I’m subbed to every popular watch TH-camr but you are the only one I would watch every video put out regardless of the topic. Just always great insight, analysis, conversation. Less than 100k subs for you is criminal.
The more I dig into the matter and brands, the more I appreciate how a small manufacturer like Nomos can build so adorable high-quality watches fully in-house at the same price point where the Monta‘s assemble third party parts to ‚something like a Tudor‘. But it is great that consumers have a broad choice at the entry price point.
It is very refreshing to see an opinion based review that is analytical and objective. Without the gushing and exaggerated emotional content. We know this will fade with a little time and this is when the reviewer will get objective. Well done sir!
Great review and agree with your points 100%. As a previous owner of this watch, I can say that without a shadow of a doubt, this is a very, very good watch. Quality is very good at this price. I've had a BB GMT, own a GMT Master II, and the quality is not that too far off. No joke, and no cap. Some say, well, for a little more, one could get Tudor. Well, the Tudor Coke is a little more than $3700, which is over a grand more. For some, that is a deal breaker as their budget just won't allow it. So, for a little more, it is out of the question for many. I sold mine not because I didn't like it, I did, but I just got bored with it, and decided to get something a little bit more unique.
Great video as always. Awesome Optimus Prime in the background. I am lucky to have a limited edition opaline dial Pepsi Skyquest. It is such a comfortable daily wear. Honestly…it gets more wrist time than my Tudor Black Bay GMT, my Datejust, and my Grand Seiko. It’s not cooler or better than those other watches, but…for whatever reason, it’s the one I reach for most often. I super recommend this watch to anyone considering it.
Love the video as always, the insights you give are always so much more than the usual watch channel. It's almost like I'm learning to run my own business! 💪🏼
I own this version of the Skyquest and wear it all the time, more than my Tudor BBP. It’s much more comfortable and in many ways, more beautiful. Nobody who sees it on my wrist recognizes the brand, but neither would they recognize a Tudor.
Monta Skyquest GMT owner here - he is right. The Skyquest is shockingly close to the quality offered by Tudor, and is on par (or exceeds) Longines and Oris. It’s also above Christopher Ward, for me. And in the wake of the release of Tudor’s new 58 GMT, I can comfortably say that I prefer the aesthetics of the Monta.
Discovered your channel about a week ago and like many have said i am really enjoying your content. No bullshit, no ads, no sales pitches, just well researched and thought out content. Nice work, I'll be hanging around.
Perhaps - HAve to admit, I have not had hands on with any of those watches so I've avoided talking about it as it would be very "heresay". Have considered buying one just for review purposes though... 😀
Thank you for that video. It is a delight as always! 💪🏻 And Monta, if you read this, be smart and open up an European distribution center, so we don’t need to pay import fees 😎.
"days since last watch purchase...." chef's kiss :) Now I have no doubt I'm in the right place. Looking forward to the METAS video. I have some thought os my own I'll gladly share in comment.
How you don't have several hundred thousand subscribers I don't know. It would be great to see you present at Watches & Wonders. Can you imaging the big-boys worried looks. 😁 Such an informative review. Congrats.
I live in St Louis and found Monta by accident. They look and feel completely awesome, bracelet is very impressive to me. My favorite Tudor is BB blue dial & is, to me, a significant difference in price & not a comparison but deciding to save up over time and get both one at a time probably a year apart. Thanks for another very good commentary!
Another great tutorial from professor Mike. Now my go to TH-cam video. Mike your class just cuts a huge swath between you and the rest. Such an informative style that puts the facts Infront of you and helps me work away through this minefield of watch collecting.
Extremely valuable industry insights, hopefully your content will allow viewers in making better watch purchase decisions for them. Whats your take on the likes of San Martin and their respective entry level value proposition.
Mike, great job tying together the Monta review with a discussion on manufacturing at various price points. I’m going to save your viewers even more money - Steinhart! They have a Coke with a ceramic bezel inset AND a cyclops - for €650. I own their Ocean One GMT inspired by the Rolex Explorer McQueen may or may not have worn. Solid and a nice tapered bracelet. Thanks to this video I’m going to pop it on for the rest of the day. Hope you had a pleasant trip to W&W.
Great video. I really enjoy your perspective and the topics covered. Definitely very different to a lot of the other watch content on You Tube. Bravo 👏
Cward has built and sold its own movement the SH21. Limited quantities grant you. They also innovate by designing and adding modules and components onto stock movements such as the Bel Canto and the JJ01 module for worldtimers.
Every brand you feature is one I have never heard of (or dismissed as inconsequential) and now has become a new favorite. If I had any serious money this would be a real problem.
My brother was a fine machinist that built parts for the landing on the moon. One job he had was to build one off clocks of original power source and high accuracy for a clock genius. Clocks powered by water evaporating or a ball bearing running back and forth on a track, for example. At the end of his career he was building machines to check the machines that were building parts, for example in chip manufacturing. He said he did not enjoy it because really all he did was write computer programs and he really liked his early career where he was making things using tools.
Monta may not be my taste, but your analysis is just so down to earth, rational, insightful and understandable. Have you ever looked at Wise Timepieces from Thailand? I recently bought one of their GMT Adamascus AX series and I would really like your thoughts on them.
