Citizen GarrisonvsMilitado 38mm Retro VH31 Military Watch ML08

Ref. militado-38mm-retro-vh31-military-watch-ml08·MSRP $69
lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Garrison

38mm Retro VH31 Military Watch ML08
Diameter
37mm
38mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
44.5mm
Thickness
n/a
10.2mm
Water Resistance
100m
100m
MSRP
$221
$69
lowest
Movement
Citizen E101
VH31/VH65
Case
4 specsCrystal & Dial
2 specsMovement
2 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Citizen Garrison for its excellent legibility, comfortable wear, and overall value, particularly its solar-powered movement and durable construction. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its tool-like nature and suitability as a versatile daily watch, with many appreciating the clean dial and good lume. Some owners find the original strap unappealing and the day-date window small, while others note the faux aged markers can be divisive. The 37mm case size is considered ideal for hiking by some, though one owner's wife felt it looked too small on a 6.5-inch wrist. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Citizen Garrison highly for its practical features and strong value proposition.
The Eco-Drive solar movement is a consistent strength. The mineral crystal is a shared weakness, noted as prone to scratches. Reviewers disagreed on the watch's suitability for cold weather due to charging issues.
Owners widely praise the Militado 38mm Retro VH31 Military Watch ML08 for its insane value, clean dial, and worry-free wearability, especially at sale prices. The watch features a double-domed sapphire crystal with colorless anti-reflective coating, and a polished and brushed case finish. However, some owners dislike the cathedral hands and find the anti-reflective coating to be poor for the price. The ML08 uses a Seiko VH31 movement in date-less versions, while models with a date window utilize a Ronda movement. Overall, owners rate the Militado 38mm Retro VH31 Military Watch ML08 highly for its exceptional value and practical design as a field watch.
Similar watches
Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price, microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.
Also compared
Comparisons nearby in the catalog: alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.







