It's nice, there is no arguing that. Gotta be honest though, I personally find it a bit.... boring, especially at nearly $2000 (probably closer to $2250 after shipping and taxes for me here in Sweden). I dunno, maybe I'm a bit superficial, but when I pay that much for a watch, I either want something that has cache in the brand, or something that really stands out in design/function. This does neither for me. So, again, it's nice, but I won't be getting one.
I agree wholeheartedly. I like the look of the watch but for pretty much the same money you can get a second hand Omega Seamaster 300M or maybe even a Tudor BB.
The 2k market is too crowded for another generic diver imo. It looks nice and the quality seems there, but it’s completely unmemorable and does nothing to stand out from he field imo.
Was able to pick up a pre-owned Monta Atlas with the silver/white dial some time ago. Really a stunner, it can be dresed up, dressed down, swiss made, gmt, it does everything! For ~1300-1500 eur/usd it's the best quality you can get I think. Even the remaining warranty was transfered by from the previous owner to me by Monta! So less brand heritage, but definitely more customer service and a more personal connection to a small enthusiast-based brand!
Way too expensive for a microbrand. Personally, I'd rather go for a Sinn or Oris at that price range. Could you do a review on Lorier please? They look like an interesting microbrand with decent pricing and original designs. Their new panda Gemini looks fantastic!
In terms of finishing and attention to detail, Monta blows Sinn and Oris into the middle of next year, at the same price point. I know this, as I own, or have owned all three brands.
I used to think the same thing. Try to go hands on with watches from all three brands if you can. Pretty clear who makes the objectively better watch under $2k. Signed, Former Monta skeptic turned Skyquest owner (Oris and Sinn just can’t compete with this kind of quality for the price)
I've consistently heard that the Monta is on a whole different level though.... Much more luxury.... Like an Omega. I feel like you really don't get that much for your money with the Oris watches. They do look cool though..... The Sinn is good.... But nothing special, IMO.... Band new company but the watch delivered the goods.
Ram Spencer Sinn makes incredible watches but the really remarkable ones are $3-5k. Oris quality is substandard even at gray market prices but good value used around $1k. In-house movements aside (which is not a feature in a tool watch IMO) my Skyquest is on par quality-wise with the four Omegas I’ve owned (two Speedmasters, one 300M SMP, one Planet Ocean). Take that for what it’s worth from someone with real hands-on experience over 20 years in this hobby.
Really enjoyed your review! The black Oceanking has been my daily watch for the past year and a half and I still smile when I look down at it on my wrist. It is nice to wear a watch with history, but there’s also something to be said about a watch that speaks to you and others won’t notice. Justin has always been helpful and responsive, even before I spent a dime with them. The watch is excellent quality, but the customer service is even better.
That blue is pretty awful, almost as garish as that Tissot you had in a while ago! Nice thin case and good proportions though, a black version would probably look classy!
MrShoryuken1 the black one is super nice and I agree with the blue not a fan. I love this Monta blue that’s on the Atlas which is a greenish blue, very nice
I’m a Monta skeptic (circa 2017-2018) turned big fan after getting hands on with their watches in 2019. Own a Skyquest with plans to add an Atlas this year and Oceanking next year. After comparing their quality with comparably prices brands like Oris, Sinn and Longines it was pretty clear than Monta is operating on a level well above those other brands (and is arguably the more unique choice, pretty bored of seeing the same Oris and Sinns over and over again). Zero worries of brand cache as serviceability of the Selitta will never be an issue and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that Monta will be a brand on par with some real heavyweights before long.
Yeah, with specs like that for the price, it's understandable, also, what were your experience with the customer service of Monta is? Also, in my unpublised fanfic about BanG Dream!, Love Live!, South Park and Forza Horizon (2012) (Titled: The double lesbian wedding of Tae Hanazono and Saaya Yamabuki and of Umi Sonoda and Kotori Minami: A BanG Dream! and Love Live! fanfic featuring South Park and Forza Horizon (2012)), Tae Hanazono wear a Monta Oceanking V2 in blue for the double wedding of her and Saaya alongside Umi and Kotori (Kyle Broflovski gifted Tae Hanazono the Monta Oceanking in question, the reason is that in the fanfic, Kyle is 27 years old and has a degree in psychology and work as a qualified and licensed psychologist and therefore he has a lot of money. Also, Kyle Broflovski's tool dive watch is the Ollech & Wajs C-1000 on the rubber strap)
"The Microbrand King?" Personally what I like about microbrands is the quality to price ratio. Monta might be up there in terms of quality but at ~$2k there are a whole lot of established options out there.
I don’t understand all the folks saying this isn’t a good value. What other watch gives you glide lock, ceramic fully lumed bezel, fully articulating bracelet and near COSC accuracy for 2k?
There is a lot to like here. When I was looking for a non-Seiko diver (which I already have so many of), I considered Monta. In the end I ended up buying a Christopher Ward Trident Pro 600, which I simply adore. Thanks for the review, Jody.
I am a VERY SATISFIED Monta owner. Last year I bought the Triumph !! And finding myself very close to buying their very next release. Of course love the Oceanking but I’m waiting for their version of a true dress piece.
Phil Bass in Monta’s defense, sometimes these pieces of fluff are tucked away somewhere not noticeable upon inspection but then break free and appear after shipping or time passing during use. Just an idea 🤷🏻♂️
As with most dive watches I was very much thinking "it's nice but I'm not big on straight 3 hand watches" and then you mention the Skyquest at the same price. So the SKyquest I totally would, but still the price is a niggle for me.
