Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Mk II

Fulcrum 39

CD06.2-1012A139.5mmautomatic$995 list priceAnnounced January 2025

A 39.5mm, 200m bead-blasted steel dive watch that downsizes Mk II's 2013 Fulcrum (42mm), styled as a 1970s military-issue diver with sword hands and a 120-click aluminium bezel. It is offered with or without a date (Miyota 9015/90S5) and with a 60-minute or 12-hour bezel.

Mk II product page

Creator Consensus

Positive

7 reviews: 4 positive, 2 mixed, 1 negative. 5 of 7 recommend it.

Every reviewer rates its wearability. Most praise the reduced case size, the reliable and easily serviced Miyota movement, and a matte blasted finish that suits the tool-watch brief. Most also credit it with an identity of its own rather than a straight copy, and several single out the dial and sword hands as highlights.

Where they differ. The bracelet divides opinion: several reviewers praise its solid build and micro-adjust clasp, while some find play in the clasp connection. Some also feel it hews too closely to the MilSub, against the majority view that it has its own character.

Most praised

Miyota calibre is reliable and easy to service5 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Calls the Miyota movement reliable, durable and easy to service.This venerable mainstay is reliable, durable, and easy to serviceRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Values the reliability and easy servicing of the Miyota calibres.these Miyota calibers are reliable workhorses offering easy servicingRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Describes the calibre as robust and easy to service.a robust and serviceable caliber, the regulated Miyota 9015Read it in context
- Beans And Bezels Regards the Miyota as one of the better affordable movements for reliability.a movement I regard as one of the better affordable optionsWatch from 6:38
- The Calibrated Wrist Feels the movement performs quietly and dependably, as it should.The 90S5 does its job quietly and dependablyRead it in context
No-date version avoids a phantom crown position4 of 7
- Monochrome Calls removal of the phantom date position on the no-date version an excellent touch.relieved of a phantom date position on the crown, which is an excellent touchRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Appreciates a no-date option without a ghost crown position.it is nice to include an option that omits the ghost date crown positionRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Values the lack of a ghost date position on the no-date version.critically for this no-date version—no ghost date positionRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Appreciates the true no-date calibre avoiding a phantom date position.a thoughtful choice that avoids the annoyance of a phantom date positionWatch from 7:05
Reduced case size hits the sweet spot4 of 7
- Monochrome Sees 39-40mm as the ideal size for a purpose-built tool watch.39-40mm is pretty much the perfect Goldilocks zone for a purpose-built tool watchRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the reduction from 42.1mm to 39mm a meaningful improvement for most wearers.a significant reduction that means a better wear for most peopleRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Finds dropping 3mm makes for an excellent wear across wrist sizes.the wearing experience is fantastic and versatile for almost any wrist sizeRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Calls the dimensions a nice wrist size that remains very wearable.that’s a nice size on the wristRead it in context
- Fratello Says the size and proportions hit the reviewer's sweet spot.The size and proportions are right in my sweet spotRead it in context
- Fratello Considers the overall proportions very good.Overall, the watch looks very nicely proportionedRead it in context
Distinct identity rather than a straight copy4 of 7
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Argues it is neither a copy nor an homage of the Mil-Sub or Seamaster.the Fulcrum 39 is not a copy of the Rolex Mil-Sub or Omega Seamaster, neither is it an homageRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Considers it a singular modern U.S. military dive watch.is indeed a modern U.S. military dive watch—a singular oneRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Sees it as drawing on history without being beholden to the past.historical nods, but not beholden to the pastRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Finds the dial familiar yet unique.Beneath is a dial that feels simultaneously familiar yet unique.Read it in context
- Beans And Bezels Likes the hybrid dial approach drawing from Omega and CWC rather than just Rolex.the result is a dial that looks both familiar andWatch from 4:16
Matte blasted finish suits the tool-watch brief4 of 7
- Monochrome Finds the low-key, matte, under-the-radar mil-spec aesthetic inexplicably appealing.It’s quite inexplicable, but it just works!Read it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Likes the matte blasted case finish as purposeful but not rough.finely executed blasted, matte finish that feels purposeful without being roughRead it in context
- Fratello Feels the matte bead-blasted finish creates a proper tool-watch aesthetic.gives it a proper tool-watch aesthetic that will certainly attract fansRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Expects the bead-blasted case to look better as it picks up wear.this case will wear its character as a badge of honorRead it in context
Water resistance is sensibly judged for real use3 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Argues 200m water resistance is more sensible than 300m for nearly everyone.I’d argue that 200 meters is far more reasonable than 300Read it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Considers 200m water resistance more than enough for recreational use.more than enough for recreational diving or just knocking aroundRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Considers 200m water resistance more than enough for nearly everyone.200 meters of water resistance, which is plenty and someRead it in context

