BY ERIK SLAVEN
You’re likely unfamiliar with Micromilspec, but it’s a Norwegian independent brand that deserves your attention. Based in Oslo, the company specializes in custom pieces for military and related units, along with notable achievers like Erling Braut Haaland, a young Norwegian football star known as Goldenboy. Recent collaborations include the Norwegian Army, American Army, His Majesty Kings Guards and Telemark Battalion. This latest piece was designed specifically for the Oslo Fire and Rescue Service (OBRE) smoke divers, and is available only to active and former members of the OBRE unit. Smoke divers don’t skydive into forest fires, but have advanced training in firefighter rescue, self-survival and advanced search and rescue among other skills. Elite firefighters.
The stainless steel case is 42mm in diameter with a thickness of 12mm. It follows the current trend of steel sports watches with an integrated, flat link bracelet matching the brushed finish of the case. The case itself is angular and stealthy and reminds me a bit of Porsche Design. The 60-click rotating bezel is ceramic with a 30-minute countdown and markers are coated with Super-LumiNova. The dial is protected by an AR sapphire crystal. The screw-down crown is surrounded by small, angular guards that redirect the lines of adjacent angled edges. It’s cool attention to detail. The case back is engraved with the OBRE logo and additional personal engravings like a name, date, or important milestones are also available. Water-resistance is rated at 100 meters.
The dial pattern is modeled after charred wood, created via hydraulic pressing (and etched with acid) for a three-dimensional finish. A CNC-machined smoke diver logo is applied at 6 o’clock (firefighter helmet/oxygen respirator and two axes). The hour and minute hands have unique, oversized counterweights inspired by manometers, which are used to measure oxygen pressure on firefighter tanks.
An elongated date window sits at 3 o’clock, displaying three numerals at a time with a red marker indicating the correct date. The window was inspired by an OBRE instrument panel. Applied indices and the hour and minute hands have Super-LumiNova inserts for contrast against the dark background and excellent nighttime visibility. I’m a real fan of this kind of themed dial and it reminds me of a William Wood “firefighter” watch.
Power is provided by an ETA 2824-2, which is a very proven, reliable workhorse. It has 25 jewels, beats at 4Hz with a 38-hour power reserve. It’s been around since 1982 and is arguably the best known (accessible) Swiss automatic in the industry. Accuracy averages +/- 12 seconds per day (for Standard grade).
Orders for the Micromilspec X Smoke Divers watch have unfortunately closed, but it’s another well-executed, themed piece for a very worthy organization. Strap options beyond the integrated bracelet included black rubber or black leather, and extra straps were available separately. All models include an impressive 5-year warranty and a wooden presentation box.