I own two Monta watches and the Oceanking will be my next purchase. Absolutely outstanding watches and great value for money, even with the import duties into Australia. Sure I could buy other established brands for similar or less money but why? Just for the name? These watches are extremely well built, have incredible dials and obsessive levels of detail. They could charge double and still be worth the money (please don't though). A lot of comments on here will be from people who have never handled one, and all complain about the cost. Don't worry, they are worth it, the quality is there.
It's crazy how many comments say they can get the same specs for a lot cheaper. Obviously they have not handled one of these watches. You cannot get this level of quality brand new for any cheaper, but you can get far less quality for far more expensive.
Great review as always. I was having a conversation with someone the other day about why I wouldn’t buy one, and I struggled to articulate my point. You’ve summed it up very succinctly.
I agree on the black probably being my pick over the blue. As far as the Skyquest versus Oceanking, I don't think the Skyquest has the glidelock clasp, and the GMT movement has the independent GMT hand instead of the independent hour hand like the GMT Master / Explorer II.
Nice case, great bracelet, great movement, average dial... Not crazy about the blue tint and definitely not crazy about the price. Great review J...Keep up the amazing work!
Agreed. Not for $2000. So many other choices out there. Heck you could buy 4 $500 watches that are really nice for the price they are asking. I would not ROCK that WATCH.
People rave a lot about Monta online. Not disputing they are nice watches, but they are most definitely not value watches, given the prices. Now, I'm not allergic to high-priced watches, but when you start getting into those rarefied atmospheres where the price of the watch can no longer be explained by "quality craftsmanship", then that premium above the alpha I'm paying for is the name and prestige of the label. Something Monta doesn't have - even though they charge like they think they do. A watch is value when it's no effort to convince people it was worth the purchase - Rolex is a high-end example of this everyone accepts. But with this watch, you'd need to convince yourself and then work hard to convince everyone else it was worth it.
Well stated. I happen to own a Time-Only variant and really like it. However, I have t agree with everything mentioned here. I did have to convince myself to purchase it and I do find myself trying to convince others of its worth. And it does bother me, which is why I'm thinking about moving it.
I am the owner of two Monta’s (a black Oceanking and a blue Atlas) and they are great watches and the bracelet is top notch! I have met Justin and he is a super nice guy and he has taken care of me when I needed a warranty repair on my Oceanking. A couple things to be aware of: only the Oceanking gets that glidelock clasp. The Skyquest, triumph, and Atlas just have normal microadjusts. The resale value is pretty low, so I would recommend buying used. There are some really good deals out there on used ones. Lastly there are no half links currently but Justin told me they are working on them and they should be coming in the next few months
To me the quality of their watches is certainly worth the price. I‘m a Monta Triumph owner and as field watchers go it’s one of the best I’ve ever owned. I liked it a lot better than my Tudor North Flag, which the Monta equaled in quality. The triumph is $1500 and the north flag is $3800. I sold the Tudor and a year later the Monta is still at +4 seconds a day.
The gilt and black dials look fantastic! I just got my grubby little mitts on a Super Seville day date on the cheap so my watch cravings has been fulfilled (for now!) Hope you're well Jody!
I've handled Montas twice at Worn and Wound watch fairs, and I can confirm that a) the GMT version is way better/cooler and that's the one you should go for, and b) the build quality justified the price tag. And Justin is a great guy to chat with.
I'm sooooo glad you reviewed this piece!!! I've seen reviews on this watch and nothing against those reviews but it's something about how you do it, it brings factors to the light that you might under look. I have been looking at this watch for some time now and I find it hard to just get it for some reason. Now I know why! I bought an orient mako usa 2 before Christmas and matched it with a coin edge bezel and lumed ceramic insert and I absolutely love this watch! Mine actually is only 2 seconds fast which is outstanding! I want to buy I luxury swiss diver but I'm in so much in love with my "masterpiece" I find it hard to justify the purchase. Has this ever happen to you? As always great review and be safe in these conditions! Until next time!
Another very fair and accurate review. I can’t really argue with the majority of those in the comments section: if you’re in the $2k bracket you’re facing some tough competition. If I was looking for interesting new marquee, I’d probably go Christopher Ward, if I was looking for brand cache then; Oris, Longines etc will sort me out nicely. I wish them luck and its clearly a well executed watch. Thanks again for the brilliant content Jody 😀
Loved your review and really liked that you added some thoughts on the lume including your note that this would be equal to about 5-6 hours to the human eye adjusted to the darkness. Great job.
Good review. Glad you finally got one in. I agree....if I was to cough up for a Monta, it would probably be a guilded black SkyQuest..... But bear in mind. I'm not sure that model has the glide lock clasp. That may be the price equalizer. Then maybe it would be more of a toss up... Or ask to pay a little extra and get the oceanking....$$$ bracelet. Cheers I do like the design and the finishing.
Very well done but for a 2k Swiss Microbrand dive watch (is this the most expensive out there?) I would expect COSC certified. Are there other similarly priced dive watches with a 65 hour power reserve?
I wouldn't pay that much for that watch. It isn't ugly but I'm not into that much blue!!! Love the Tshirt. I stayed in a treehouse in Oregon. Thx 4 that memory.
Expensive for what you get. Especially since I should receive my $400 Axios this month. Would love to compare the differences but, since I cannot, your videos are my guide to Micro brand quality and value. Thanks Jody.