Show 19 more

Bezel action is precise and class-leading3 of 7
- Worn & Wound Considers the bezel the best feature and a rival to anything at the price.this bezel easily rivals all others in the price pointRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Praises the bezel action as precise and well machined.a precise and well-machined 120-click unidirectional bezelRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Rates the bezel action among the best in its price range.excellent action ranking among the best you'll find in this price rangeWatch from 2:52
Solid bracelet with an excellent micro-adjust clasp3 of 7
- Worn & Wound Finds the bracelet comfortable, well fitted and finished; recommends it.the new bracelet system is well fitted and finishedRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Finds the bracelet solid with screw links and a well-made micro-adjust clasp.it’s well-executed, if a bit conservativeRead it in context
- Fratello Found sizing easy thanks to single-headed screws and the micro-adjuster.it was super easy to take out the necessary linksRead it in context
- Fratello Calls the NodeX clasp fantastic.the NodeX clasp immediately stands outRead it in context
Zine and fictional backstory add real character3 of 7
- Monochrome Finds the included zine and fictional lore extremely cool and well executed.The whole thing is extremely cool and very well doneRead it in context
- Monochrome Believes the alternate-history effort puts the watch in a league of its own.really put it in a league all its ownRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Enjoys the fictional field-manual zine as a creative, on-brand narrative.It’s a creative and fun way to deepen the watch’s narrativeRead it in context
- Fratello Values the magazine and storytelling that give the watch context.Mk II truly goes the extra mile to bring its watches to lifeRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Describes it as a tool watch with a believable backstory and practical present.a tool watch with a plausible past and a very practical presentRead it in context
Sword hands are striking and well paired3 of 7
- Worn & Wound Loves the polished vintage-style sword hands.few things better in the watch world than vintage-style sword hands on a diverRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Finds the broad sword hour hand striking and very legible.The broad sword hour hand is astonishing and highly legibleRead it in context
- Fratello Thinks pairing the hands with rectangular markers was a clever choice.Mk II did a clever thing by pairing them with rectangular markersRead it in context
Dial design is the watch's standout feature3 of 7
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Calls the dial a superb example of simple, effective design.a superb exercise in simple and effective designRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Considers the dial one of the watch's strongest aspects and the reason for buying it.ultimately it was the dial design that pushed me to buy this watchWatch from 5:13
- Beans And Bezels Finds the dial design undeniably attractive for fans of the genre.it is undeniably attractive and even more so to someone like meWatch from 5:13
- The Calibrated Wrist Likes the printed dial as fitting the tool-watch character, with crisp markings.just clean, legible markings with a crisp executionRead it in context
Lume is even and sufficiently bright3 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the lume adequate and even, with no complaints.it shines adequately and evenly, so I’ve got no complaints thereRead it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Finds the blue-glowing lume bright enough without being overpowering.bright enough to be useful, but not overpoweringRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Finds the lume impressive and long-lasting despite the printed dial.the fulcrum delivers an impressive amount of loom that exceeds expectationsWatch from 5:41
Quality and kit punch above the price3 of 7
- Worn & Wound Family guessed far higher prices, suggesting strong perceived value.carry a higher perceived value than its actual asking priceRead it in context
- Fratello Ranks its quality with the best offerings at the price.right up there in terms of quality with the best offerings for the moneyRead it in context
- Fratello Finds it hard to beat as a vintage military watch under a grand.it is hard to find a better-made vintage-inspired military watchRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Judges the price, including bracelet, rubber and nylon straps, to be very good value.A very good deal in my book.Read it in context
Keeps better time than its rated spec2 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Anecdotally finds these movements run more accurately than stated.I’ve found watches with these movements to run much more accuratelyRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Reports accurate timekeeping and evidence of proper regulation.the watch has been running at a solid plus 6 seconds per dayWatch from 7:34