The Monta is fine but its not going to scratch the itch. For that kind of money I would rather save up for a Tudor. Then I hopefully would be satisfied for a while. I owned the Rolex GMT Master a couple of times and sold both of them many moons ago. Silly enough I didn’t like the smaller crown. Ended up with a Sea Dweller… and had that as a OWG for years. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the watch journey is not ending and your insightful content is the missing link meny of us was looking for. Keep it coming!
Loved your intro comments - I am new to watches and was incredibly drawn in by the romanticism, technical craftsmanship and ethos of Greubel Forsey I very much want to own artisan materials like this and was interested that several of my friends that own luxury watches were not even aware of the brand let alone the mission and vision.
There is something very romantic about a human touching, assembling, and creating a watch. It is crazy how much more handmade my Nomos is versus a Rolex. 😊 I love a watch so much more when it is handmade. Unfortunately, Nomos level is as much handmade as I can afford. 😢
Really interesting information, as I own a few Tudors and Montas. I love them both but Monta gives me a "they did it for how little " and Tudor gives me the all the pleasure of owning a great watch but not the "low" price wow. Really enjoy your videos...mature, sober, analytical and refreshing
Great video. Now I understand Monta. I loved the way the first thing on your difference list was the bezel. I love the thin, coin-edged Tudor bezel. Sigh.
Interesting analysis... I have wondered about these! Thanks for sharing Mike! It looks like a solid offering for those in the market for a great sports watch!
Great analysis as always. I think Monta should put more focus on the design of their dials. It doesn't matter that the watch is high standard if the dial design is hideous.
Great video, as per your usual! I don't disagree about the manufacturing, but I do seek to input my own story, my own romance into my watches. Luckily (as, like you, I can't afford it), hand-made watches are not a priority for me when I make a purchase. For me, it is the anticipation of where I will wear a watch and what I will be doing wearing it and the memories of having it accompany me that supply the romance. As an aside, the auto-generated English sub-titles as you are speaking are hilarious. The Greubel Forsey was variously rendered as "Global Force," "to go before a force," "corporate foresight," "group of horses," "probably forsey," "glooby forces," "Kobe Forsey," and "Gilbert Forsey." I missed a few, no doubt. All the best.
So good to hear some good industry based watch journalism. We can choose to pay for brand and history but it is fascinating to see how newer brands are evolving into the pricing spaces left behind by some of the 'giants' and delivering quality. ❤
A series on the different microbrands like Farer, Baltic and Monta would be amazing, going in-depth into their philosophy and what you like and dislike about these companies.
This wasn't so much a video about a watch but rather a worthwhile economics course on how companies go about creating and pricing their products. Absolutely wonderful and makes me see things differently. For example, I love my COSC-certified Mido Ocean Star I got for $1700 USD, but I'd much rather have the same watch minus the COSC if it means only paying $1,200 instead. I like COSC, but not enough for an extra $500.
Good video, reminds me of Rolex's history being founded in the UK. And Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf just sourced parts for Rolex. Rolex bought the movement manufacturer they sourced movements from around 2006 in their efforts to be vertically integrated.
When buying a watch, getting the best specs for your buck is engineering, but then marketing comes along, and the heart takes over, and that's when it all goes to pot! Great analysis as usual Mike, always on point 👏🏼
What no Johnny Rockets burger mention? I like this topic . Long ago in the early 80's, a family owned watchshop had told me to forget about the brands and focus on 1. The quality of the movement, ETA was good enough, 2. Next the quality the case 3. The dial because you look at it many times a day. Lastly, the bracelet, a decent bracelet is good enough unless you like a leather strap. I bought my second good quality watch from then in 1984 a Heuer 1000 quartz model with full lume dial. It was great! Over the years I have hear echoes of what you are saying here , they were right as you are. Had I listened then all those yrs ago I would have saved myself a lot of cash and angst. My watch hobby would have changed. Your comments here would apply to the under speed GS Seiko divers movements as well I assume. I have reassed my watch collection and put then all up for sale. What does not sell I will keep. My grandfather always said it's just a piece of metal strapped to your wrist, do without, and don't fuss about it. I wish I have his great depression perspective. Mike, there ist no mystique and lore old Swiss farm house deep Winter watch making. After Dec 2024 I will after a 40 yr fascination with watches finally put the hobby to bed. I will still follow you of course. Regards, and great topic. Chris aus Kanada
you covered every points intelligently and I completely agree with you 100% (which is kind of rare thing from watch youtubers, ha ha) PS: by the way, if Monta can lower the price around $1500 range (which they can do by cutting few corners), they can probably sell twice or 3 times more. However, as you said, that will go against their principal, so there it is....
With respect to Gauss, many small to medium neodymium magnets have 10k-15k gauss, so if they were to touch or be in proximity to your watch, they could magnetize the movement. (Magnetic clasps and closures, phone cases and chargers, etc.)
The METAS precision is definitely worth having over COSC. With COSC your watch might lose 20 seconds over the week, and you won't bother to set it because to do so is more hassle than it's worth. Then it slides another 20 seconds, and you might lose a minute before you bother adjusting it. With METAS it won't lose time, but might gain 20 seconds over the week, in which case you will hack it for 20 seconds and you're good for another week.
