MICROMILSPEC x Black Badger MILGRAPH Project Sabotage

A notable new timepiece has emerged from an intriguing collaboration, the Micromilspec x Black Badger MILGRAPH Project Sabotage. This watch represents a convergence of specialized watchmaking and avant-garde design, resulting in a chronograph with a distinct character. The announcement on May 22nd, 2025, in Oslo, signaled the arrival of a limited-edition piece intended to make a significant impression.



The genesis of MICROMILSPEC is a rather unconventional story in the often tradition-bound world of watchmaking. Founded in Oslo, Norway, on May 29th, 2019, by Henrik Rye, the brand did not spring from generations of horological heritage. Instead, Rye's path was one of varied entrepreneurial endeavors as he sought his true professional calling. A move to Oslo proved serendipitous, leading him to become captivated by a small, local watchmaking shop owned by Erik Sutterud. This shop was more than a place of repair; it was a neighborhood nexus, filled with the sounds of jazz and the constant flow of conversation from visitors who dropped by.



The atmosphere of Sutterud's shop deeply resonated with Rye. So much so, that he chose to rent office space directly behind it. For six years, while dealing in various overstocked goods ranging from shoes and coffee to even watches acquired through closeouts, Rye was an indirect observer of the watchmaker's world. He was privy to countless conversations, absorbing the nuances of the craft and the community surrounding it through the thin walls separating his office from the shop. This period of passive immersion laid an unexpected foundation for his future in horology.



The catalyst for MICROMILSPEC’s creation arrived one day in the form of an unusual request at Erik Sutterud's shop. A man entered, inquiring about the possibility of producing a small, custom batch of watches specifically for a military unit. Henrik Rye, already possessing some valuable contacts within the Swiss watch industry from his experiences selling closeout timepieces, overheard the conversation and promptly joined the discussion, sensing an opportunity.



This visitor, representing the Norwegian military, found a receptive and capable partner in Rye. Their initial meeting quickly blossomed into a productive collaboration. Within a remarkably short span of just a few months, Henrik had successfully designed and overseen the production of 200 watches tailored to the stringent requirements of the Norwegian Military. The quality and design of these initial timepieces were so well-received that they directly led to the formal establishment of MICROMILSPEC, with Rye and this military contact becoming co-founders. The brand's credibility was cemented almost immediately; a mere four days after its official founding, the Royal Norwegian Air Force placed a significant order for 330 watches. This was a notable vote of confidence, especially considering the Air Force's last custom watch order had been with the esteemed Heuer back in the 1970s, setting a high bar for the new company.



News of MICROMILSPEC's successful delivery of robust, mission-specific timepieces to the Norwegian military began to circulate, quickly establishing the brand's reputation. They became a sought-after name for bespoke, military-designed watches, earning the trust of various elite units. To date, MICROMILSPEC has developed specialized watches for over 30 military units across the globe, including Canadian, Norwegian, and French Special Forces, the U.S. Space Force, His Majesty The King’s Guard of Norway, the 330 Squadron (SAR helicopter unit of the Royal Norwegian Air Force), SAR Canada, Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, the Telemark Battalion, the Armoured Battalion, and the 2nd Battalion of the Norwegian Army, as well as the Smoke Divers unit of the Oslo Firebrigade and the American anti-terror Asymmetrical Warfare Group.



While MICROMILSPEC carved its primary niche in creating custom timepieces for military and first-responder units, the brand eventually decided to extend its offerings to the broader public. This expansion takes the form of limited production runs, released a few times per year. These collections, which include the MILGRAPH series, are characterized by their scarcity, typically comprising fewer than 200 pieces annually. Unsurprisingly, these civilian-accessible watches tend to sell out rapidly, fueled by the brand's established reputation for quality and purpose-driven design.



Partnering with MICROMILSPEC on Project Sabotage is James Thompson, the creative force known professionally as Black Badger. Thompson is an experimental artist renowned for his disruptive design language and a distinctive affinity for luminescent materials, often making his creations appear to possess a "self-glowing" quality. His work frequently challenges conventional aesthetics, pushing boundaries in material use and visual impact.