Lug design sits well on smaller wrists2 of 7
- Monochrome Credits the short lug-to-lug and downturned lugs for a good fit on a 6.25-inch wrist.lugs that gently curve downward to hug even my smallish 6.25-inch wristRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Says the profile fits the reviewer's 16.5cm wrist perfectly.has a lovely profile which, perhaps it was made to be so, perfectly fits my French wristRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Notes the filed lug undersides let it sit flat on the wrist.so that the Fulcrum 39 sits perfectly flat on the wristRead it in context
Wears comfortably without getting in the way2 of 7
- The Calibrated Wrist Finds the watch wears exceptionally well.The Fulcrum 39mm wears incredibly well.Read it in context
- The Calibrated Wrist Feels substantial yet stays out of the way on the wrist.big enough to feel substantial, small enough to stay out of the wayRead it in context
- Fratello Finds it sits nicely and wears very comfortably.the watch wears like a charmRead it in context
Easy everyday watch that suits any setting2 of 7
- Monochrome Feels it transitions easily from diving to dinner.easily transition from dive boat to dinner table and everywhere in betweenRead it in context
- Fratello Believes its proportions make it a great everyday watch.perfectly proportioned to be a great daily wearerRead it in context
- Monochrome Says it looks and wears like the perfect sports watch on any strap option.looks and wears like the perfect sports watch on any of the strapsRead it in context
Bundled rubber strap is soft and comfortable2 of 7
- Monochrome Finds the Swiss-made natural rubber strap very comfortable and supple.The rubber strap is a very comfortable and supple natural rubberRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the bundled rubber strap very comfortable.this one is very comfortableRead it in context
Convincing tribute to the MilSub2 of 7
- Monochrome Feels the sword hands and fully graduated bezel make it look the part of a MilSub tribute.With its sword hands and fully graduated bezel, it certainly looks the part.Read it in context
- Fratello Considers it a fitting tribute to the MilSub.I think this is a fitting tributeRead it in context
Legible dial balancing vintage and modern2 of 7
- Worn & Wound Praises the blend of vintage and modern into a legible, timeless design.It blends vintage and modern aesthetics perfectly into a highly legible designRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Layout enables quick time reading under stress.the layout aids in faster time telling for instant recognitionRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Credits the design with a perfect balance of legibility and character.struck the perfect balance between legibility and characterRead it in context
Date at 4:30 stays discreet and symmetrical2 of 7
- Monochrome As a no-date advocate, expected to dislike the date but it grew on the reviewer.I thought I would dislike the date window of the press modelRead it in context
- Monochrome Considers 4:30 a good date position that stays out of the way.Turns out 4:30 is a pretty good spot for itRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Approves of the 4:30 date for preserving symmetry.a placement I for one have no problem with as it preserves the dial symmetryRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Reads the custom date disc easily.I have no issue reading the date whether it is in single or double digitRead it in context
Case feels sturdy and well built2 of 7
- Fratello Considers the watch very well made and sturdy.the watch is very well made. It is sturdyRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Acknowledges the case build quality is commendable.while the build quality of the case is commendableWatch from 3:48
Screw-down crown is easy to grip and operate2 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Praises the large screw-down crown as easy to grip, with excellent winding and setting action.easy to grip, with fantastic winding and setting actionRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Praises the screw-down crown as well executed and easy to grip.is well executed easy to grip and embossed with the mark 2 LogoWatch from 3:20
Complete, capable tool-watch package2 of 7
- Worn & Wound Feels it packs every desirable tool watch feature into one package.brings all of the tool watch features we put on our wishlistsRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Calls the watch a superb tool watch overall.the Fulcrum 39 is mainly two things: (1) a superb tool watchRead it in context
Crown guards are modest and well judged1 of 7
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Likes the modest, rounded crown guards.I appreciate the modest height and roundness of the crown-guardsRead it in context
- Mainspring Watch Magazine Finds the crown guards well judged for protection and use with gloves.The crown-guards have just the right height to prevent the crown from being knocked-offRead it in context