Wonderful analysis. It's your point at the end that resonates the strongest: Design. At the end of the day, I don't care about the minimal gains in spec that occur between the Monta, the Tudor or the Rolex. So many new releases just fall into a category of "great...but so what?" Now that anyone can source a high-quality watch, it makes it even more disheartening that there is such a glut of "same watch/different brand" designs that do nothing to distinguish themselves and all end up looking like homages to each other.
Great video as usual, only one remark though. Where I work (food industry) it is common to use 12,000 Gauss magnets so METAS is a big thing for me. Also, if you have kids and they like to play with those magnets used to build shapes, they are pretty strong. Antimagnetic properties can be very useful.
Mike, surprisingly, an iPad case with magnetic cover will reach 15000 Gauss. My Amazon bought “Fintie magnetic stand case for iPad” does, anyway, when measuring the magnetic field right over one of the magnets, and it has a lot of them evenly spaced out over the cover. I regularly have to demagnetize my watches… my Omegas will get magnetized (the case will), however, they just don’t seem to be affected as much as non-METAS movements are when I don’t pay attention and rest my left hand on top of my iPad.
Another angle to consider: What if you could get the Monta lightly used for a 50% discount? I own a Monta GMT (First Gen) and was able to purchase it for just about half off retail (and finance it 0% over 24 months using Paypal Credit on Ebay here in the US). Also, it was still under warranty. Used Tudors don't offer such discounts.
Good insights here, Mike. Now that Longines has the Conquest at 38.5mm I’m looking at it vs the Monta Noble. The Longines is more expensive and has the heritage but the design and actual watch, micro adjustment, dial of the Monta present more value to me. Your video is in my head as I go back and forth thinking about which one I like more overall. Interesting time when a Microbrand can compete Iike this
After missing out on several opportunities to get a quick-adjust bracelet on forums (they sell quickly), I finally got one for my 1st-generation OceanKing with the Eterna movement. Now it's the best of both worlds. I love the original, curved crystal and the no-guards crown and the perfect date window location. I consider it to be better than every current Tudor, although the P39 is very close. My cost: $1249 for watch, box, papers, and 2nd bracelet.
Brilliant as always. I hope that you are a strategy or marketing consultant in your other life. McKinsey needs you. I would love to hear your take on Brellum. Their pilot watch offers specs that compare and, in some cases exceed, IWC's petit prince (in my view) for around $3,000 while being a microbrand. They seem to be playing in a part of the market all by themselves. I personally own one of their watches and love it although their comfortability in wear could be better.
Funny to bring up anOdain sourcing and only making their dials in house. Just tried to get an allocation slot for the model 1 green flume and the earliest allocation build date option for me was December 2029. Five years or a anOdain is absolutely absurd.
A lot of the smaller brands have a very limited production capacity and with the world as their market, a lot of them can have trouble filling orders. Zelos have a similar problem, typically selling out very fast upon release. It's a difficult place to be, because the inevitable question is how do we scale? And if we scale, can we maintain that level of sales or do we risk incurring costs that can never be recouped? 😃😃
Totally agree. Just wondering about Formex Essence 39. Not seen in flesh but as A Tudor BB58 owner I think the Essence seems to represent very good value and am considering. It’s COSC, nicely finished, good quality bracelet, and most importantly a little different in sports watch case design, compared say to Monta. Yes its dial is a rip off of Aqua Terra but fair game I reckon at the price Omega charge Whadya think?🙂
I had hands on the essence in Geneva last week. Exceptional watches. I prefer the reef for pure aesthetic reasons but build wise the Formex is a cut above 😀 Fun fact: Formex is actually also a parts manufacturer. They sell watch components including dials to other large watch manufacturers.
Mike thanks very much for the video -- both the Monta and Greubel Forsey are fascinating. Despite your enthusiasm and all the wonderful insights I am trying to remain an enthusiast rather than a collector 🙂. Going off topic yet again - It is possible to have some . . . romance . . . in competitively priced watches . . . . I appreciate the Muhle Glashutte 29er Casual 'Edition Saxony' Blue Dial watch ------ Because it is a family run business spanning 5 generations AND equally important their successful business, despite being within Russia for a few years.
I would like very much for you to do a big comaprison of all the big players in this price range from cw to tudor. Not necessarily a specific model, more about the tradeoffs they do, cuz some spend more on specs, some spend on design and some try to balance it. Not sure its a fair comparison cuz expenside Tudors are double the price of most these brands and yet they are widely compared as almost egual.
I would buy a BB GMT 41 with a T-Fit Clasp. Sadly & stupidly, it looks like Tudor doesn't offer it. I REFUSE to buy a modern, luxury watch & bracelet, without a Micro-Adjust... Comfort is KING!
I have a San Martin watch (china) very similar in look I guess. Cost me £200 UK it's unbelievable in quality the polishing is unreal it really stands up. Sorry but these watch makers really need to watch out.