Black Badger's portfolio includes a series of impressive collaborations with highly respected names in independent watchmaking, such as MB&F, De Bethune, Hautlence, Sarpaneva, MW&Co, Linde Werdelin, and Arcanaut. These partnerships underscore his ability to infuse unique artistic sensibilities into complex horological machines. His distinctive creations have also found favor among a VIP clientele, including prominent figures like Robert De Niro, Robert Downey Jr., Arnold Schwarzenegger, and performance drivers such as Lando Norris and the late Ken Block, attesting to the broad appeal of his unique style.



The collaboration between MICROMILSPEC and Black Badger for Project Sabotage is described by the brands as a meeting of "two pirates," a fitting analogy for two independent entities navigating an industry often dominated by large, established conglomerates. This partnership was reportedly a natural alignment, stemming from shared brand DNA that values innovation, robustness, and a somewhat rebellious spirit. The "Sabotage" edition of the MILGRAPH is the direct result of this synergy, aiming to inject a new, vibrant personality into the existing Milgraph family.



Visually, the MILGRAPH Project Sabotage watch makes an immediate statement. It presents a rugged, instrument-like appearance, dominated by a utilitarian grey tone derived from its titanium construction, punctuated by vibrant, almost startling, high-visibility orange. The dial is a matte white, featuring a subtle grainy finish that enhances its tool-watch character. This white canvas provides a stark backdrop for the orange accents and the chronograph sub-dials, which are clearly labeled for hours, minutes, and running seconds, ensuring legibility. The overall design language suggests a piece of equipment that has endured extreme conditions, as if "smuggled through a wormhole, and barely survived."



A key feature of Black Badger's contribution is the exceptional use of lume. The applied indices and hands are generously treated with X1-grade Super-LumiNova, custom-developed by Black Badger in conjunction with RC Tritec in Switzerland. This high-output lume emits a vivid Ultramarine blue glow in low-light conditions, yet it's designed to be equally visually striking in daylight. The bright orange detailing extends to the strap, with one prominent option being a textured orange rubber strap that strongly complements the accents on the dial and contributes significantly to the watch's assertive presence. An alternative white rubber strap offers a different, yet equally bold, aesthetic against the titanium case.



The case of the Project Sabotage is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. It features a microblasted finish, giving it a contemporary, non-reflective surface that reinforces its tactical lineage. The case measures 42mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness, with a lug width of 20mm, dimensions that suggest a substantial but wearable presence on the wrist. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring durability and clarity. The watch is equipped with a uni-directional rotating bezel featuring a minute scale, an essential feature for dive timing or other short-interval measurements, and incorporates MICROMILSPEC's QuadGrip technology for enhanced anipulation. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM, equivalent to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.



Internally, the MILGRAPH Project Sabotage is powered by the self-winding mechanical Caliber L121 movement. This movement provides a robust set of functions, including a chronograph for timing events, a true GMT function for tracking a second time zone, and standard hours, minutes, and seconds. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), a common standard for modern mechanical movements known for good precision. The power reserve is a healthy 60 hours, allowing the watch to keep running for two and a half days when fully wound and not worn.



Beyond the watch itself, the release of Project Sabotage is accompanied by an imaginative narrative framework called "The Time Wars." This specially created alternate anime universe aims to offer a novel way to engage with the horological industry. The storyline paints a picture of a galaxy where time itself is under the thumb of the tyrannical Chrono Syndicate, led by the menacing Grand Psycho and his enforcer, The Crown Guard. Within this universe, the MILGRAPH is positioned as the timepiece of choice for the galaxy’s most charming space pirate: Black Badger himself. This creative backstory, rich with characters and conflict, seeks to add an extra layer of intrigue and fun, drawing inspiration from the light-hearted anecdotes and experiences often shared within the watch community.



Further enhancing the exclusivity and thematic consistency of Project Sabotage, each of the 75 limited-edition watches will be accompanied by a unique accessory: a serial number-matching dog tag. These dog tags are not mere trinkets; they are co-created by Black Badger and Pat Pruitt, a specialist recognized for his work with advanced materials. Crafted from Zirconium and SuperLuminova, the dog tags echo the watch's white and orange color scheme. They feature laser engraving and a blowtorched oxidizing treatment, techniques that continue the "Tacticool" aesthetic established by the watch, making them a distinct collectible item in their own right.



