When simplicity meets built quality – The Milifortic Pilot

A lot can be said about pilot watches, they are the main contender when it comes to sports pieces (mainly diving watches) but to me, their simplicity feels more approachable. The nature of any pilot gear is based on functionality, in the case of watches, it is based on legibility and robustness, if you make these 2 elements stand out, you will have a winner.

I came across MIlifortic Watches more as a recommendation, their designs do remind us to other watches in the market, but they always have a twist, a good one: simplifying the layout of the dials and play with colours by adding their own touch. Sure, this might be in between the lines of ‘homages’ but, hear me out as the quality and execution are in   another level of what I’ve experienced at this price level.

It would be hard not to feel compelled by the final price of each watch offered by the brand -especially when we are talking under 200 USD for the most expensive one - but we are. I also wanted to add that this review is not made with price in mind all the time, the dial printing is great, and the case is well finished period, pricing is just a bonus for the Milifortic Pilot, or for the buyer.

Coming back to the watch itself, there is no denying that Sinn was the main inspiration. It is a good starting point as pilot watches haven’t evolved much in terms of looks, so this was a great opportunity to get my hands on something different, not a ‘normal’ type A or B dial watch inspired in WWII.

Join me to discover it, let’s begin.

The specifications

One of the main features that must remain constant is the case measurements. Pilot watches are big and that has been a soaring point lately, most notably as vintage watches have been very popular and their cases tend to be quite small. The Milifortic Pilot is 39mm in diameter which blurs the bridges between modern needs and those 45mm pieces, it is an everyday watch. The stainless-steel case is well made, all satin brushed and crisp details which can rival almost any offering from more established brands. The crown guards and the screw down crown itself, feel very good to grip and with that embossed logo on top, the quality is present. I quite enjoy a blank caseback, not only allows the watch to feel thinner, but it is also a testament to simplicity.

The dial continues this minimalistic ethos by removing one of the most controversial parts of a pilot watch and its German counterpart: the 4:30 date. This made so much sense to me and sure we can argue that in the Sinn, the date is small and camouflaged enough but to me, no date is always better.

Sticking with the dial, it has a blue sunburst effect, very dark almost navy. The printing is one of the crispiest one I’ve seen under macro, and I hope the shots make justice. The numerals are large and filled with Swiss SuperLuminova, even when I direct the camera up close and create the smallest shadow, everything starts to glow. The red seconds hands also break the dial nicely, I wasn’t sure about this detail on the pictures, but I can say that the combination looks outstanding.

Powering the watch, we have the reliable Seiko NH38 which keep the watch accurate and robust and avoiding that ’ghost’ position. The watch also has 100 meters of water resistance which means that is ready for anything you can throw at it.

On the wrist

It was hard to take off the Milifortic Pilot, when it was on my wrist, it was a joy to wear. The under 46mm lug to lug measure mixed with the 11.8mm in thickness made it extremely comfortable and easy to pull for an everyday watch.

I was taken by the colour of the dial as every amount of light that hits it, makes it look very different, it is a joy to behold. Because there is no date, no bezel anything else to calibrate, the watch feels very approachable, and it has become my go to piece to do any type of activity like going to a hike or the gym, but it looks in place on almost any setting.

The watch also comes with a matte black dial which I think would look great for a more ‘toolish’’ look, but the blue takes it home for me, versatility is key.

The Milifortic Pilot is supplied with a 20mm black leather strap, looks great and paired with the sunburst blue of the dial; it’s a match. That said, I have worn it increasingly on a grey nylon strap, not sure why I enjoyed it so much on this setting, but it is staying this way.

Concluding thoughts

After seeing the array of features that the Milifortic Pilot brings, it is good to revise the price of the watch itself. At 139 USD, it is by far the most affordable watch I’ve reviewed, and I could easily say that the quality of constructions is quite up there with offerings which are 3x the price.

The key to me is avoid looking at the prices and start enjoying, this is a watch can be easily worn to an adventure, start making memories with it and because of its mechanical soul, it should last quite a bit.

I am keen to see more offering from this brand, I believe that they are onto something and some of their proprietary designs are quite impressive and while they keep simplifying, is up for us to keep enjoying.

Technical specifications

Movement: Japanese NH38 Automatic Mechanical Movement

Case: 316L Stainless Steel with crown guards, brushed finish

Dial: Classic Black / Sunburst Blue

Bezel: Fixed bezel

Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with AR (anti-reflective) coating

Hands: Matte black hands with red second hand, filled with BGW9 lume

Crown: Screw-down crown with etched MF logo

Caseback: Screw-in stainless steel caseback

Strap: Genuine leather strap

Buckle: 316L stainless steel tang buckle with etched logo

Lume: Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova

Case Diameter: 39mm (42.6mm including crown)

Lug-to-Lug: 45.7mm

Thickness: Approx. 11.8mm (including crystal)

Lug Width: 20mm (inner width between lugs)

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Weight: Approx. 78g