Brilliant video as always - you’re fast becoming one of my favorites, love the format and deep analysis. Agreed regarding METAS being a great but overrated spec, I’ve made pretty much the same arguments myself. Outside of possibly magnetism, it’s also not quite as accurate or proven as Superlative - really looking forward to that video.
My first thought on seeing the new the Tudor BB58 was oh, Monta has really arrived, Tudor has made an homage to their Skyquest 😂. And for the record, 64 days since my last watch purchase!
I really like the Monta, great looks, great brand. However, when it came time to decide, I went with Tudor and Longines. I'm willing to spend just a bit more for the name.
I never touch the screw down crown ,on my automatics actually i wait until the hours are perfectly synchronize with the current time to kepth the screw down flawless.
How would you say it compares to the Zulu Time overall? In terms of finishing, movement, hands, dial, bezel action and design? I have the green and the brushing and polishing reminds me very much of the globemaster, it looks like the same finishing, also love the hands they feel dimensional and not flat like a lot of watches in the 0-4500€ tend to do.
Couple points: you mention the dial finishing of the Tudor to be far better than a Monta. But macro on a Tudor shows dust and slightly rough edges on hands. Does the monta do worse? Also where do you stand on Horage? Self designed movement self built movements and watches. and > 98% swiss. Is that watchmaking art? (Research b4 answering if not familiar with that brand). Cheers, enjoy your philosophy and vids 👍
Based on my Monta experiences and my Tudor ownership, I'd say that Tudor doesn't generally have faulty finishing - but hands, like with Rolex aren't perfect in the way a Brequet hand is perfectly finished. But... IT's also a question of price point. I'm not sure, I personally expect watches under 5K to be able to pass a macro test. Also - I'm not sure you can consistently see differences to the naked eye between finishing on a Blancpain - Rolex - Tudor or Monta in case finishing. Long answer but it's probably down to how good things are "at first glance" and how you over time start to perceive differences that may / may not justify a massive price difference 😀😀
And once again, you did not disappoint. I appreciate how you calmly and rationally wrap industry and market analysis into your reviews.
You are welcome, and thanks for contributing with a comment 😀😀
You have shaped my views on the business of watchmaking more than anyone else, thank you
Great to hear. Just sharing my thoughts 😀
I’m subbed to every popular watch TH-camr but you are the only one I would watch every video put out regardless of the topic. Just always great insight, analysis, conversation. Less than 100k subs for you is criminal.
💯% agreed on all counts ‼️
You're a star! Thanks 😀😀😀
The more I dig into the matter and brands, the more I appreciate how a small manufacturer like Nomos can build so adorable high-quality watches fully in-house at the same price point where the Monta‘s assemble third party parts to ‚something like a Tudor‘. But it is great that consumers have a broad choice at the entry price point.
Another excellent perspective. I really enjoy watching your videos as you provide a solid, independent and honest analysis.
I appreciate that! 😀
It is very refreshing to see an opinion based review that is analytical and objective. Without the gushing and exaggerated emotional content. We know this will fade with a little time and this is when the reviewer will get objective. Well done sir!
Monta is a great brand. Quality offerings. I think secondary market prices are a steal.
True 😀
Great review and agree with your points 100%. As a previous owner of this watch, I can say that without a shadow of a doubt, this is a very, very good watch. Quality is very good at this price. I've had a BB GMT, own a GMT Master II, and the quality is not that too far off. No joke, and no cap. Some say, well, for a little more, one could get Tudor. Well, the Tudor Coke is a little more than $3700, which is over a grand more. For some, that is a deal breaker as their budget just won't allow it. So, for a little more, it is out of the question for many. I sold mine not because I didn't like it, I did, but I just got bored with it, and decided to get something a little bit more unique.
Great video as always. Awesome Optimus Prime in the background. I am lucky to have a limited edition opaline dial Pepsi Skyquest. It is such a comfortable daily wear. Honestly…it gets more wrist time than my Tudor Black Bay GMT, my Datejust, and my Grand Seiko. It’s not cooler or better than those other watches, but…for whatever reason, it’s the one I reach for most often. I super recommend this watch to anyone considering it.
Love the video as always, the insights you give are always so much more than the usual watch channel. It's almost like I'm learning to run my own business! 💪🏼
💪💪💪
Of your presentations I have viewed this is my favorite. I especially appreciated your thoughts on convergence.
Awesome! Thank you! 😀
I own this version of the Skyquest and wear it all the time, more than my Tudor BBP. It’s much more comfortable and in many ways, more beautiful. Nobody who sees it on my wrist recognizes the brand, but neither would they recognize a Tudor.
Cool to have an owners perspective. Thanks for sharing 😀
I really enjoy how you discuss perspective and scale in the watch manufacturing industry.
Once again you’ve proven yourself head and shoulders above your peers, outstanding.
Don't know if that's true - but thanks nevertheless. It's appreciated 😀
Pity, I could’ve really sunk my teeth into another one of your food analogy vids 😎! Have a great weekend Mike.
Thanks. Hope you a had a good weekend 😀
Monta Skyquest GMT owner here - he is right. The Skyquest is shockingly close to the quality offered by Tudor, and is on par (or exceeds) Longines and Oris. It’s also above Christopher Ward, for me. And in the wake of the release of Tudor’s new 58 GMT, I can comfortably say that I prefer the aesthetics of the Monta.
