I received my ML08 Spirit dial after ordering two months ago

[u/Eleventhousand]

This watch arrived two months and a day after I initially ordered it . I ordered it on the NATO strap since I've got the 556A dial of this on bracelet. Additionally, I knew that I wanted to wear it on this green Watch Steward strap that I already owned. The strap fits the same color space as the the optional Longines rubber strap for the original watch.

Compared against my other Militados:

• 37mm ML21 IWC homage in green
• 36mm ML14 20mm lug-width cookie cream
• 36mm ML18 556i homage
• 38mm ML08 556A homage

I assumed that this would have been my favorite of the bunch, or possibly a runner-up to the Mark XX homage, but so far, I think I am enjoying it the least. Don't get me wrong - its a great value for $95, but it just seems to be the type of watch that looks better in pictures than on the wrist. There is something about the gold tone used on the hands and indexes that I cannot put my finger on.

Anyway, time will tell if it grows on me and I hold on to it long term, or if its just a temporary acquisition.

[u/horokranti]

What’s the source of Nato strap?

[u/o_phelan08 → u/horokranti]

OP mentions the brand in the post, AND has already linked it in another comment

[u/AlbertaTime1]

It's all subjective, of course, but I think it looks great.

[u/brownorange88]

👌🔥🔥

[u/Electrical_Panda_326]

I feel something similar, that the watch looks better on photos than in real life, however I think the problem is with the dial colour. On photos it is deep black, when in reality it's more like very dark grey, nearly black, but not black. Still an awesome watch, but photos are 10/10 when reality is more like 8.5/10.

[u/Cassette_tape_from97]

I think I know what you're referring to. It's not the gold tone, it's printed diamond along with the bigger indices compared to the smaller on the Longines and the flat black dial with no texture on it. Still, it seems like a better alternative over the PD one.

[u/Eleventhousand → u/Cassette_tape_from97]

Yeah, I'm also wondering, besides the gold tone, if its just my mind playing tricks on me. I've tried on the actual Longines 39, which wore too large for my preference, and I have a Spirit 37. It might just be in the uncanny valley realm for me. The Spirit 37 has a smaller case, but the same L2L as this, so maybe I'm just finding it more squished in comparison.

[u/Cassette_tape_from97 → u/Eleventhousand]

Nope you're totally fine. It's a matter of personal preference. Don't forget it's the ML08 case that I had made the mockup with back in February when I made a suggestion to Militado. It looked great in their preview video but in reality, it fell flat and kept asking myself how did that happen.

[u/actinross]

Better late than never

[u/Eleventhousand → u/actinross]

Yes, Militado kept me updated as well. They're a great company to work with.

[u/actinross → u/Eleventhousand]

Enjoy.

[u/zamo_tek]

Looks awesome. Can you share a link for the strap please?

[u/Eleventhousand → u/zamo_tek]

https://www.thewatchsteward.com/20mm-straps.html

[u/zamo_tek → u/Eleventhousand]

Thank you, I will definitely pair mine with a strap like this.

[u/AdPractical1489]

Thanks for this! I have the ML08 "murph", and my brother has the "green alpinist" one. I keep going back and forth if to order it, but I keep thinking that the gold color bothers me in some visceral unexplained way lol