The limited production run of just 75 units worldwide underscores the exclusivity of the MILGRAPH Project Sabotage. Henrik Rye, Founder of MICROMILSPEC, emphasized this point, stating, "This is a one-time-only, never again release. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait for the next galactic cycle." This rarity is intended to position the MILGRAPH Project Sabotage as a significant collector's item, appealing to those who seek out unique and seldom-seen timepieces that blend high-concept design with robust functionality.



MICROMILSPEC’s operational philosophy combines Norwegian design and development with Swiss manufacturing prowess. While the conceptualization and design stages for their watches occur in Oslo, the actual manufacturing and assembly are entrusted to a network of carefully selected partners in Switzerland. This approach allows MICROMILSPEC to leverage some of the industry’s leading manufacturers and specialists, ensuring that their projects are executed with a level of technology, materials, and overall quality that is often considered beyond the reach of many independent micro-brands and boutique operations.



The strap options for the MILGRAPH Project Sabotage cater to different preferences while maintaining the watch's purposeful character. In addition to the visually prominent orange or white rubber straps, buyers can opt for a black leather strap for a more classic, albeit still rugged, look. For those who prefer a full metal feel, a bracelet crafted from Grade 5 titanium, matching the case material and finish, is also available. These choices allow for a degree of personalization, adapting the watch to various styles and wearing conditions.



The sub-dials on the matte white dial are designed with distinctive labels for hours, minutes, and seconds, enhancing the chronograph's usability. This clear demarcation, combined with the high-contrast hands and applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova X1, prioritizes readability in all conditions – a hallmark of watches with a tactical or professional heritage. The thoughtful application of luminescent material, a Black Badger specialty, ensures that the watch remains a functional instrument even in complete darkness, glowing with an intense Ultramarine hue.



The "QuadGrip" bezel is a specific feature highlighted by MICROMILSPEC, suggesting a design that offers superior grip and ease of operation, likely even with gloved hands. This detail, combined with the microblasted Grade 5 titanium case, contributes to the watch's overall sense of being a durable and reliable tool, ready for demanding environments, whether terrestrial or, as the "Time Wars" narrative suggests, perhaps even extraterrestrial.



The collaboration's narrative, describing MICROMILSPEC and Black Badger as "two pirates joining forces," speaks volumes about their independent and perhaps slightly unconventional approach within the watch industry. This spirit is reflected in the final product – a watch that doesn't shy away from bold color choices and strong design statements, setting it apart from more conservative offerings. It embodies a fusion of MICROMILSPEC’s experience in creating purpose-built instruments and Black Badger’s artistic flair for the dramatic and the luminous.



For those interested in acquiring this distinctive chronograph, the MICROMILSPEC x Black Badger MILGRAPH Project Sabotage is priced starting at USD 3,850 for versions on a rubber or leather strap. The watch became available for pre-orders on May 22nd, 2025, directly through micromilspec.com and at selected retail partners. With only 75 pieces being produced, prospective buyers will need to act decisively. The anticipated delivery for these limited-edition timepieces is scheduled for March 2026.



Case: Grade 5 Titanium, microblasted finish. Diameter 42mm, thickness 15mm, lug width 20mm. Uni-directional bezel with minute scale and QuadGrip feature. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Water resistance 10 ATM (100m).

Movement: Self-winding mechanical movement, Caliber L121. Functions: Chronograph, GMT, Hours, minutes, seconds. Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz). Power reserve: 60 hours.

Dial: Matte white dial with grainy finish. Sub-dials with distinctive labels for hours, minutes, and seconds. Applied indices and hands with X1-grade Super-LumiNova, glows Ultramarine.

Strap: Options include a titanium grade 5 steel bracelet, black leather strap, or rubber strap.

Price: Starting at USD 3,850 (on rubber or leather strap).

Notes: Limited to 75 pieces worldwide. Features a true GMT function alongside the chronograph. Includes a serial number-matching Zirconium and SuperLuminova dogtag co-created by Black Badger and Pat Pruitt.