It’s almost like you’ve seen one diver you’ve seen them all. In terms of aesthetics, the wave master and dumas have been my favorites and the only recent divers that appeal to me, looks wise
Hi, have you reviewed any tritium “lumed” watches ? I grabbed a carnival off aliexpress before Xmas just to try and despite the issues with the watch, it’s quite addictive to look at in the dark Also any chance of a review of a few different watch bracelets? So many watches are let done by then and it would be nice to see some recommendations from someone that I know can be trusted ( did you like the flattery there ? ) Keep up the good work
Unfortunately, there are too few tritium watch brands out there. Luminox has some great designs but regularly have alignment issues with the quartz. Ball seems to have an excessive amount of issues in the fan pages. Deep blue is nice, but they stick to bulky tool watches.
To those people saying that they'd rather have an Oris or Sinn instead, really need to handle a Monta in the metal. The quality of finishing, build quality and attention to detail, hammers similarly priced offerings from Sinn and Oris, into the middle of next year. I own a 556i and it's not in the same league. If the review had used macros of the dial, hands and finishing, the different would have been obvious.
I have to agree with a few comments that I’ve read on here today. 2k dollars for a micro brand is a bit steep. I picked myself a Tudor up the other day for 1650 uk pounds. I’m not saying the brand is not bad looking but they have to take a close look at there prices. Great review again old boy
Again, your preferences seem to match mine. I love the colour blue but none of these blue dial + blue bezel divers do much for me. Too much of a good thing, perhaps? Other than that, this one looks pretty well engineered and finished, but the price seems a bit out of this world. There are plenty of other well finished/engineered Swiss Made divers out there for way less. Not sure why I should buy this one instead of, say, a TAG or an Oris or four Steinharts. Or keep saving and go for an Omega or Rolex.
It's an almost for me as well. While size fit and finish are there, the color is distracting maybe even jarring. But then I chose the slate Aqua Terra over blue. The price puts it comfortably in Oris territory making it just a little more difficult choice.
Almost ready to pull the trigger on a Monta, until your video. Thanks for giving me a head shake. My concerns are micro brand, quality control issue, and most importantly no half link, which makes the slide lock clasp redundant.
Great video Jody as always. Even though I am not a fan of Monta they are doing something right because they are selling a lot of watches and seem to be popular. Love the T-shirt. I lived in Washington State foe about 7 years and if I had a T-Shirt it would read Washington is above Oregan and California, lol. Thanks again, Brian.
Hi, Jody! Please read this! First off, I'd like to express how appreciative I am of you and your channel. I've been a subscriber to your channel since late October of 2018 and have been so interested in all the watches you've presented on your channel! Thank you SO much for giving me interest in other brands that I haven't been familiar with before and keep these videos coming! Second, I also prefer black dial watches because they're so versatile with different attire as opposed to other color watches. Third, I'd much prefer the black Monta Triumph with the metal bracelet and a chocolate leather strap thrown in because it looks so clean and less busy!
Take it from someone who owns both the Ocean king and Sinn 104. The Monta is flat out just a better timepiece. The fit and finish is better in every way. Plus the bracelet is the most comfortable I’ve tried and that includes my Omega. I do have the black dial and love it but I can see why you’re not a fan of the blue. After owning the Ocean King for almost a year, I could definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking for a watch in this price range.
Does it carry any certs for water resistance? If I pay close to $2000 for diver, I want some certification. I'm happy to know it's regulated, that's a plus. But when I can get a 200m diver with a solid 120 click bezel and sapphire crystal, I judge quietly. Especially considering I can get a solid, well engineered iso6425 certified diver w/sapphire for $300.
Nice watch but, before I drop that kind of $$ on a Micro I know nothing about; I will buy the Tag Heuer WAJ2110.BA0870 Aquaracer that's been on my wish list for over 4 years.🤔 Keep 'em coming, Jody! 😉👍
So other than the 28,800bph movement, what does this get you over...say a $150-250 Heimdallr or San Martin for a daily wear watch? I'm going to throw my $160 Heimdallr 6105 on and enjoy it for 1/10th the price.
Been following Monta for some time now and my mindset is quite similar; if I was fortunate to think about dropping that kind of money on a watch, there are too many other well established brands that would draw my attention away. Hell, at that kind of money, I'd keep saving and go next tier up to a BB58 or a Seamaster. Would love to see how Farer would compare (now that you've broken the high end microbrand ceiling)!
I'm hesitating between Tudor bb36 and triumph from Monta. Frankly I'm not quite sure I want to wear a Tudor. I hope you will have a triumph to make a review.
This is really really nice, but yeah it is indeed pricey...I have a Maen Hudson 42, in fact the last one they sold, and it’s a nice watch for less than $400! Swiss Made, Domed Sapphire, Milled clasp, and a lovely unique dial. Checks all the boxes for me!
Have you had any experience with Lorier? They make some nice looking watches that you might be interested in. They’re sort a vintage style company, and so I think all their watches have acrylic crystal, which is why I’m kind of hesitant towards them (among other factors). I don’t have any experience with them but I’m looking for a nice dive watch at the moment (I’m considering the RLG Odyssea III, thanks to you!) and their name came up somewhere, so I figured, maybe Jody would like to know about Lorier!
It do like how it has touches of vintage and new watches. There's a mid 90's Zodiac Seawolf with this same look. All blue, coin edge bezel, etc. and I'm a big fan of it. If it had Zodiac on the dial I'd be all about this, but 2k on a microbrand...eahhhhhh......I could get a new Black Bay 36 for that price.
great review! I've previously owned the Skyquest and currently own the Atlas. I'm a big fan of this brand. Yes, it's expensive but once you hold it you appreciate how it is finished higher than it's larger brand 2k competitors. This is a common statement made by reviewers, so I'm not the only one. For example, I've owned the Oris Diver 65 and the Montas felt higher quality all around. The time I would advise against Monta would be those that highly value brand recognition. I don't really care about brand prestige so I'm very happy with my Atlas Oh one note: The Skyquest does NOT get the easy adjust clasp. I supposed this is why the cost of the SQ and the OK are the same. A miss from Monta for me - they should offer this clasp and just add the small cost onto the final price.