Look at the movment, it's far
@@AlwayzLong agree. Far better movement on the Tudor.
Better movement but down the road services costs and time will be far worse.
Having owned all these brands, I place Tudor first for quality without hesitation. Next in this order: Monta, CW, Longines and Oris.
What are the spec deviation on the movement in the Monta ?
Discovered your channel about a week ago and like many have said i am really enjoying your content. No bullshit, no ads, no sales pitches, just well researched and thought out content. Nice work, I'll be hanging around.
Welcome aboard 😃😃
Subscribed about a month ago. Really enjoying the thoughtful content. Keep it up!
Awesome, thank you! 😀
Would love to have Mike's review of Jody's Ascent. Thanks for this analysis with thoughtful insights.
Perhaps - HAve to admit, I have not had hands on with any of those watches so I've avoided talking about it as it would be very "heresay". Have considered buying one just for review purposes though... 😀
Great video! Any opinion on Monta Noble vs similar offerings from Longines, Tudor and Oris?
I am honestly enjoying every one of your videos. This one was a killer! ❤
Thank you for that video. It is a delight as always! 💪🏻
And Monta, if you read this, be smart and open up an European distribution center, so we don’t need to pay import fees 😎.
If your writing this from the UK then I’m pretty sure we will still have to pay duties and VAT…thanks to Brexit😢
Im waiting for that day when Monta will have offical distribution in EU. Ill be day 1 Oceanking buyer just saying ;)
Thanks.
And let's hope they do 😀
You are so thoughtful. I hope you are a business or marketing consultant in your real life. McKenzie needs a brain like yours.
You would still need to pay import duties, only that the distribution center includes it in the sales price…
It's always a pleasure to hear a fantastic, honest, watch review from a great guy.
Cheers
Much appreciated! 😀
"days since last watch purchase...." chef's kiss :) Now I have no doubt I'm in the right place. Looking forward to the METAS video. I have some thought os my own I'll gladly share in comment.
Lol. Yeah - New addition to my videos, that little timer. Thought is would be fun 😀
How you don't have several hundred thousand subscribers I don't know. It would be great to see you present at Watches & Wonders. Can you imaging the big-boys worried looks. 😁 Such an informative review. Congrats.
I live in St Louis and found Monta by accident. They look and feel completely awesome, bracelet is very impressive to me. My favorite Tudor is BB blue dial & is, to me, a significant difference in price & not a comparison but deciding to save up over time and get both one at a time probably a year apart. Thanks for another very good commentary!
Another great tutorial from professor Mike.
Now my go to TH-cam video. Mike your class just cuts a huge swath between you and the rest.
Such an informative style that puts the facts Infront of you and helps me work away through this minefield of watch collecting.
Extremely valuable industry insights, hopefully your content will allow viewers in making better watch purchase decisions for them.
Whats your take on the likes of San Martin and their respective entry level value proposition.
Thanks.
I'm working on a San Martin (and other brand style video). It's taking a bit of time, but it will come out eventually 💪💪
Another great video, Mike. I’d love to see you on brands with more distinctive styles like Farer and Serica.
Mike, great job tying together the Monta review with a discussion on manufacturing at various price points. I’m going to save your viewers even more money - Steinhart! They have a Coke with a ceramic bezel inset AND a cyclops - for €650. I own their Ocean One GMT inspired by the Rolex Explorer McQueen may or may not have worn. Solid and a nice tapered bracelet. Thanks to this video I’m going to pop it on for the rest of the day.
Hope you had a pleasant trip to W&W.
Great video. I really enjoy your perspective and the topics covered. Definitely very different to a lot of the other watch content on You Tube. Bravo 👏
Much appreciated! 😀
As always, a well considered and informed opinion that adds value for the time spent watching. Thanks!
Cward has built and sold its own movement the SH21. Limited quantities grant you. They also innovate by designing and adding modules and components onto stock movements such as the Bel Canto and the JJ01 module for worldtimers.
True. The SH21 isn't in any production models at the moment, but the module work they've done is quite cool 😀😀
Thoughts on Wise at all?
You should add in a what's on your wrist segment to the beginnings
It's a Garmin - we all know & respect the choice but don't want to admit it , even to ourselves.
He has more important things to say. Besides no one can compete with Federico’s customary watch check.
Looks like a Doxa sub
Wrist check is a good idea.
It's an Invicta
I own two Montas, a Noble and a Triumph. I agree more or less point-for-point with your assessment. I'd love to see Monta blow up.
I listen to a quite a few watch channels and this is my favorite!
Thanks a ton 😀
Every brand you feature is one I have never heard of (or dismissed as inconsequential) and now has become a new favorite. If I had any serious money this would be a real problem.
I try to talk about varied things. I'd slowly die inside if all I talked about was Tudor and Rolex 😂😂
My brother was a fine machinist that built parts for the landing on the moon. One job he had was to build one off clocks of original power source and high accuracy for a clock genius. Clocks powered by water evaporating or a ball bearing running back and forth on a track, for example. At the end of his career he was building machines to check the machines that were building parts, for example in chip manufacturing. He said he did not enjoy it because really all he did was write computer programs and he really liked his early career where he was making things using tools.
