MICROMILSPEC Goes To Orbit With Its New Space Force Watches

MICROMILSPEC is an unusual watchmaker, to say the least. Founded in 2019, the Norwegian microbrand has focused almost exclusively on military applications, first responders and special projects, but a civilian piece is finally being offered alongside a dedicated US Space Force model (USSF). The USSF is a new military agency and the only independent space force in the world, established at the end of 2019 to focus on global space operations and security. Both watches honour the USSF, but the military-exclusive model has customization options for current and former members. The civilian piece can only be shipped to US addresses, so buyers might have to get a little creative to acquire one.

We looked closely at the MICROMILSPEC x TMBN Telemark Bataljon last year, created specifically for the Norwegian Elite Forces. The official US Space Force Watch follows the same theme as it’s specifically designed for both active and former USSF members, not the general public. The stainless steel case has a black PVD coating and an integrated sports watch aesthetic. There’s also a unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel with a 15-minute scale, so from space to sea, it’s quite versatile with a water-resistance rating of 100 metres. It’s also sized like a bona fide diver, with a 42mm diameter and height of 12.5mm. The crown is partially guarded, although it seems more aesthetic than functional with its shallow reach.

A sapphire crystal protects the dial, which is also matte black to match the stealth vibe. There’s a pattern representing Earth’s orbit with stars inspired by USSF unit emblems, and an applied USSF logo sits at 6 o’clock. A colour-matching circular date window sits at 3 o’clock, while applied indices and the hour and minute hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova. A detailed track is printed on the flange with SEMPER SUPRA at the top (Latin for Always Above). It comes with a 20mm integrated steel bracelet with a black PVD coating or an optional leather or rubber strap.

The Civilian counterpart is very similar but comes in uncoated stainless steel. Other than the finish, the main difference involves the caseback. The USSF personnel model has a solid caseback engraved with the Space Force Delta unit and additional personalized engravings. The civilian model has a sapphire exhibition display back that can also be engraved. On the dial, SPACE FORCE is only seen on the USSF personnel model at 12 o’clock, whereas the civilian model only shows the MICROMILSPEC logo.

Both watches are powered by a Sellita SW200 automatic, an ETA 2824 alternative. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and comes with a 38-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes, hacking seconds and date. This proven workhorse is accurate to +/-12 seconds per day on average as a Standard grade. It presents well through the sapphire back on the civilian model but is undecorated (MICROMILSPEC is engraved on the rotor).

MICROMILSPEC designs its watches in Oslo, Norway and production is handled by partners in Switzerland (both models are Swiss Made). Some of the microbrand’s projects have included Canadian and French Special Forces, the Smoke Divers unit of the Oslo Firebrigade, the Asymmetrical Warfare Group (an American anti-terror unit) and Fallskärmsjägarklubben (Swedish 323rd Parachute Ranger Squadron). Of course, the Norwegian Army, Navy, and Air Force units are clients as well.

Both watches are available to preorder now, and Space Force representatives will oversee the eligibility of the official USSF model. The USSF personnel model is reserved for active and former Space Force staff only, but the civilian model is purchasable by anyone with a US residency or shipping address. The price is EUR 1,500 for either of the two.

For more information and to place an order, please visit the MICROMILSPEC website.