Brigade Watch Co. Sub Commander - No Date: A Technical Marvel

The Brigade Watch Co. has set a new standard in the horological world with its latest release, the Sub Commander - No Date. This modern American-made dive watch is a tribute to the legendary British Royal Navy Rolex Milsub, specifically the models 5513/5517, which were prominent in the 1960s-1970s.

Founded by Kevin Ding, an Army-to-USMC veteran, Brigade Watch Company is committed to producing military-inspired timepieces with a focus on transparent manufacturing and U.S.-sourced components. The Sub Commander is a testament to this mission, boasting a 40mm case crafted from 316L stainless steel with a brushed top and polished sides. This level of American manufacturing excellence is rare among microbrands.

While the case, dial, and bracelet are machined and assembled in the United States, the watch is powered by the Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement. Brigade also offers an in-house swap program for existing owners to upgrade to Sellita Top Grade movements, showcasing their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

The design of the Sub Commander honors vintage military aesthetics with modern materials and construction. Available in no-date and date versions, the dial comes in matte black, arctic white, and marine blue colorways. It features sword hands with an optional Mercedes hands upgrade, and is illuminated by Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume. The case back is adorned with military markings, including the British Crown's "crow's foot" and abbreviations for Great Britain, Royal Navy, and Ministry of Defence.

The Sub Commander is not just a pretty face; it is a robust tool watch with a water resistance of 200m ISO, tested up to 500m. It houses a Sellita SW200-1b Elaboré-grade caliber with a power reserve of 38-40 hours, ensuring reliability in the most demanding conditions.

Brigade Watch Company's radical transparency is a breath of fresh air in the watch industry. Kevin Ding's decision to publicly share CAD files, supply chain documentation, and manufacturing processes has garnered significant respect within watch enthusiast communities. Priced between $900-$1,099 USD, the Sub Commander positions itself as a premium alternative to higher-end military-inspired timepieces, maintaining a genuine connection to its heritage and purpose.