Most criticised

Case is thicker than it needs to be2 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Argues the watch did not need to be so thick with these movements, citing thinner rivals.I don’t think this watch needed to be as thick as it isRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Finds the case visually bulky and disproportionately thick despite the top bevels.the result is a watch that looks and feels disproportionately thickWatch from 2:24
- Beans And Bezels Wanted proportions closer to a true mil-sub; thickness and crystal make it clumsy.make it feel clumsier than it should beWatch from 3:48
Double-domed crystal is prone to glare2 of 7
- Worn & Wound The double-domed crystal is highly reflective on land.will reveal an unflattering shot of your face every time you look at itRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Feels the crystal is a slight hindrance for desk-bound wearers and could have been tweaked.the crystal does act as a slight hindranceRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Finds glare through the crystal makes daytime reading frustrating.does little to combat glare making daytime legibility frustratingly poorWatch from 3:20
Clasp connection shows play and feels unconvincing2 of 7
- Worn & Wound Misses a half link and dislikes the gap and play at full NodeX extension.leaving a bit of a gap at full extensionRead it in context
- Beans And Bezels Likes push-button adjustment but finds the clasp-to-link connection unconvincing.the connection between the clasp and the links feels somewhat jankyWatch from 8:33
Hews too closely to the MilSub original2 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Sees no reason for a fictional homage to copy the original's dimensions so closely.there’s no actual reason to hew so closely to those dimensionsRead it in context
- Fratello Feels it differs from the Rolex inspiration little beyond the dial.Sure, the dial is different from the Rolex watches, but aesthetically, that is about it.Read it in context
Bracelet finishing lags the competition1 of 7
- Beans And Bezels Finds the links plain, sharp-edged and lacking finishing.the rest of the bracelet feels fairly mediocreWatch from 8:33
- Beans And Bezels Considers the bracelet the weakest element given competition.I think the bracelet is the weakest part of the packageWatch from 9:01
Fictional lore doesn't change a familiar homage1 of 7
- aBlogtoWatch Calls it one of many MilSub homages, with the fictional story only creating an illusion of more.This is just another oneRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch States that an invented history does not change the object itself.Anyone can create an imagined history for an objectRead it in context

Show 2 more

All-matte finish lacks contrast and marks easily1 of 7
- Fratello Missed the contrast of polished surfaces over time.It brings a little pizzazz to a watch, and I missed that over time.Read it in context
- Fratello Found the matte finish shows small scratches and marks quickly.the finish did seem to pick up small scratches and markings fairly easilyRead it in context
Execution feels generic and lacks refinement1 of 7
- Beans And Bezels Feels the watch lacks refinement and thoughtful execution.it doesn't have the sense of refinement or thoughtful execution I expectWatch from 9:58
- Beans And Bezels Says it feels generic rather than crafted by a genre expert.feels like a watch any no-name Chinese Factory could have churned outWatch from 9:58

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Dial		Mostly liked
Wearability		Praised
Originality		Praised
Case & proportions		Mostly liked
Bracelet & strap		Mixed
Movement		Praised
Design		Mostly liked
Functionality		Praised
Value		Mostly liked
Finishing & build		Divided
Versatility		Praised

Was this consensus useful?