Really enjoy my SMP 300m in 36mm but it’s such a bummer that there is no on the fly adjustment as on this watch and the claps upgrade only works on the 41 version
Monta Skyquest Guilt Dial is my best looking watch by far. It completely replaced my BB58. The perceived built quality of the Monta is just ahead of my Oris65 & BB58. But it feels like a better version of the Mido Ocean Star. The case & bracelet are very similar. Everyone looking for a cheaper alternative should look at the mido
Hey Great Review as usual! Definitely Agree gotta go with the GMT! The SkyQuest Black dial Gilt seems to be the favourite! I'm giving it a spin now and have been quite happy so far! 👍👍👍👍
It looks lovely, just the text being unbalanced annoys me a bit - the letter m seems to be way to far to the right. Otherwise really nice, if over priced a bit. I would opt for a Christopher ward or an Oris for that kind of price.
Nice! Well built but that blue one is a bit garish. I agree with other viewers that for the price I rather get something with more history like Tudor or a used Omega.
Beautiful watch! But Christopher Ward on their once a year sale for $630 blows this one out of the water (over $1000 dollars cheaper)! They need to adjust their prices WAAAAYYYY down. Don't you agree?
Wow! I could by a TAG aquaracer quartz and have nearly half that left as change? I think the problem now is that there are soooo many microbrand divers out now pricing is getting all over the shop? Cheers my man.
Oh, and I think the indices are too small. And why go to the trouble of notching the rehaut but leaving it blank only to put the minute track on the dial? Seems an odd design choice.
Totally agree that it's a bit too much blue. I like a blue dial but with the blue bezel it just looks a bit garish. It's hard to be objective about quality without handling the watch but it really doesn't look like a 2K watch from the video! When you consider just how luxurious something like the Brellum Duobox is for the same money, I think it's a bit pricey! Totally different watch I know. And lastly, it's too small for my taste!
I'd surely appreciate such bracelet, especially the clasp with those very helpful adjustments. As for the watch, I got stuck with 39mm diameter, 11.5mm thickness, crown guard free. If I had this one, I might have a different opinion on the perfect size watch (for me), but.. No. For 2k, I'd get a more iconic time piece to enjoy (in a watch box 😂) Thanks for the review, Jody!
Has anyone drunk the MONTA Kool-Aid ? I personally can't get past that 2K price point? Here's a list of some IMHO better choices. ALL PRICES AS OF TODAY ON JOMASHOP! 1: Breitling Colt $1995 2: Ball Hydrocarbon $1595 3: Longines Heritage L28824569 $ 1795 4:Oris Big Crown GMT $1820 5: ETERNA KONTIKI 44 $ 1800 6: Oris Aquis $1549 7: Hamilton X Wind $ 1075 8: Glycine Airman Bronze GMT $ 699 9: Tag Heuer Aquaracer $ 1925 10: Bell & Ross BR0392 $2075
is it worth the price? Jody: Objectively I think so. meaning no...haha Can yiu review the Gevril Wall Street? i really want to know why that is priced at $4k.
It's nice, there is no arguing that. Gotta be honest though, I personally find it a bit.... boring, especially at nearly $2000 (probably closer to $2250 after shipping and taxes for me here in Sweden). I dunno, maybe I'm a bit superficial, but when I pay that much for a watch, I either want something that has cache in the brand, or something that really stands out in design/function. This does neither for me. So, again, it's nice, but I won't be getting one.
Ye for the price, if i would find it for around 1700 greymarket without taxes it would be more tempting (fellow Swede here!)
I agree, for lower price, I would rather go with new titanium chronometer C Ward.
I agree this model looks boring. I think the Monta Atlas is the best looking Monta and is much more interesting to me.
Exactly what I wanted to say. Agree with you.
I agree wholeheartedly. I like the look of the watch but for pretty much the same money you can get a second hand Omega Seamaster 300M or maybe even a Tudor BB.
At around £2k delivered here in the UK, this is far too expensive for me;I'd much rather spend that sort of money on a second hand Omega Seamaster !
David Webster my thoughts exactly 👍
I own a Monta and I’ve owned an ORIS. I prefer the Monta for the glidelock, comfort, bezel action, and accuracy.
The 2k market is too crowded for another generic diver imo. It looks nice and the quality seems there, but it’s completely unmemorable and does nothing to stand out from he field imo.
Generic? Huh?!!! It really does it's own thing. That's what I really like about it!
@@ramspencer5492why do you love them so much? You're literally replying to every semi-negative comment. People are allowed to have opinions.
@@tomu-s2075 yes. I maybe overdid it. I was very impressed with the watch in person. I didn't get nasty with anyone except you though.
@@tomu-s2075 you're also being civil now. So I should apologize. I'm sorry for reacting so harshly.
Was able to pick up a pre-owned Monta Atlas with the silver/white dial some time ago. Really a stunner, it can be dresed up, dressed down, swiss made, gmt, it does everything! For ~1300-1500 eur/usd it's the best quality you can get I think. Even the remaining warranty was transfered by from the previous owner to me by Monta! So less brand heritage, but definitely more customer service and a more personal connection to a small enthusiast-based brand!
