Amazing Militado ML08. A Watch Snob's Worst Nightmare!

[@johnnemo6509]

In my career as an engineer I've done a lot of work in Chinese factories and worked with Chinese Engineers. Initially there were issues because the educational system and work environment was not capable of providing the skills or freedom to do good work. Over the years I have been amazed at how the Chinese engineers have improved. The willingness of many to improve themselves and gain knowledge is a lesson to anybody with the "the bosses pretend to pay us , and we pretend to work" mentality. We laud the entrepreneurs behind the micro-brands as we should, but let's also recognise the engineers making watches in China who are also passionate about what they do and and strive to make something a little bit special on a shoestring budget. There is crap out there but I've always gone with the well respected brands, and I've never been disappointed. Whenever you get a cheap watch from China that exceeds expectations, remember some one worked a little bit harder than they needed to , to do it right. Thanks for bringing us these gems!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks John. I always appreciate comments from those who have a little more knowledge and a great respect for the human beings behind these trinkets we put on our wrists. We seem to forget what's important. 🤗🙏😺

[@johnnemo6509]

@@johnswatchjoint well said and the end of the day we are all human beings looking to create something meaningful in the short time we have on earth. I'm happy to be in the position to enjoy the results of other peoples efforts and that includes YT content thanks!

[@johnswatchjoint]

@johnnemo6509 Thanks John 🤗👌

[@Mr1MOA]

I used to dismiss Chinese made watches in the past, until I realized that many watch companies use Chinese made parts, to include well known Swiss watchmakers. So I have a San Martin a shot, and I figured how bad could it be........boy was I wrong. So I have been ordering some watches from Watchdives, I'm quite pleased with the quality. I will take a look at this model Militado.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well done. I never entertained Chinese watches until 3 years ago...a year before I started this channel. It opened my eyes and now we're here. Some are excellent but some are still poor.

[@adk7962]

In your defense, I think it’s only been less than five years since Chinese Watches have come into their own. I can’t wait to see that they are like in ten years. People might be looking for “Made in China” on their watches soon enough. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ikeman5774]

@@Mr1MOA Good choice with San Martin, their finishing on the cases and bracelets are fantastic, and their dials and endices and bezel alignment are spot on, at least on my watches. However, other brands quality and attention to detail aren't always and in most cases as good as San Martin. They're not bad, just San Martin is in another league. I'm referring to other watches on Aliexpress.

[@tohian]

As someone who has been working with Chinese manufacturing companies since the early 2000s, I can confirm that their standards have come a long long way. Great review John. Thank you. 🙏

[@meanmistermustard2485]

This video help me make my decision to try the Militado. All the comments are what I needed to read. Thanks guys! I'm a new subscriber now.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Welcome aboard 🤗

[@picklesrgross]

I ordered a Murph 38 first. Returned it immediately when I couldn't read the AR-lacking crystal, or get used to its atrocious, plasticky "leather" strap. Then I got the ML08 and put a Barton alligator grain leather strap on it. Mecha-quartz vs automatic movement aside, the ML08 is so much better than the Murph, with proper AR coating and a slightly brighter fauxtina paint. I can't think of it as an homage when it got right all the things that the original got wrong.

[@GunGuy258]

So true.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It sounds like you got the original 42mm version. I think I read that the newer 38mm og now has an AR coating due to complaints about the original lack of?

[@picklesrgross]

@@johnswatchjoint Nope, it was the 38 for sure. I also read that it had AR coating, but man if THAT'S what Hamilton considers anti-reflective, then the 42 must be blinding to my eyes!

[@WATCHingJames]

There are some great affordable files watches out at the moment. Great to see this one again.

[@MrShoryuken1]

Just got one of these as an experiment, before dropping a grand on a Hamilton Murph. I genuinely don't think I will buy one now, this scratches the itch 98% and I really like the MOD arrow instead of a brand logo.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice...Wear it in good health 😉

[@ikeman5774]

Very clean, no nonsense field watch. Good size and fantastic crystal. I like the dial just like it is, no branding or font. Just a clean and legible dial. I would have liked to have seen an NH35A, however the VH31 is not a bad choice either. Good looking watch and a good looking price. Not bad. Thanks John

[@johnswatchjoint]

My thoughts exactly. Cheers for watching 🤗

[@themaggot8]

You can always get the Milifortic homage with NH38.

[@AlexanderB.]

The crystal is what makes this so good. Not only is it sapphire, it's also double domed. I agree about the logo, the Militado logo would have been better. And perhaps the WR rating above 6 o'clock.

[@JakeFockstein-cn3hc]

Very nice watch. Id gladly pay extra for a mechanical movement.