The reviews

7 counted

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

aBlogtoWatch

Watch Review: The Mk II Fulcrum 39 And The Power Of A Good Reputation And Effective Marketing

ArticleHands-on reviewMay 2025Mike Razak

Mixed

Sees the Fulcrum 39 as a fine but unremarkable MilSub homage whose sell-out owes more to Mk II's reputation and storytelling than to the watch. Praises the downsized case, crown action and legibility, but criticises the stiff bezel, tiny logo, needless thickness and derivative design.

What the review says, point by point

Case & proportionsmixed: Finds the reduction from 42.1mm to 39mm a meaningful improvement for most wearers.
Considers the bezel slightly too stiff, surprising given the brand's reputation for precision.
Praises the large screw-down crown as easy to grip, with excellent winding and setting action.
Argues the watch did not need to be so thick with these movements, citing thinner rivals.
Wearabilitypositive: Calls the dimensions a nice wrist size that remains very wearable.
Notes the heavily domed crystal is difficult to photograph but fine when worn.
Dialmixed: Describes the dial as simple and legible but largely unremarkable.
Finds the lume adequate and even, with no complaints.
Thinks the Mk II logo is too small and out of proportion to the dial.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Finds the bundled rubber strap very comfortable.
Dismisses the single-pass nylon strap as adding unnecessary thickness to an already thick watch.
Movementpositive: Calls the Miyota movement reliable, durable and easy to service.
Anecdotally finds these movements run more accurately than stated.
Functionalitypositive: Argues 200m water resistance is more sensible than 300m for nearly everyone.
Originalitynegative: Calls it one of many MilSub homages, with the fictional story only creating an illusion of more.
States that an invented history does not change the object itself.
Sees no reason for a fictional homage to copy the original's dimensions so closely.
Designmixed: Judges the watch fine and solid but not great, and nothing new.
Believes its sell-out success reflects reputation and marketing rather than the watch itself.
Compared with: Mk II Fulcrum (2013, 42mm): The downsized 39mm case wears better for most people.
Rolex 5517 MilSub: Homage copies original's ~14mm thickness unnecessarily.

Read on ablogtowatch.com

Beans And Bezels

I should love this watch, but I don't - MKII Watches Fulcrum 39

Video, 11 minOwner's reviewApr 2025

NegativeDoes not recommend

The reviewer bought the no-date Fulcrum 39 hoping for a mil-sub-style diver. The dial, lume, bezel action and movement impress, but the thick case, glare-prone crystal, mediocre bracelet, QC flaws and lack of refinement leave them underwhelmed at around $1,100.

Disclosure: Reviewer owns it

What they said, point by point

Case & proportionsmixed: Finds the case visually bulky and disproportionately thick despite the top bevels. 2:24
Appreciates the drilled lugs as a nod to old dive watches. 2:24
Thinks a boxed sapphire would suit the mil-sub inspiration better than the double-domed crystal. 2:52
Praises the screw-down crown as well executed and easy to grip. 3:20
Functionalitymixed: Rates the bezel action among the best in its price range. 2:52
Finds glare through the crystal makes daytime reading frustrating. 3:20
Dialpositive: Considers the dial one of the watch's strongest aspects and the reason for buying it. 5:13
Finds the lume impressive and long-lasting despite the printed dial. 5:41
Notes stray paint particles and a dirty-looking seconds hand. 5:41
The lumed bezel pip fades much faster than the dial. 6:09
Movementpositive: Regards the Miyota as one of the better affordable movements for reliability. 6:38
Notes the winding rotor is somewhat noisy, a minor trade-off. 6:38
Appreciates the true no-date calibre avoiding a phantom date position. 7:05
Reports accurate timekeeping and evidence of proper regulation. 7:34
Wearabilitypositive: Says it wears like a 40mm, which works on the reviewer's 6.75-inch wrist. 7:34
Bracelet & strapnegative: Praises the seamless end link fit. 8:03
Finds the links plain, sharp-edged and lacking finishing. 8:33
Likes push-button adjustment but finds the clasp-to-link connection unconvincing. 8:33
Considers the bracelet the weakest element given competition. 9:01
Finishing & buildnegative: Acknowledges the case build quality is commendable. 3:48
Feels the watch lacks refinement and thoughtful execution. 9:58
Says it feels generic rather than crafted by a genre expert. 9:58
Designmixed: Feels blending old Rolex elements with modern Tudor proportions doesn't work. 1:56
Wanted proportions closer to a true mil-sub; thickness and crystal make it clumsy. 3:48
Finds the dial design undeniably attractive for fans of the genre. 5:13
Originalitypositive: Likes the hybrid dial approach drawing from Omega and CWC rather than just Rolex. 4:16
Valuenegative: Believes the price buys better watches elsewhere in 2025. 10:26
Compared with: CWC Royal Navy RN 300: Fulcrum's lume easily outshines the similarly priced CWC.
Christopher Ward Lumière: Fulcrum's lume holds its own against the pricier Lumière.
Rolex Yacht-Master (titanium): Fulcrum's lume holds its own against the Yacht-Master.
MKII Project 300: Found the Project 300 genuinely impressive; the Fulcrum underwhelming.
CWC Royal Navy: CWC is overpriced but captures mil-spec diver essence better.

