Special with a touch of uniqueness – The Baltany Mil-Spec

The Rolex Submariner is an institution, and inside that institution there are small divisions that can be considered even more important, rarer and special. The standard Submariner is a watch that we all watch enthusiasts dream about for at least one time and with a little bit of effort and focus, it is an achievable target.

Now, coming to the Rolex Mil-Sub, this is a watch that not only has to be chased for many years because of its rarity (with approximately 1200 watches ever made) but because most of them were returned after service with the survivors in pretty bad shape.

The Rolex Mil-Sub is not only famous because of its rarity but because of its odd details when compared to the ‘’civilian’’ Submariner including a full hashed bezel, gladiator hands and fixed lug bars just to name a few. It has really become a darling in the collecting world, even outside the world of watches.

This is only one side of the coin because the price is also an issue for us mortals. Mil-Subs have been sold at auction fetching around 120,000 GBP which quite a pocket change; sure, it is something very rare but feels more like a piece to exhibit that to wear and enjoy which brings us to the Baltany Mil-Sub.

This new entry from the brand brings us all those lovely details that made us fall in love with this military artifact at an incredible price so we can enjoy and dream with our eyes open. From the construction of the case and dial to the bracelet option, everything oozes quality and yes of course, we are comparing a contemporary built watch with a 50-year-old one, but still, it is as charming as anything.

Join me to discover the details of Baltany’s latest entry. Let’s begin.

The specifications

Being a faithful recreation, the Mil-Sub is 39mm at the case and 40mm when you include the bezel, this particular difference was made to operate it with ease using gloves or in different situations. The case is polished stainless steel with brushed elements, the domed crystal mimics well the plexiglass from the Rolex counterpart but also giving more durability to the watch.

The matte dial is outstanding, and the printing includes details like the ‘’T’’ for tritium to provide that extra dose of nostalgia, of course this dial is finished with Superluminova but we do appreciate the sentiment. The beige lume plots match well with the famous sword or gladiator hands and minute track, all looks good and not exaggerated.

The full hashed black aluminium bezel stands out, making the Baltany’s Mil-Sub feeling precise, not only to time 15 minutes under water but to time anything that a military operation can throw at the wearer, again it feels special.

Under the case, the Mil-Sub has a Seiko NH38 Automatic, no see-through case back with a water resistance of 200 meters and 42 hours of power reserve. Many people ask me if I prefer the NH38 instead of the Miyota counterpart and I believe the Seiko feels better and quieter, also it can bring the price down substantially which is always a good thing.

On the wrist

Wearing the Mil-Sub is a great experience, feels like a watch that you are already used to and with a 13.4mm thickness (that is including the glass) and a lug to lug of 47mm it would never overpower your wrist.

One of the sticky points of the Rolex Mil-Sub is that it comes with fixed lug bars so t can only be worn with a nylon strap or what we know as a ‘’NATO’’ strap which obviously affects versatility but again this is the last thing in the mind of a military unit, it is all about survival. That said, I am happy to see that our Baltany can be worn in the original way and with the optional stainless-steel bracelet which I must say, it is well made with solid end links and a milled clasp, it elevates the luxury feeling of the watch.

As we can imagine, this is a very easy watch to use, with the added versatility, a distressed leather strap looks at home even if I am not a fan of leather on divers. I have to say that I used the watch mostly with the metal bracelet because is so good in terms of built quality. Now, the nylon strap really makes the watch shine, and I think is the natural habitat of the Baltany, feels right and makes you smile thinking that you are indeed wearing a watch that can cost as much as a small home.

I wore the Mil-sub mostly at the gym, it was a great companion to do high impact activities, the design feels vintage but at the same time is not a relic. I would definitely take this watch for a dive specially considering the water resistance, it would be a shame to keep it only for casual environments.

Concluding thoughts

There are watches that cannot be reached so easily, watches that can be nice to appreciate by knowing the history but not owning, not sure about you but I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing one of these 1200 examples. Here is where I think Baltany comes with an interesting proposition and provides you with a very accurate experience on how it should be to enjoy something especial.

I am also glad that this is the only option (apart from the strap configuration) that Baltany is offering when it comes to the Mil-Sub, it pays a respectful homage while also adapting to the new manufacturing techniques.

Now we come to the best part which is the price. The Baltany Mil-Sub is offered $195 which is an extraordinarily small amount for a watch that not only is well built but it would scratch that vintage itch with ease.

This is a watch that I would keep using for a long time, it is fun, affordable and rugged which is more that I can say from some of my watches on my box, make sure you check them out.

For more information please visit: https://www.baltany.com/product/baltany-milsub-military-39mm-diver-s3075ab/63/?srsltid=AfmBOopHRbotq--xyDS7QWYxhzNJSa__paOF2c0DC1RIgtVW1lhD5X-O

Technical Specifications:

• Model: S203075AB MilSubmariner Homage Watch

• Movement: Seiko NH38 Automatic

• Case:316L Stainless Steel

• Case Diameter: 39mm (not including crown)

• Bezel: 120gears One-way Rotation,Aluminum

• Dial: Black,With Retro Lumin

• Dial Diameter: 29mm

• Lug to Lug: 47.5mm

• Thickness: 13.8mm (including glass)

• Glass: Sapphire Crystal,AR Coating

• Luminous: Retro Swiss Super-LumiNova

• Crown: Screw-in,Stainless Steel

• Caseback: Screw-in, 316L Stainless Steel,Sterile

• Strap: Genuine Leather(S203075A) / 316L Steel Bracelet(S203075B)

• Strap Width: 20mm

• Buckle: 316L Stainless Steel

• Waterproof: 200M(20Bar)

• Weight: About 84g(style A)/155g(style B)

• Warranty: 2 Years

•