You are making me think in the right way I should be considering the whole watch business.
😂
Monta may not be my taste, but your analysis is just so down to earth, rational, insightful and understandable. Have you ever looked at Wise Timepieces from Thailand? I recently bought one of their GMT Adamascus AX series and I would really like your thoughts on them.
The Monta is fine but its not going to scratch the itch. For that kind of money I would rather save up for a Tudor. Then I hopefully would be satisfied for a while. I owned the Rolex GMT Master a couple of times and sold both of them many moons ago. Silly enough I didn’t like the smaller crown. Ended up with a Sea Dweller… and had that as a OWG for years. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the watch journey is not ending and your insightful content is the missing link meny of us was looking for. Keep it coming!
If you're dreaming of a Rollie, then for sure a Monta isn't going to do it for you. 😀
As always, a great way to kick off the weekend ☕️ 😉
I'm always excited to see you've uploaded something.
Sameee
Thanks - Glad to hear it 😃
Loved your intro comments - I am new to watches and was incredibly drawn in by the romanticism, technical craftsmanship and ethos of Greubel Forsey I very much want to own artisan materials like this and was interested that several of my friends that own luxury watches were not even aware of the brand let alone the mission and vision.
Thanks and welcome 😀
There is something very romantic about a human touching, assembling, and creating a watch. It is crazy how much more handmade my Nomos is versus a Rolex. 😊
I love a watch so much more when it is handmade. Unfortunately, Nomos level is as much handmade as I can afford. 😢
Really interesting information, as I own a few Tudors and Montas. I love them both but Monta gives me a "they did it for how little " and Tudor gives me the all the pleasure of owning a great watch but not the "low" price wow.
Really enjoy your videos...mature, sober, analytical and refreshing
I own a Black Bay 58 and a Monta Noble. I really can't tell a difference in the level of finish. The dial on the Noble is really dynamic.
Great video. Now I understand Monta. I loved the way the first thing on your difference list was the bezel. I love the thin, coin-edged Tudor bezel. Sigh.
We like what we like .😀
Interesting analysis... I have wondered about these! Thanks for sharing Mike! It looks like a solid offering for those in the market for a great sports watch!
Great and informative again. Interested in your opinion on the new skeleton CW if you have that on the cards.
Great analysis as always. I think Monta should put more focus on the design of their dials. It doesn't matter that the watch is high standard if the dial design is hideous.
Great video, as per your usual! I don't disagree about the manufacturing, but I do seek to input my own story, my own romance into my watches. Luckily (as, like you, I can't afford it), hand-made watches are not a priority for me when I make a purchase. For me, it is the anticipation of where I will wear a watch and what I will be doing wearing it and the memories of having it accompany me that supply the romance. As an aside, the auto-generated English sub-titles as you are speaking are hilarious. The Greubel Forsey was variously rendered as "Global Force," "to go before a force," "corporate foresight," "group of horses," "probably forsey," "glooby forces," "Kobe Forsey," and "Gilbert Forsey." I missed a few, no doubt. All the best.
Lol. I actually chose to upload my own subtitles because the auto ones are usually disasttrous. 😂😂
Fantastic video, great perspective. Top 3 watch channel now!
PS, I like Monta. I would love them if they would do some smaller stuff, 36mm, slimmer lugs.
Thanks a ton for that. Appreciated 😀
I love your analyses. Yourcomparison with the new Tudor was especially helpful.
Thanks. Glad to hear it 😀
So good to hear some good industry based watch journalism. We can choose to pay for brand and history but it is fascinating to see how newer brands are evolving into the pricing spaces left behind by some of the 'giants' and delivering quality. ❤
I do like monta and I could be very tempted, but with the UK import fees, I might as well put the little bit extra and get a Tudor.
Fantastic detail and review and delivery - fast becoming one of my favourite channels.
Congratulations. You have carved out a solid, meaningful and engaging niche in this crowded market. Good work!
I hit the like button before watching the content.
lol. Thanks 😂
A series on the different microbrands like Farer, Baltic and Monta would be amazing, going in-depth into their philosophy and what you like and dislike about these companies.
This wasn't so much a video about a watch but rather a worthwhile economics course on how companies go about creating and pricing their products. Absolutely wonderful and makes me see things differently. For example, I love my COSC-certified Mido Ocean Star I got for $1700 USD, but I'd much rather have the same watch minus the COSC if it means only paying $1,200 instead. I like COSC, but not enough for an extra $500.
Good video, reminds me of Rolex's history being founded in the UK. And Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf just sourced parts for Rolex. Rolex bought the movement manufacturer they sourced movements from around 2006 in their efforts to be vertically integrated.
When buying a watch, getting the best specs for your buck is engineering, but then marketing comes along, and the heart takes over, and that's when it all goes to pot! Great analysis as usual Mike, always on point 👏🏼
What no Johnny Rockets burger mention?