As an Oregonian and fan of geographically accurate t-shirts, well done, Jody!
Elerosse another Oregonian here and also love the shirt!
Way too expensive for a microbrand. Personally, I'd rather go for a Sinn or Oris at that price range. Could you do a review on Lorier please? They look like an interesting microbrand with decent pricing and original designs. Their new panda Gemini looks fantastic!
In terms of finishing and attention to detail, Monta blows Sinn and Oris into the middle of next year, at the same price point. I know this, as I own, or have owned all three brands.
I used to think the same thing. Try to go hands on with watches from all three brands if you can. Pretty clear who makes the objectively better watch under $2k. Signed, Former Monta skeptic turned Skyquest owner (Oris and Sinn just can’t compete with this kind of quality for the price)
I've consistently heard that the Monta is on a whole different level though.... Much more luxury.... Like an Omega. I feel like you really don't get that much for your money with the Oris watches. They do look cool though..... The Sinn is good.... But nothing special, IMO.... Band new company but the watch delivered the goods.
Ram Spencer Sinn makes incredible watches but the really remarkable ones are $3-5k. Oris quality is substandard even at gray market prices but good value used around $1k. In-house movements aside (which is not a feature in a tool watch IMO) my Skyquest is on par quality-wise with the four Omegas I’ve owned (two Speedmasters, one 300M SMP, one Planet Ocean). Take that for what it’s worth from someone with real hands-on experience over 20 years in this hobby.
@@joshgull totally. I meant in the lower tiers. Sorry my bad.
This channel makes me happy. Thanks Jodi.
I enjoy watching your reviews its refreshing to see integrity and honesty
$2k for this or the new Casio Duro in blue for $60......... I think I'll just go ahead and save my marriage and get the Casio.
Todd Smith A wise move I think 🤔😁
Todd Smith I have a Blue Duro, and I absolutely love it. Plus, I will choose the Duro’s shade of blue over the Monta’s in a second.
You know it’s going to be a good day when the vid starts with ‘helllooow’ in a Scottish accent 👍
Really enjoyed your review! The black Oceanking has been my daily watch for the past year and a half and I still smile when I look down at it on my wrist. It is nice to wear a watch with history, but there’s also something to be said about a watch that speaks to you and others won’t notice. Justin has always been helpful and responsive, even before I spent a dime with them. The watch is excellent quality, but the customer service is even better.
That blue is pretty awful, almost as garish as that Tissot you had in a while ago! Nice thin case and good proportions though, a black version would probably look classy!
MrShoryuken1 the black one is super nice and I agree with the blue not a fan. I love this Monta blue that’s on the Atlas which is a greenish blue, very nice
Reminds me of the Invicta blue a bit.
Yeah. I don't like that blue at all. The guilded black is really cool though
I’m a Monta skeptic (circa 2017-2018) turned big fan after getting hands on with their watches in 2019. Own a Skyquest with plans to add an Atlas this year and Oceanking next year. After comparing their quality with comparably prices brands like Oris, Sinn and Longines it was pretty clear than Monta is operating on a level well above those other brands (and is arguably the more unique choice, pretty bored of seeing the same Oris and Sinns over and over again). Zero worries of brand cache as serviceability of the Selitta will never be an issue and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that Monta will be a brand on par with some real heavyweights before long.
Yeah, with specs like that for the price, it's understandable, also, what were your experience with the customer service of Monta is?
Also, in my unpublised fanfic about BanG Dream!, Love Live!, South Park and Forza Horizon (2012) (Titled: The double lesbian wedding of Tae Hanazono and Saaya Yamabuki and of Umi Sonoda and Kotori Minami: A BanG Dream! and Love Live! fanfic featuring South Park and Forza Horizon (2012)), Tae Hanazono wear a Monta Oceanking V2 in blue for the double wedding of her and Saaya alongside Umi and Kotori (Kyle Broflovski gifted Tae Hanazono the Monta Oceanking in question, the reason is that in the fanfic, Kyle is 27 years old and has a degree in psychology and work as a qualified and licensed psychologist and therefore he has a lot of money. Also, Kyle Broflovski's tool dive watch is the Ollech & Wajs C-1000 on the rubber strap)
@@trongnghiachu1977probably the most random comment I’ve ever read on TH-cam.
For two grand we should definitely get a color matching date window!
They had a prototype with this, and went with the white for legibility. A big part of their ethos is the "tool watch" approach.
But then old people will complain there's not enough contrast for their old eyes to read the date.
@@astifcaulkinyeras us old people complain no matter what. LOL
@@williamrizzo1285 says the man who's complaining! 😋
"The Microbrand King?"
Personally what I like about microbrands is the quality to price ratio. Monta might be up there in terms of quality but at ~$2k there are a whole lot of established options out there.
I don’t understand all the folks saying this isn’t a good value. What other watch gives you glide lock, ceramic fully lumed bezel, fully articulating bracelet and near COSC accuracy for 2k?
There is a lot to like here. When I was looking for a non-Seiko diver (which I already have so many of), I considered Monta. In the end I ended up buying a Christopher Ward Trident Pro 600, which I simply adore. Thanks for the review, Jody.
I am a VERY SATISFIED Monta owner. Last year I bought the Triumph !! And finding myself very close to buying their very next release. Of course love the Oceanking but I’m waiting for their version of a true dress piece.
consiser the atlas? hmm!
Just like the Melbourne Watch Company review, how are micro brands sending in their watches for review without a stringent QC check...?