Watch on YouTube

The Calibrated Wrist

Hands-On with the MKII Fulcrum 39mm

ArticleHands-on reviewApr 2025calibre321

Very positiveRecommends

A quietly impressive, purposeful tool watch that captures the MilSub spirit in a wearable, well-executed package. Praises its proportions, bezel, legibility, dependable movement and MKII's storytelling; the only reservation is a somewhat conservative bracelet.

Suits: People who want to wear their gear rather than worship it.

Disclosure: Brand loaner

What the review says, point by point

Wearabilitypositive: Finds the watch wears exceptionally well.
Feels substantial yet stays out of the way on the wrist.
Finishing & buildpositive: Likes the matte blasted case finish as purposeful but not rough.
Case & proportionspositive: Calls the toothy bezel edge a favourite touch, grippy but not sharp.
Appreciates the clarity of the domed, AR-coated crystal in direct light.
Functionalitypositive: Finds the 12-hour bezel useful for travel or tracking a second time zone.
Sees the bezel as blending diver aesthetics with field-watch utility.
Considers 200m water resistance more than enough for recreational use.
Dialpositive: Likes the printed dial as fitting the tool-watch character, with crisp markings.
Finds the blue-glowing lume bright enough without being overpowering.
Movementpositive: Values the lack of a ghost date position on the no-date version.
Notes it lacks fancy finishing or high-frequency specs but offers durability and serviceability.
Feels the movement performs quietly and dependably, as it should.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Finds the bracelet solid with screw links and a well-made micro-adjust clasp.
Feels the NATO strap is a more natural match given the military inspiration.
Originalitypositive: Sees it as drawing on history without being beholden to the past.
Enjoys the fictional field-manual zine as a creative, on-brand narrative.
Describes it as a tool watch with a believable backstory and practical present.
Compared with: Rolex Military Submariner (MilSub): Offers MilSub charm and proportions without the stress of owning a priceless artifact.

Read on thecalibratedwrist.com

Worn & Wound

Hands-On: The MK II Fulcrum 39

ArticleHands-on reviewMar 2025Words By Devin Pennypacker

MixedRecommends, with caveats

Calls it a solid, charming vintage-styled tool watch with an outstanding bezel and legible dial, but ranks it as a personal disappointment and the least favourite MK II. Main complaints are the reflective crystal, aged-looking lume, weak rubber strap and bracelet quibbles.

