diameter, 12 mm thickness, and 42.5 mm lug-to-lug span mirror the proportions of wartime service watches. Much in-line with other retro styled field watches, such as the SteelFlier SF745. On the wrist, it feels authentically vintage yet surprisingly contemporary, thanks to sharp machining and a clean silhouette. Even on a 6.5-inch wrist, the watch hugs naturally — no overhang, no bulk.

The stainless-steel case is fully sandblasted, producing a soft, matte finish free from blotching or glare. It’s tactile, honest, and understated — the kind of surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. From the side, you can appreciate its layered construction: a flat mid-case, a narrow screw-down back, and a slightly recessed fixed bezel that frames the tall crystal.

At 3 o’clock sits an unsigned 5 mm screw-down crown — short, wide, and perfectly grippy. Its tall knurling and fine threading provide secure engagement without over-tightening. The screw-down caseback contrasts with the sandblasted case via radial brushing, unbranded and functional — in keeping with the field-watch ethos. Together, crown and back seal the case to 100 m of water resistance, impressive for a sub-$100 vintage-style piece.

Crystal & Dial

Front and center is a boxed-domed synthetic sapphire crystal, giving that classic distortion at angles while resisting scratches far better than acrylic. Anti-reflective coating ensures the dial stays crisp even under direct sunlight, retaining legibility without glare.

The dial itself is stunning — a sunburst brown that shifts from dark chocolate to bronze, alive under changing light. It’s not flashy; it’s warm, dimensional, and organic. A sub-seconds register at six mirrors the main dial’s texture, recessed just enough to add depth without clutter.

Printed white Arabic numerals (1–12) ring the dial, interrupted at 3, 6, 9, and 12 by elongated batons. Tiny lume pips accompany the remaining hours, offering symmetry and rhythm. The cathedral-style hands, painted white with polished chrome frames, cut clearly across the caramel backdrop.

Under low light, the Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 glows a cool, even blue across both hands and hour plots. It’s bright, long-lasting, and precise — rare quality at this price. The only omission: the small-seconds hand lacks lume, remaining polished chrome only.

Movement & Accuracy

Powering the D12 V2 is the Seiko Instruments VD78 quartz movement, chosen for reliability and simplicity. It offers ±20 seconds per month accuracy and about three years of battery life. There’s no date, no complication — just steady, precise timekeeping with small-seconds display. For a military-inspired piece, this restraint feels completely appropriate.

Strap & Clasp

Completing the look is a dark chocolate calf-leather strap, 18 mm wide and 3 mm thick. The leather is supple yet substantial, sandblasted in texture to echo the case finish. Twin stitches near the lugs add discreet reinforcement, while a soft beige underside ensures comfort. Traditional spring bars replace quick-release pins, maintaining period authenticity.

The unsigned sandblasted buckle keeps the utilitarian tone consistent — simple, robust, and perfectly matched to the case.

Summary

The Militado D12 V2 is proof that history can be respected without imitation. It’s compact, capable, and cohesive — every part serving purpose. The boxed sapphire, 100 m sealing, BGW9 lume, and meticulous finishing combine into a watch that feels far beyond its price tag.

Where many brands chase nostalgia, Militado executes it with quiet confidence. For under $70, this Militado might just be the most honest modern field watch you can buy.

Specifications Table