Phil Bass in Monta’s defense, sometimes these pieces of fluff are tucked away somewhere not noticeable upon inspection but then break free and appear after shipping or time passing during use. Just an idea 🤷🏻♂️
As with most dive watches I was very much thinking "it's nice but I'm not big on straight 3 hand watches" and then you mention the Skyquest at the same price. So the SKyquest I totally would, but still the price is a niggle for me.
Too expensive, Id rather get a Longines Hydroconquest
hydroconquest is a great watch , i have one myself and its a very under rated watch. great choice
I own two Monta watches and the Oceanking will be my next purchase. Absolutely outstanding watches and great value for money, even with the import duties into Australia. Sure I could buy other established brands for similar or less money but why? Just for the name? These watches are extremely well built, have incredible dials and obsessive levels of detail. They could charge double and still be worth the money (please don't though). A lot of comments on here will be from people who have never handled one, and all complain about the cost. Don't worry, they are worth it, the quality is there.
It's crazy how many comments say they can get the same specs for a lot cheaper. Obviously they have not handled one of these watches. You cannot get this level of quality brand new for any cheaper, but you can get far less quality for far more expensive.
Agree. And Monta deliver slim watches. I like that.
2 grand....2 GRAND! Go home Monta...you're drunk!
2 grand for a watch where you can see the springbar through the gap on the top right lug and end link lmfao
what a joke
@@minchrono24lover27two years later this is a hell of a deal for the quality
@@bulldog8934No it isn't, these watches only go for £1.8k max now.
I have an aftermarket glidelock clasp on my Pagani. Same style as stock, no logo. €11 or so. Not the greatest tolerances, but hey, it does work!
Great review as always. I was having a conversation with someone the other day about why I wouldn’t buy one, and I struggled to articulate my point. You’ve summed it up very succinctly.
I agree on the black probably being my pick over the blue. As far as the Skyquest versus Oceanking, I don't think the Skyquest has the glidelock clasp, and the GMT movement has the independent GMT hand instead of the independent hour hand like the GMT Master / Explorer II.
Nice case, great bracelet, great movement, average dial... Not crazy about the blue tint and definitely not crazy about the price. Great review J...Keep up the amazing work!
I think it's gorgeous and very well finished, I saw a review for a black and gold one which also looks amazing (by a TH-camr named daily wristchecker)
Oh and for me the price is just to high. Too expensive for me.
Agreed. Not for $2000. So many other choices out there. Heck you could buy 4 $500 watches that are really nice for the price they are asking. I would not ROCK that WATCH.
People rave a lot about Monta online. Not disputing they are nice watches, but they are most definitely not value watches, given the prices. Now, I'm not allergic to high-priced watches, but when you start getting into those rarefied atmospheres where the price of the watch can no longer be explained by "quality craftsmanship", then that premium above the alpha I'm paying for is the name and prestige of the label. Something Monta doesn't have - even though they charge like they think they do. A watch is value when it's no effort to convince people it was worth the purchase - Rolex is a high-end example of this everyone accepts. But with this watch, you'd need to convince yourself and then work hard to convince everyone else it was worth it.
Well stated. I happen to own a Time-Only variant and really like it. However, I have t agree with everything mentioned here. I did have to convince myself to purchase it and I do find myself trying to convince others of its worth. And it does bother me, which is why I'm thinking about moving it.
I am the owner of two Monta’s (a black Oceanking and a blue Atlas) and they are great watches and the bracelet is top notch! I have met Justin and he is a super nice guy and he has taken care of me when I needed a warranty repair on my Oceanking. A couple things to be aware of: only the Oceanking gets that glidelock clasp. The Skyquest, triumph, and Atlas just have normal microadjusts. The resale value is pretty low, so I would recommend buying used. There are some really good deals out there on used ones. Lastly there are no half links currently but Justin told me they are working on them and they should be coming in the next few months
Good info mate, thanks! Maybe used is the way to go for now then. Cheers!
To me the quality of their watches is certainly worth the price. I‘m a Monta Triumph owner and as field watchers go it’s one of the best I’ve ever owned. I liked it a lot better than my Tudor North Flag, which the Monta equaled in quality. The triumph is $1500 and the north flag is $3800. I sold the Tudor and a year later the Monta is still at +4 seconds a day.
The gilt and black dials look fantastic! I just got my grubby little mitts on a Super Seville day date on the cheap so my watch cravings has been fulfilled (for now!) Hope you're well Jody!
I've handled Montas twice at Worn and Wound watch fairs, and I can confirm that a) the GMT version is way better/cooler and that's the one you should go for, and b) the build quality justified the price tag. And Justin is a great guy to chat with.
I'm sooooo glad you reviewed this piece!!! I've seen reviews on this watch and nothing against those reviews but it's something about how you do it, it brings factors to the light that you might under look. I have been looking at this watch for some time now and I find it hard to just get it for some reason. Now I know why! I bought an orient mako usa 2 before Christmas and matched it with a coin edge bezel and lumed ceramic insert and I absolutely love this watch! Mine actually is only 2 seconds fast which is outstanding! I want to buy I luxury swiss diver but I'm in so much in love with my "masterpiece" I find it hard to justify the purchase. Has this ever happen to you? As always great review and be safe in these conditions! Until next time!
Ticks all the right boxes - - BUT too expensive.
100% Agree with you .
Another very fair and accurate review. I can’t really argue with the majority of those in the comments section: if you’re in the $2k bracket you’re facing some tough competition. If I was looking for interesting new marquee, I’d probably go Christopher Ward, if I was looking for brand cache then; Oris, Longines etc will sort me out nicely. I wish them luck and its clearly a well executed watch. Thanks again for the brilliant content Jody 😀
Yes! Oregon IS above California! It's also the best part of a Cali-Washington sandwich.