I like this topic . Long ago in the early 80's, a family owned watchshop had told me to forget about the brands and focus on 1. The quality of the movement, ETA was good enough, 2. Next the quality the case 3. The dial because you look at it many times a day. Lastly, the bracelet, a decent bracelet is good enough unless you like a leather strap. I bought my second good quality watch from then in 1984 a Heuer 1000 quartz model with full lume dial. It was great!
Over the years I have hear echoes of what you are saying here , they were right as you are. Had I listened then all those yrs ago I would have saved myself a lot of cash and angst. My watch hobby would have changed.
Your comments here would apply to the under speed GS Seiko divers movements as well I assume. I have reassed my watch collection and put then all up for sale.
What does not sell I will keep. My grandfather always said it's just a piece of metal strapped to your wrist, do without, and don't fuss about it. I wish I have his great depression perspective. Mike, there ist no mystique and lore old Swiss farm house deep Winter watch making. After Dec 2024 I will after a 40 yr fascination with watches finally put the hobby to bed. I will still follow you of course.
Regards, and great topic.
Chris aus Kanada
I miss johnny Rockets.... 😂😂
One of the best informative videos in watches that I've seen in a couple of years.
Glad it was helpful! 😀
you covered every points intelligently and I completely agree with you 100% (which is kind of rare thing from watch youtubers, ha ha) PS: by the way, if Monta can lower the price around $1500 range (which they can do by cutting few corners), they can probably sell twice or 3 times more. However, as you said, that will go against their principal, so there it is....
With respect to Gauss, many small to medium neodymium magnets have 10k-15k gauss, so if they were to touch or be in proximity to your watch, they could magnetize the movement.
(Magnetic clasps and closures, phone cases and chargers, etc.)
The METAS precision is definitely worth having over COSC. With COSC your watch might lose 20 seconds over the week, and you won't bother to set it because to do so is more hassle than it's worth. Then it slides another 20 seconds, and you might lose a minute before you bother adjusting it. With METAS it won't lose time, but might gain 20 seconds over the week, in which case you will hack it for 20 seconds and you're good for another week.
Exactly and in addition, to obtain METAS certification, the watch must be anti-magnetic and successfully pass a range of tests in various conditions.
Wonderful analysis. It's your point at the end that resonates the strongest: Design. At the end of the day, I don't care about the minimal gains in spec that occur between the Monta, the Tudor or the Rolex. So many new releases just fall into a category of "great...but so what?" Now that anyone can source a high-quality watch, it makes it even more disheartening that there is such a glut of "same watch/different brand" designs that do nothing to distinguish themselves and all end up looking like homages to each other.
IT has to be something you want to look at for a long time. Everything else ends up being secondary 😀
Great video as usual, only one remark though. Where I work (food industry) it is common to use 12,000 Gauss magnets so METAS is a big thing for me. Also, if you have kids and they like to play with those magnets used to build shapes, they are pretty strong. Antimagnetic properties can be very useful.
Mike, surprisingly, an iPad case with magnetic cover will reach 15000 Gauss. My Amazon bought “Fintie magnetic stand case for iPad” does, anyway, when measuring the magnetic field right over one of the magnets, and it has a lot of them evenly spaced out over the cover. I regularly have to demagnetize my watches… my Omegas will get magnetized (the case will), however, they just don’t seem to be affected as much as non-METAS movements are when I don’t pay attention and rest my left hand on top of my iPad.
Another angle to consider: What if you could get the Monta lightly used for a 50% discount? I own a Monta GMT (First Gen) and was able to purchase it for just about half off retail (and finance it 0% over 24 months using Paypal Credit on Ebay here in the US). Also, it was still under warranty. Used Tudors don't offer such discounts.
That's a good deal for sure 😀
Good insights here, Mike.
Now that Longines has the Conquest at 38.5mm I’m looking at it vs the Monta Noble. The Longines is more expensive and has the heritage but the design and actual watch, micro adjustment, dial of the Monta present more value to me. Your video is in my head as I go back and forth thinking about which one I like more overall. Interesting time when a Microbrand can compete Iike this
After missing out on several opportunities to get a quick-adjust bracelet on forums (they sell quickly), I finally got one for my 1st-generation OceanKing with the Eterna movement. Now it's the best of both worlds. I love the original, curved crystal and the no-guards crown and the perfect date window location. I consider it to be better than every current Tudor, although the P39 is very close. My cost: $1249 for watch, box, papers, and 2nd bracelet.
Excellent analysis. Thanks for introducing me to this brand!
Our pleasure 😀😀
Brilliant as always. I hope that you are a strategy or marketing consultant in your other life. McKinsey needs you. I would love to hear your take on Brellum. Their pilot watch offers specs that compare and, in some cases exceed, IWC's petit prince (in my view) for around $3,000 while being a microbrand. They seem to be playing in a part of the market all by themselves. I personally own one of their watches and love it although their comfortability in wear could be better.
Funny to bring up anOdain sourcing and only making their dials in house. Just tried to get an allocation slot for the model 1 green flume and the earliest allocation build date option for me was December 2029. Five years or a anOdain is absolutely absurd.
A lot of the smaller brands have a very limited production capacity and with the world as their market, a lot of them can have trouble filling orders. Zelos have a similar problem, typically selling out very fast upon release. It's a difficult place to be, because the inevitable question is how do we scale? And if we scale, can we maintain that level of sales or do we risk incurring costs that can never be recouped? 😃😃
Your knowledge and reviews are amazing. Subscribed.