[@Katabatic]

Managed to snag it from Militado just after release. £46 delivered. No regrets.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice catch 👌

[@dunderhay9169]

Great review 👍. This is the best homage to the Murph 38 so far, nice slim case , good looking hands and dial and a sensible price. I sort of wish I'd waited for it rather than buy the red dial Tandorio, though I do really enjoy wearing it and I like the way it is homage with a twist rather than straight copy.

[@johnswatchjoint]

You are right...they did it their way. I just wonder with Tandorio sometimes...their W10 models have superb crystals but the Murph homage I thought was lacking in clarity. It's all down to the quality of supply I suppose?

[@dunderhay9169]

@@johnswatchjoint Mine is nice and clear when wiped, but it is a finger print magnet and gets smeary easily.

[@AutomaticReviewsOfficial]

I just reviewed the 05 recently, blown away. I want to pick this one up too!

[@thisispw]

I’ve had mine for a while, it’s great.

[@gorillasinthewrist]

I wasn’t sure about the brand but tried the ML05 and was impressed, great review and good to see you back

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Chris 🤗

[@rodiow369]

I've had the Hamilton Khaki mechanical for years (bought when still affordable ) but I also bought the ML05 Militado , side by side it's pretty amazing to see how close they resemble each other, hats of to Militado, if you don't like cathedral hands and you prefer the look of the Hamilton Khaki mech the ML05 is the one to get, if you cant afford the Murph get this one, nice review John.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks buddy....it's funny, when I was putting the B-Roll together I forgot just how much I liked the Escapement Time version in the video...I may just get it again, even though it doesn't have a sapphire crystal, it's still one of the best budget watches out there....this obsession drives me nuts sometimes 😆

[@markmahood3093]

I ordered this on a whim before it went out of stock. Have you had a Murph in hand? Obviously the mechanism is better but I would love to know how much better it is in terms finishing? Massive price difference! No logo on the dial is a winner! Ps that vintage leather strap works well!

[@johnswatchjoint]

That strap from Jonathan just works with everything! I have it in black, tan, red and green. I have not handled the Murph but I have had a close look at it. It's a very simple watch.

[@riccardorosin9094]

...got one and very pleased

[@southbrit]

Loving your work John. Ordered the Clemence Munro off the back of your vid and cannot wait to receive it - I probably will wear little else for about 6 months. I agree on the Chinese topic. I have Rolexes, Tags, Seikos, Casios AND San Martins, Cronos, Steeldive and dare I say it...Pagani pieces. Its fun to indulge our passion without spending multiple thousands (which I just won't spend on a watch these days anyway!) Like you say, if it suits you then wear it. Who cares what other people think! Keep up the great work mate.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks my friend. Wise words 🤗

[@LymanPhillips]

This one is pretty. I like it on the NATOs, but the regular straps leave way too much skin showing between the strap and the case.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Unfortunately that is typical of field watches and the OG itself 🫤

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Just replaced a battery in a Skagen Watch which actually is an american brand and a subsidiary of Fossil, inside the caseback it said China. Great review.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Haha... Watches are so full of surprises!

[@luist.1919]

Militado is making some great watches! One reason why I like buying these homage watches is to “test the waters” before I buy the real deal. I have both a Hamilton khaki & Militado’s version. I find I wear the homage more than the original hahaha!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Glad you like them! 😊

[@johnjones928]

Love the ML08, iv'e even (mostly) come to peace with the lack of date complication (COME ON SEIKO) but i'm not a fan of the Murph dial, luckily it also comes with a Knaki Field dial as well, that's the one for me.

[@ikarugamoo]

John dear boy, I have a problem here. I don't like cathedral hands too much. Never have. I'm also wary when looking at homages, am I comfortable with the watch being so close etc. The problem is... I really like this watch - and I'm ever convinced Militado IS Baltany or a disgruntled ex-employee of Baltany !! I love your intro here, I too believe we need this cheaper industry. I don't believe it's going to change the establishment and those brands to drop their prices because you can get lovely specs and looks for a fraction of the price and indeed it can inform our purchases sometimes. For the price... I think I'm going to have to get one!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Cripes. We have a convert. Thanks for your insight 🤗

[@adk7962]

Another great review of another great watch. Give the man a subscribe folks. If this is your first video, he has some sort of pet lion he shows every once in a while. Thanks John!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hahaha. Thanks Albert ! 🙂

[@richardpool9970]

The lume is still better then most of Hamilton's range 😀Lume on my Khaki day/date auto is poor and apart from the size at 42mm is the only complaint.