Honestly this looks like Steinhart quality at 4 times the price (other than the glide lock clasp).
And you can get a glidelock on AliExpress for 15 dollars.
Steinhart are nowhere in the same league as Monta when it comes to specs, build quality, finishing and attention to detail. Not even close.
😂😂😂 you casual watch guys are so funny
Loved your review and really liked that you added some thoughts on the lume including your note that this would be equal to about 5-6 hours to the human eye adjusted to the darkness. Great job.
Nice shirt! -Signed, a native Oregonian.
For that money I would buy a used quartz Grand Seiko!!! atb snack
Snack! I think you wouldn't be far off a SBGN011.........
Good review. Glad you finally got one in. I agree....if I was to cough up for a Monta, it would probably be a guilded black SkyQuest..... But bear in mind. I'm not sure that model has the glide lock clasp. That may be the price equalizer. Then maybe it would be more of a toss up... Or ask to pay a little extra and get the oceanking....$$$ bracelet. Cheers
I do like the design and the finishing.
The skyquest has the gmt hand but it doesn't come with the adjustable clasp. You only get that on the oceanking.
Hey j, are you gonna put up the Sharkey review soon? Looking forward
Still hasn't arrived mate!
I just received a sharkey/ Heimdallr bronze skx homage with a blue dial and it is really lovely with Amazing lume!
At $2000 you can go for oris, mido, rado, hamilton etc. or a preowned breitling even a tudor black bay at the high end
Very well done but for a 2k Swiss Microbrand dive watch (is this the most expensive out there?) I would expect COSC certified. Are there other similarly priced dive watches with a 65 hour power reserve?
Absolutely no sale..Don't know where they get off charging that for a newish microbrand..Can get 10 San Martins for that or 3 Zelos
Jodi, what would you get instead of the Casio Edifice's
I wouldn't pay that much for that watch. It isn't ugly but I'm not into that much blue!!! Love the Tshirt. I stayed in a treehouse in Oregon. Thx 4 that memory.
Expensive for what you get. Especially since I should receive my $400 Axios this month. Would love to compare the differences but, since I cannot, your videos are my guide to Micro brand quality and value. Thanks Jody.
It’s almost like you’ve seen one diver you’ve seen them all. In terms of aesthetics, the wave master and dumas have been my favorites and the only recent divers that appeal to me, looks wise
Love my Triumph, they're really something special, already on pictures and videos but even more when you hold them in your hands 👌🏼
Hi, have you reviewed any tritium “lumed” watches ? I grabbed a carnival off aliexpress before Xmas just to try and despite the issues with the watch, it’s quite addictive to look at in the dark
Also any chance of a review of a few different watch bracelets? So many watches are let done by then and it would be nice to see some recommendations from someone that I know can be trusted ( did you like the flattery there ? )
Keep up the good work
Unfortunately, there are too few tritium watch brands out there. Luminox has some great designs but regularly have alignment issues with the quartz. Ball seems to have an excessive amount of issues in the fan pages. Deep blue is nice, but they stick to bulky tool watches.
Absolutely love the size and variation of these watches. Would look perfect on my measly wrist. That blue is stunning.
To those people saying that they'd rather have an Oris or Sinn instead, really need to handle a Monta in the metal. The quality of finishing, build quality and attention to detail, hammers similarly priced offerings from Sinn and Oris, into the middle of next year. I own a 556i and it's not in the same league.
If the review had used macros of the dial, hands and finishing, the different would have been obvious.
Dennis Kwok 100%
This
I have to agree with a few comments that I’ve read on here today. 2k dollars for a micro brand is a bit steep. I picked myself a Tudor up the other day for 1650 uk pounds. I’m not saying the brand is not bad looking but they have to take a close look at there prices. Great review again old boy
Again, your preferences seem to match mine. I love the colour blue but none of these blue dial + blue bezel divers do much for me. Too much of a good thing, perhaps? Other than that, this one looks pretty well engineered and finished, but the price seems a bit out of this world. There are plenty of other well finished/engineered Swiss Made divers out there for way less. Not sure why I should buy this one instead of, say, a TAG or an Oris or four Steinharts. Or keep saving and go for an Omega or Rolex.
It's an almost for me as well. While size fit and finish are there, the color is distracting maybe even jarring. But then I chose the slate Aqua Terra over blue. The price puts it comfortably in Oris territory making it just a little more difficult choice.
Great review, awesome if You dig the blue!
Another great show, unreal thanks Jo.
Almost ready to pull the trigger on a Monta, until your video. Thanks for giving me a head shake. My concerns are micro brand, quality control issue, and most importantly no half link, which makes the slide lock clasp redundant.
Great video Jody as always. Even though I am not a fan of Monta they are doing something right because they are selling a lot of watches and seem to be popular. Love the T-shirt. I lived in Washington State foe about 7 years and if I had a T-Shirt it would read Washington is above Oregan and California, lol. Thanks again, Brian.
Hi, Jody! Please read this! First off, I'd like to express how appreciative I am of you and your channel. I've been a subscriber to your channel since late October of 2018 and have been so interested in all the watches you've presented on your channel! Thank you SO much for giving me interest in other brands that I haven't been familiar with before and keep these videos coming! Second, I also prefer black dial watches because they're so versatile with different attire as opposed to other color watches. Third, I'd much prefer the black Monta Triumph with the metal bracelet and a chocolate leather strap thrown in because it looks so clean and less busy!
Would you buy this over a Tag Heuer..??