Welcome on board 😊
Totally agree. Just wondering about Formex Essence 39. Not seen in flesh but as A Tudor BB58 owner I think the Essence seems to represent very good value and am considering. It’s COSC, nicely finished, good quality bracelet, and most importantly a little different in sports watch case design, compared say to Monta. Yes its dial is a rip off of Aqua Terra but fair game I reckon at the price Omega charge
Whadya think?🙂
I had hands on the essence in Geneva last week. Exceptional watches. I prefer the reef for pure aesthetic reasons but build wise the Formex is a cut above 😀
Fun fact: Formex is actually also a parts manufacturer. They sell watch components including dials to other large watch manufacturers.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Interesting and perhaps not wholly surprising- many thanks🙂
Mike thanks very much for the video -- both the Monta and Greubel Forsey are fascinating. Despite your enthusiasm and all the wonderful insights I am trying to remain an enthusiast rather than a collector 🙂. Going off topic yet again - It is possible to have some . . . romance . . . in competitively priced watches . . . . I appreciate the Muhle Glashutte 29er Casual 'Edition Saxony' Blue Dial watch ------ Because it is a family run business spanning 5 generations AND equally important their successful business, despite being within Russia for a few years.
Another Home run vid Mike! Thanks
You bet! .😊
I would like very much for you to do a big comaprison of all the big players in this price range from cw to tudor. Not necessarily a specific model, more about the tradeoffs they do, cuz some spend more on specs, some spend on design and some try to balance it. Not sure its a fair comparison cuz expenside Tudors are double the price of most these brands and yet they are widely compared as almost egual.
I would buy a BB GMT 41 with a T-Fit Clasp. Sadly & stupidly, it looks like Tudor doesn't offer it.
I REFUSE to buy a modern, luxury watch & bracelet, without a Micro-Adjust... Comfort is KING!
i had a monta gmt atlas. The clasp when closed poked out and couldn't get a proper fit on bracelet
always a pleasure ❤
I’m really thinking about buying a monta, I would pair it with strap though. for me they should do one of their Everest straps specifically for Monta
Come to think of it, we theoretically could draw a graph with price on x and built quality on y. It would be a logarithmic curve, wouldn't it?
Diminishing returns for sure where price goes up disproportionally relative to quality increase. 😀
I actually just saw the Bvlgari Aluminium GMT coke was released as well. Looks nice and blends well with the aluminium concept and "coke" 😂
I have a San Martin watch (china) very similar in look I guess. Cost me £200 UK it's unbelievable in quality the polishing is unreal it really stands up. Sorry but these watch makers really need to watch out.
Brilliant video as always - you’re fast becoming one of my favorites, love the format and deep analysis.
Agreed regarding METAS being a great but overrated spec, I’ve made pretty much the same arguments myself. Outside of possibly magnetism, it’s also not quite as accurate or proven as Superlative - really looking forward to that video.
Thanks for sharing! 😀
My first thought on seeing the new the Tudor BB58 was oh, Monta has really arrived, Tudor has made an homage to their Skyquest 😂. And for the record, 64 days since my last watch purchase!
Once again, Outstanding!!
Humbly thanks 😀
Thank you for treating your audience as adults. Subscribed.
8 billion people on the planet. There must be a couple thousand that prefer my style.... 😂😂
You guys, Monta is actually such an amazing watch. I have the Oceanking and it’s amazing
It is 😀😀
I really like the Monta, great looks, great brand. However, when it came time to decide, I went with Tudor and Longines. I'm willing to spend just a bit more for the name.
I never touch the screw down crown ,on my automatics actually i wait until the hours are perfectly synchronize with the current time to kepth the screw down flawless.
Does anyone know how many hand hours is Nomos put into a Tangente?
Love your videos, man.
Yay - Thanks 😀
How would you say it compares to the Zulu Time overall? In terms of finishing, movement, hands, dial, bezel action and design? I have the green and the brushing and polishing reminds me very much of the globemaster, it looks like the same finishing, also love the hands they feel dimensional and not flat like a lot of watches in the 0-4500€ tend to do.
Couple points: you mention the dial finishing of the Tudor to be far better than a Monta. But macro on a Tudor shows dust and slightly rough edges on hands. Does the monta do worse? Also where do you stand on Horage? Self designed movement self built movements and watches. and > 98% swiss. Is that watchmaking art? (Research b4 answering if not familiar with that brand). Cheers, enjoy your philosophy and vids 👍
Based on my Monta experiences and my Tudor ownership, I'd say that Tudor doesn't generally have faulty finishing - but hands, like with Rolex aren't perfect in the way a Brequet hand is perfectly finished.
But... IT's also a question of price point. I'm not sure, I personally expect watches under 5K to be able to pass a macro test. Also - I'm not sure you can consistently see differences to the naked eye between finishing on a Blancpain - Rolex - Tudor or Monta in case finishing.
Long answer but it's probably down to how good things are "at first glance" and how you over time start to perceive differences that may / may not justify a massive price difference 😀😀