At the beginning of last year, Micromilspec teamed up with James Thompson, known as Black Badger, to release the Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage Edition.
This original Milgraph version was complemented by an engaging story and a powerful luminescent effect - a trademark of Thompson. Along with the release, an animated universe called The Time Universe was introduced, featuring the charming space pirate Black Badger as the main character. In their second joint project, both parties developed a new story within the same universe. The result was the unusual Micromilspec Dualtimer version - Broken Hour. And, as it turns out, the "broken time" might be Black Badger's only way home. Let's explore the details further.
History and Concept of Micromilspec × Black Badger Broken Hour
At first glance, the Micromilspec × Black Badger Broken Hour watch looks as if it hasn't survived an exciting adventure. But in Black Badger's world, this could be the key to unlocking the next chapter in his story. Looking at the Broken Hour, you'll notice the hour hand is damaged, the GMT hand is broken, and the date window appears to have exploded. These elements are clues related to the storyline accompanying the watch. The story was created long before the physical Broken Hour watch appeared. The full story is presented in a 12-page comic book, which can only be obtained with the purchase of the watch.
Features of the Broken Hour Plot
It's no surprise that the plot appeared before the actual product. The first joint model by Micromilspec and Black Badger was created in the adventurous world of the Black Badger character. As I noted in the review of the Micromilspec Milgraph Sabotage Edition, the plot was built around an ironic view of the watch industry. The Black Badger universe is filled with misguided decisions, clumsy escapes, and conflicts with authorities.
The founder of Micromilspec, Henrik Rye, explains: "In this universe, time is not just a measure. It can be stolen, altered, controlled, and ultimately broken." This concept gave designers a new perspective on design. As a result, Broken Hour retained GMT functions while becoming visually and conceptually part of the story. The watch looks like it has been restored and reimagined after a failed plan. Orange accents and the slightly crazy logic of Black Badger emphasize the connection with the plot, as we saw in the previous release.
Technical Specifications and Design of Broken Hour
Let's take a closer look at the watch. The Micromilspec × Black Badger Broken Hour is an original version of the Micromilspec Dualtimer. Thanks to the modified bezel, they visually resemble the magnificent Milgraph, which I reviewed in 2024. The case is made of microparticle-blasted stainless steel, measuring 42 × 12.5 mm. Water resistance reaches 200 meters, featuring a screw-down crown and a QuadGrip diving bezel.
The main difference from the standard Dualtimer is the 60-minute diving bezel. As a result, the 24-hour scale is placed on the orange ring of the dial. The dial is white with clear black minute markings and applied hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova luminescent compound. The right side of the dial is highlighted by the "exploded" date window, which has affected the neighboring minute and hour markers, while still retaining functionality.
An important design element is the "broken" hour and GMT hands, whose shape reflects the aftermath of the explosion. Nevertheless, both hands perform their functions correctly, showing time in the home time zone and an additional time zone.
The left side of the dial features the Micromilspec logo. The look is completed with an orange rubber strap with a microparticle-blasted steel buckle or the option of a bracelet made from the same steel. Personally, I really like the sturdy rubber strap, as it fits seamlessly into the concept and gives the watch a unique look.
Sellita SW330-2 Movement
The watch is powered by the automatic Sellita SW330-2 caliber. This GMT movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour and has a power reserve of up to 56 hours. As known, this caliber allows independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand, which is convenient for travelers. I own watches with this mechanism, and they have proven to be reliable and easy to use, despite not being popular GMTs with the "flyer" function. The mechanism is hidden under a special case back that partially reveals the plot of Black Badger's next adventure.
Conclusion: Expert View on Micromilspec × Black Badger Broken Hour
All the details that make this model a playful version of the Dualtimer are not just visual elements. They are a physical part of the Broken Hour story, laid out in a 12-page printed comic book that comes with the watch. Thus, the comic is not just a nice bonus, but a key factor that defined the model's uniqueness and concept. Illustrations were created by Norwegian comic artist Henri, and the script was developed by the Micromilspec team and James Thompson himself.
Overall, I really enjoy this chapter of the Black Badger story. It's not just a watch, but a complete collectible item for fans of Black Badger and Micromilspec. As a comic book enthusiast, I fully support this unique project and hope for further adventures in this universe.
At the moment, the Micromilspec × Black Badger Broken Hour is the perfect continuation of the story. The watch will be available in a single 24-hour sales window, which will open on May 29 at 18:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST) and close on May 30 at the same time on the official Micromilspec website. The model's price on a rubber strap will be $1,950, and on a microparticle-blasted stainless steel bracelet - $2,200.
If you are interested, you can pre-register on the official product page to receive a notification when sales begin. All orders placed during the sales window will be fulfilled. After it closes, the Broken Hour watch will no longer be available and will not be produced.