[@boomshanka8743]

I just got one of these, it has to be the best £50 I have ever spent on a fun item. I will probably get a second one to put away.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well done 👍

[@deedee8568]

Yet the steelflier sf741, at a similar price and vh31 was ignored when it came out over a year ago.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I agree. Good watch but Steelflier is struggling being in the shadow of Steeldive. Poor Brand management

[@c.s2001]

Some homages are better than the homaged! Thats why we buy them.

[@johnswatchjoint]

They are certainly getting better than they should be!

[@Opnmdjxkxmmff]

The only criticism is the color of the numerals and indices, the are too fauxtinered. Somewhere in-between the white version and this would be perfect. The choice of movement is good, the VH31 is very accurate, and costs pennies to replace.

[@ashneel]

There's the choice of white too

[@bigdreams5554]

That's a nice Hamilton you flash near the beginning of the video. Which model is that?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Khaki Aviation Pilot 36mm

[@bigdreams5554]

​@@johnswatchjoint beautiful. But pricey. I agree with you in general. These homages are great ways to see if a watch fits your style. I will need to save up for that Hamilton.

[@johnswatchjoint]

You won't have to pay full price for it. I negotiated a 30 percent discount just as an everyday punter without mentioning my channel. I knew I could as they often do spot deals depending on which retailer you go to.

[@Robosan4000]

I'd like to find a bracelet that fits this.

[@MrBacchus18]

it's weird but watching this is making me want a Hamilton Murph lol

[@johnswatchjoint]

Uh oh...my job is done haha! 😂

[@zillsburyy1]

i have their baltic small seconds homage

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice 🙂

[@Jordan-fg9cc]

What is that audio during the lume test???

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's the actual noise from the gateway to hell in my cupboard....or is it just a creepy music clip from Epidemic Sound...you decide 👻👺

[@tempestandacomputer6951]

Always thought the Murph was ridiculous at around 1k. But under $100, well i mean, it IS nice...

[@event4216]

Huh, it got so popular that Militado reissued it with "upgraded case" which means "fully brushed". I kind of see point as this is a simple watch though that polished bezel was last and only luxury piece here and played nicely with sapphire crystal. Worst part is they mention "fully brushed case" but haven't updated pictures so buyers could fall for it and receive watch with different look. This is how affordable Chinese products work - they earn credibility and next batch comes with simpler case, different inner parts (as in case of some other watches having non-Japan movements). I try to like this watch but hate paying more for simpler case 😊

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hmm...I think you have been drinking the negativity aid this morning. From having reviewed over 200 Chinese watches I don't think I've come across any version twos that were worse than the first or that deliberately contained inferior parts?! 🧐

[@event4216]

Nope, I'm quite positive as I have opened my eyes towards Chinese made watches and agree they offer quite a lot of value for price they ask. I simply regret not seeing this watch while it was available with polished bezel.... As for inferior movements this is what I have read in YT comments under reviews but that applies to cheaper watches, segment I have decided not to go into and move straight up to steel case and sapphire crystal. Thank you for reviewing this timepiece and I hope to overcome my last doubts!

[@johnswatchjoint]

It is unfortunate but forums and Reddit posts are rife with misinformation and you tend to find people with a gripe do it there...rather than resolving things with the supplier! I get so many questions based on complete falsehoods you wouldn't believe. Stick with good review channels that don't overhype things 😊

[@matrixegg]

The dial is faulty in one place (the entire series it seems). The 7 is too close to the 6, which you can see in this video. Besides that it‘s a nice watch

[@stuartthornton3027]

What a looker, and for less than the price of a Duro. Complete no brainer this one. Ps love that Hamilton

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Stuart. I will be doing my first SOTC soon so you'll see more of it then 🤗😉

[@stuartthornton3027]

@johnswatchjoint that will be good to see. You've got a good eye for a great watch.

[@johnswatchjoint]

🙏🤗

[@springbay1]

Looks like a real steal at the price point. Not sure I understand which direction Baltany is taking this though. Feels like Militado current fit and finish is making it harder to justify paying double the monies for Baltany. Or am I missing something? PS, not triggered 😂

[@iamrussz]

size of the strap? 20mm? or 22mm?

[@johnswatchjoint]

In the video.

[@glennb1679]

Wow!

[@Nite-owl]

As far as field watches go, it's not awful. I just don't see the appeal of field watches myself.

[@johnswatchjoint]

They are very popular...this is completely sold out on every platform so it looks like you're on your own there !

[@Nite-owl]

@@johnswatchjoint I'm comfortable with that, we're all different 🙂I personally prefer a "busier" dial and field watches tend to be more on the plain side.