Suits: Fans of 1970s-style rugged tool divers; buy it on bracelet or Nytex strap

What the review says, point by point

Functionalitypositive: Considers the bezel the best feature and a rival to anything at the price.
Wishes the bezel had a heavier, more serious click sound.
Feels it packs every desirable tool watch feature into one package.
Case & proportionsmixed: Expects the bead-blasted case to look better as it picks up wear.
The double-domed crystal is highly reflective on land.
Feels the crystal is a slight hindrance for desk-bound wearers and could have been tweaked.
Wearabilitypositive: Finds dropping 3mm makes for an excellent wear across wrist sizes.
Versatilitymixed: Notes the 14.1mm thickness keeps it out of formal settings.
Dialmixed: Praises the blend of vintage and modern into a legible, timeless design.
Loves the polished vintage-style sword hands.
Layout enables quick time reading under stress.
Lume appears yellowish in person; would have preferred a fresher white look.
Originalitypositive: Finds the dial familiar yet unique.
Feels it exudes vintage charm with a reassuring hand feel.
Movementmixed: Considers the movements somewhat lower spec than competitors at the price.
Values the reliability and easy servicing of the Miyota calibres.
Appreciates a no-date option without a ghost crown position.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Finds the bracelet comfortable, well fitted and finished; recommends it.
Misses a half link and dislikes the gap and play at full NodeX extension.
Considers the rubber strap cheap-feeling and a letdown.
Rates the Nytex pass-through strap as fantastic.
Valuepositive: Family guessed far higher prices, suggesting strong perceived value.
Compared with: Tornek-Rayville TR-660: TR-660 bezel remains the reviewer's ideal, though Fulcrum's comes close.
Omega Seamaster 300 (vintage): Dial falls between vintage Seamaster 300 and Submariner styling.
MK II Paradive: Having known Paradive, BlackJak and TR-660 made Fulcrum less compelling.

Read on wornandwound.com

Fratello

Hands-On With The Mk II Fulcrum 39 Date That You Might Recognize From Somewhere…

ArticleHands-on reviewMar 2025Jorg Weppelink

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

A well-made, well-proportioned MilSub-style tool diver that wears superbly and is among the best-built options under $1,000. The fully bead-blasted finish lacks contrast and shows scratches, the date window is unwelcome, and the design is less distinctive than some rivals.

Suits: Fans of 1970s military dive watches and the Rolex MilSub

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Considers the overall proportions very good.
Feels the matte bead-blasted finish creates a proper tool-watch aesthetic.
Appreciates the attention to small details.
Dialmixed: Not a fan of sword hands personally but finds them practical for reading time.
Thinks pairing the hands with rectangular markers was a clever choice.
Disliked the date window at 4:30, though welcomes the no-date option.
Wearabilitypositive: Says the size and proportions hit the reviewer's sweet spot.
Finds it sits nicely and wears very comfortably.
Bracelet & strappositive: Likes the bracelet taper for its elegant look.
Found sizing easy thanks to single-headed screws and the micro-adjuster.
Calls the NodeX clasp fantastic.
Notes the angular clasp doesn't match the rounded case and bracelet, a minor issue.
Finishing & buildmixed: Considers the watch very well made and sturdy.
Missed the contrast of polished surfaces over time.
Found the matte finish shows small scratches and marks quickly.
Versatilitypositive: Believes its proportions make it a great everyday watch.
Originalitymixed: Considers it a fitting tribute to the MilSub.
Feels it differs from the Rolex inspiration little beyond the dial.
Values the magazine and storytelling that give the watch context.
Valuepositive: Ranks its quality with the best offerings at the price.
Finds it hard to beat as a vintage military watch under a grand.
Compared with: Rolex MilSub (ref. 5513/5517): Rectangular markers suit the sword hands better than the MilSub's round markers.
Nodus × Raven TrailTrekker Clay: The TrailTrekker impressed more, with more distinguishing elements from its inspiration.
IWC GST Aquatimer: Dial and bead-blasted finish recall the titanium GST Aquatimer.

Read on fratellowatches.com

Monochrome

The MkII Fulcrum 39, an Accessible Mil-Spec Diver from Pennsylvania

ArticleHands-on reviewJan 2025Derek Haager

Very positiveRecommends

The reviewer calls the Fulcrum 39 an excellent, well-sized mil-spec diver that wears perfectly and works in many settings. The elaborate fictional backstory and zine lift it into a league of its own.

