A great re-interpretation of a classic – The MiliFortic M111 B – Uhr

There is no easy way to remake a classic design, especially if is functional. There are plenty of designs out there which are very hard to stay away from and even if you do as a watch brand, there are no guarantees that people would want the real deal, there is no winning with us nerds.

Pilot watches are probably the hardest category to play around with, not only because they have been done a long time ago but because their functionality is something that cannot be messed with.

That said, after all the iterations of WWII watches (believe me there are plenty), I came across the new model from the guys at MiliFortic: the M111, not only an interpretation of the classic pilot watch but going further to attack the B – Uhr variant.

For those who are familiar with pilot watches from that era, you would know that the first commissions included a simpler Type A dial which was of course based on legibility with large markers, hands and cases. After the first iteration, a Type B (Beobachtungs-Uhr or "observation watch") was conceived, more legibility in a similar package. The main idea was to make minutes the main attraction by moving them to the periphery of the dial and the hours to the centre. It is an elegant solution to read the watch at a glance, after all, hours are not as important as minutes and seconds when a short mission takes place.

Join me to discover this new version that feels vintage but modern at the same time, it would be a good one.

The Specifications

The case of the Type B is 39mm in diameter which is perfect for a contemporary feel. In the past these watches were bigger and bolder but a bit comical by modern standards, the good thing is that the legibility is still assured. Staying with the case, the satin finish is outstanding, and the curves of the lugs hug the wrist quite well.  One design feature that looks quite good is that the case has crown guards, these are not standard for these types of watches, but it does give a more utilitarian everyday look. The crown itself its well milled and it avoids that ‘’onion’’ style cliché, plus it offers 100 meters of water resistance.

The main work for this watch can be found in the dial. Everything is aimed to be better that the original printed Type B dials from WWII. The skeletonized hour hand can be distinguished easier from the large brown minute pencil hand. I am not usually a fan of patina colour but here, it hasn’t been used to create a nostalgic effect but to make Type B easier to read. It is a similar story with the markers which contrast between that beige colours and large bold internal minute indicators in 15 minutes of interval. The classic arrow at twelve can still be found and the inner in the inner centre of the dial, the hours can be found if time needs to be read as well.

All these details float on top of a matte black dial with no date. I am not sure I made justice on the description but the overall effect its incredible, I bet pilots of that era would have enjoyed this design quite a bit.

The watch has a solid case back which is ideal so thanks to the guys at MiliFortic for avoiding any other option. It controls the NH38 Movement from Seiko which is a workhorse that keeps the watch ticking and also affordable, more on that later.

On the wrist

With a quite manageable diameter, a lug to lug of 45.7mm and a very thin profile of 11.7mm, you can imagine that for my 6.25-inch wrist is an ideal watch if not perfect.

The wearing experience is quite good, the watch is not heavy at all (78 grams) and added with the period correct pleather strap, ticks many of the boxes that we all love, it is a winner. Me being me, I've opted for a green nylon strap and you can agree that it looks business.

One of the key aspects from a pilot watch as mentioned before is legibility. Here is where the Type B excels against plenty of the competition with well applied lume which is very bright and long lasting. The large hands make the time easier to read with makes you wonder, minutes should be always more important; this layout really makes sense.

I wore the Type B from MiliFortic everywhere, it is a great companion and because of its simplicity despite the dial layout, it has become my grab to go piece. The no date complication which helps when you need to go out in a rush, the watch is usually running or starts at the moment that gets picked.

I quite enjoy the detail that the centre of the hands are blacked out, it gives this illusion that they are just wondering around and not attached to the centre of the dial. That said, it is a bit more functional than aesthetic as it also avoids colliding with the hours markers which is ideal. Attention to detail from the guys at MiliFortic.

Concluding thoughts

There is something quite nice about a refreshed version of a pilot watch as we all have seen unlimited variations but again, I’ve never came across to something like this MiliFortic Type B.

When you look at their current catalogue, there is no other watch or dial that looks similar which means that this is a unique design, a passion project that can provide you with great value.

This last part brings us to the price. The MiliFortic Type B is offered at 136 USD which is an incredible value for something well built and original. This type of watches from the brand seems to have none or little competition, they are affordable, rugged and here to stay, how lucky we are.

For more information please visit: https://miliforticwatch.com/en-uk/collections/military-watches/products/milifortic-m111-39mm-856-b-uhr-homage-automatic-pilot-watches

Technical Specifications

Movement: Japan NH38 Mechanical

Case: 316L Stainless Steel, BrushedCase

Diameter: 39mm (including crown 42.6mm)

Lug to Lug: 45.7mm

Dial: Black , with Luminous

Thickness: 11.8mm (including glass)

Glass: Sapphire Crystal, AR Coating

Hands: With Luminous

Luminous: Japan Luminous

Crown: Screw-in,316L Stainless Steel,with Logo

Button: NoCaseback: Screw-in, 316L Stainless Steel, Brushed

Strap: Leather

Wrist Size Interval: 15.5-19.0cm

Strap Width: 20mm

Buckle: 316L Stainless Steel,with Logo

Waterproof: 100M

Weight: About 78g