Hands-On with the Micromilspec Field Testing Unit

While I don't put watches through their paces as a soldier or firefighter would, I do enjoy a capable watch. See it as driving a Land Cruiser, G-wagon, or Land Rover, while living in the suburbs. It evokes a sense of adventure, if only in our imagination, and even that is something to be enjoyed. The Field Testing Unit by Micromilspec is actually tested by the Norwegian Armed Forces, which puts images in my head of soldiers, all in white camouflage thermal clothing, skiing through a mountainous landscape, rifles on their backs, occasionally checking the time on their Micromilspec. While this might be more the scene of a James Bond movie,  the Field Testing Unit would for sure be up to it.

Except for the dial, Micromilspec stripped the 42mm watch of all decorations. It underscores its pedigree as a toolwatch. The clean caseback may be boring, but because it is so smooth sits very nicely and comfortable on the wrist. The bezel can be turned, but has no function. That is almost a pity, as it is easy to grab and very well made, as it has zero play when operated. Micromilspec does offer the Field Testing Unit with a GMT or a Compass bezel, for those clients for find this a bit too bare. The crown is very basic but has a nice grip and is screw-down, helping give the Field Testing Unit a 20 ATM/200 meter water-resistant rating.   

The Field Testing Unit is also a bit rough around the edges. I feel that Micromilspec could have achieved a higher degree of finishing, but I am strangely happy that they didn't. It makes it feel more purpose-built, not a glorified version of something that should have been rough and tough, as often happens with the cars I mentioned before. The Field Testing Unit just feels right, and that also goes for the dial. This is perhaps the most extravagant part of the watch, with most of the text located on the left side of the dial. It is a bold move, all the more so as it is not balanced by a date function on the right, but it suits the watch. The same goes for the hands and the hour markers, which are clearly legible in both day and night.

You can get the Field Testing Unit with a rubber strap, but order that as an add-on, as the metal bracelet is a joy to wear. It is robust, but the links are relatively thin, making it very nice to wear on the wrist. The only thing missing is the option for micro-adjustment. Inside the Field Testing Unit ticks Sellita's SW200-1 automatic movement. It is robust, precise, and easy to service, making it the perfect choice for a watch like this. Micromilspec interestingly caps the production of the Field Testing Unit at 200 pieces per year, making it not very likely that you will see many around, and yes, that adds to its appeal. 

$1,715 is not cheap for a tool watch, but VAT is included. The Field Testing Unit has to be your kind of watch, one with a bit of a rough edge. While I can think of more sophisticated watches powered by Sellita's SW200-1, the Field Testing Unit did win me over with its charismatic toolwatch approach, solid build quality, and yes, that dial layout, with the nice bracelet as a bonus. The watch has a pleasant heft, and the overall timepiece continuously seems to confirm to you that it is going to outlive you by at least a century.   

For more info, visit Micromilspec, here.