Suits: Enthusiasts wanting a vintage military-style tool diver with storytelling lore

Disclosure: Brand loaner

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Finds the low-key, matte, under-the-radar mil-spec aesthetic inexplicably appealing.
Feels the sword hands and fully graduated bezel make it look the part of a MilSub tribute.
Dialpositive: As a no-date advocate, expected to dislike the date but it grew on the reviewer.
Considers 4:30 a good date position that stays out of the way.
Case & proportionspositive: Sees 39-40mm as the ideal size for a purpose-built tool watch.
Feels the anodised aluminium insert offers more vintage charm than ceramic.
Wearabilitypositive: Says it looks and wears like the perfect sports watch on any strap option.
Credits the short lug-to-lug and downturned lugs for a good fit on a 6.25-inch wrist.
Bracelet & strappositive: Finds the Swiss-made natural rubber strap very comfortable and supple.
Movementpositive: Calls removal of the phantom date position on the no-date version an excellent touch.
Versatilitypositive: Feels it transitions easily from diving to dinner.
Originalitypositive: Finds the included zine and fictional lore extremely cool and well executed.
Believes the alternate-history effort puts the watch in a league of its own.
Notes it is undeniably a tribute to the Rolex MilSub.
Compared with: Rolex MilSub: Fulcrum 39 is a clear tribute that convincingly looks the part.
MkII Fulcrum (original 42mm): New version shrinks to 39mm, following smaller sizing trends.

Read on monochrome-watches.com

Mainspring Watch Magazine

MKII Fulcrum 39 Review | Mainspring Watch Magazine

ArticleHands-on review

Very positiveRecommends

Calls the Fulcrum 39 a superb, purpose-built modern American military diver. Praises its thoughtful case, bezel and dial design, its fit on a smaller wrist and its originality relative to its Mil-Sub inspiration, and considers the price a very good deal.

Suits: Tool-watch enthusiasts, including those with smaller wrists around 6.5 inches

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Credits the design with a perfect balance of legibility and character.
Notes some design choices seem surprising initially but prove logical on inspection.
Case & proportionspositive: Likes the modest, rounded crown guards.
Praises the angled bezel insert bridging the domed crystal and knurled bezel.
Notes the unusual chamfers on a bead-blasted case, which visually slim the lugs.
Views the deliberately thick case as purposeful and well-specified.
Dialpositive: Calls the dial a superb example of simple, effective design.
Finds the broad sword hour hand striking and very legible.
Approves of the 4:30 date for preserving symmetry.
Reads the custom date disc easily.
Wearabilitypositive: Says the profile fits the reviewer's 16.5cm wrist perfectly.
Notes the filed lug undersides let it sit flat on the wrist.
Feels the extra thickness and weight help it settle on the wrist.
Functionalitypositive: Praises the bezel action as precise and well machined.
Considers 200m water resistance more than enough for nearly everyone.
Finds the crown guards well judged for protection and use with gloves.
Calls the watch a superb tool watch overall.
Movementpositive: Describes the calibre as robust and easy to service.
Originalitypositive: Argues it is neither a copy nor an homage of the Mil-Sub or Seamaster.
Considers it a singular modern U.S. military dive watch.
Valuepositive: Judges the price, including bracelet, rubber and nylon straps, to be very good value.
Compared with: Rolex Mil-Sub 5517: Draws inspiration from it but is its own thing, not a copy.

Read on mainspring.watch

Specifications

Reference: CD06.2-1012A1
Case: 39.5mm, bead-blasted 316L stainless steel (anodised aluminium bezel insert)
Thickness: 14.1mm
Lug to lug: 47mm
Movement: Miyota 9015 (date) / Miyota 90S5 (no-date) (automatic)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: double-domed sapphire (AR coating inside only)
Bracelet or strap: stainless steel bracelet, 20-16mm taper, NodeX quick-extension clasp; FKM rubber and nylon strap options
Announced: January 2025
List price (US): $995Launch price USD 995 on bracelet with rubber strap included (Monochrome, 27 Jan 2025

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works