Take it from someone who owns both the Ocean king and Sinn 104. The Monta is flat out just a better timepiece. The fit and finish is better in every way. Plus the bracelet is the most comfortable I’ve tried and that includes my Omega. I do have the black dial and love it but I can see why you’re not a fan of the blue. After owning the Ocean King for almost a year, I could definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking for a watch in this price range.
JODY- Good on you for wearing the shirt, Millennials don't know Geography...
I really don’t want to deal with a diver without a glide lock clasp now that I’m used to it….I have it with a Cronos L6005 and I love it.
Agree mate! I'm wearing one now....
Does it carry any certs for water resistance? If I pay close to $2000 for diver, I want some certification. I'm happy to know it's regulated, that's a plus. But when I can get a 200m diver with a solid 120 click bezel and sapphire crystal, I judge quietly. Especially considering I can get a solid, well engineered iso6425 certified diver w/sapphire for $300.
Model keep in mind the sky quest doesn't have the glide lock system. Great review!
Nice watch but, before I drop that kind of $$ on a Micro I know nothing about; I will buy the Tag Heuer WAJ2110.BA0870 Aquaracer that's been on my wish list for over 4 years.🤔
Keep 'em coming, Jody! 😉👍
So other than the 28,800bph movement, what does this get you over...say a $150-250 Heimdallr or San Martin for a daily wear watch? I'm going to throw my $160 Heimdallr 6105 on and enjoy it for 1/10th the price.
Been following Monta for some time now and my mindset is quite similar; if I was fortunate to think about dropping that kind of money on a watch, there are too many other well established brands that would draw my attention away. Hell, at that kind of money, I'd keep saving and go next tier up to a BB58 or a Seamaster.
Would love to see how Farer would compare (now that you've broken the high end microbrand ceiling)!
I'm hesitating between Tudor bb36 and triumph from Monta. Frankly I'm not quite sure I want to wear a Tudor. I hope you will have a triumph to make a review.
This is really really nice, but yeah it is indeed pricey...I have a Maen Hudson 42, in fact the last one they sold, and it’s a nice watch for less than $400! Swiss Made, Domed Sapphire, Milled clasp, and a lovely unique dial. Checks all the boxes for me!
Have you had any experience with Lorier? They make some nice looking watches that you might be interested in. They’re sort a vintage style company, and so I think all their watches have acrylic crystal, which is why I’m kind of hesitant towards them (among other factors). I don’t have any experience with them but I’m looking for a nice dive watch at the moment (I’m considering the RLG Odyssea III, thanks to you!) and their name came up somewhere, so I figured, maybe Jody would like to know about Lorier!
It do like how it has touches of vintage and new watches. There's a mid 90's Zodiac Seawolf with this same look. All blue, coin edge bezel, etc. and I'm a big fan of it. If it had Zodiac on the dial I'd be all about this, but 2k on a microbrand...eahhhhhh......I could get a new Black Bay 36 for that price.
Worth twice the price or Christopher Ward Trident?
Love the shirt. My Home. Finally some representation.
A nice part of the world? The shirt was sent to me by a generous subscriber called David.
Just One More Watch of course. I see David all the time. Everyone in Oregon is on a first name basis. 😉😁
David Hansen haha, I’m in SE PDX. Pick a day, time and location for a wrist check, and I’ll be there. 😁
David Hansen am or pm?
great review! I've previously owned the Skyquest and currently own the Atlas. I'm a big fan of this brand. Yes, it's expensive but once you hold it you appreciate how it is finished higher than it's larger brand 2k competitors. This is a common statement made by reviewers, so I'm not the only one.
For example, I've owned the Oris Diver 65 and the Montas felt higher quality all around. The time I would advise against Monta would be those that highly value brand recognition. I don't really care about brand prestige so I'm very happy with my Atlas
Oh one note: The Skyquest does NOT get the easy adjust clasp. I supposed this is why the cost of the SQ and the OK are the same. A miss from Monta for me - they should offer this clasp and just add the small cost onto the final price.
I agree. I would buy the Skyquest if it came with the slide adjustable clasp.
Really enjoy my SMP 300m in 36mm but it’s such a bummer that there is no on the fly adjustment as on this watch and the claps upgrade only works on the 41 version
HELLLLLLLOOOOO and welcome I'm here for Just one more watch...
Thanks for another great review! It would be good to hear your thoughts on their Atlas model. 🙏
Monta Skyquest Guilt Dial is my best looking watch by far. It completely replaced my BB58. The perceived built quality of the Monta is just ahead of my Oris65 & BB58.
But it feels like a better version of the Mido Ocean Star. The case & bracelet are very similar. Everyone looking for a cheaper alternative should look at the mido
FYI at that price you could go for an entry level Tudor
Hey Great Review as usual! Definitely Agree gotta go with the GMT! The SkyQuest Black dial Gilt seems to be the favourite! I'm giving it a spin now and have been quite happy so far! 👍👍👍👍
This is an excellent review
It looks lovely, just the text being unbalanced annoys me a bit - the letter m seems to be way to far to the right. Otherwise really nice, if over priced a bit. I would opt for a Christopher ward or an Oris for that kind of price.
Nice! Well built but that blue one is a bit garish. I agree with other viewers that for the price I rather get something with more history like Tudor or a used Omega.
Beautiful watch! But Christopher Ward on their once a year sale for $630 blows this one
out of the water (over $1000 dollars cheaper)!
They need to adjust their prices WAAAAYYYY down.
Don't you agree?
Ahhh. Monta vs Oris? Why not Calaeuche and Direnza and another MB versus either of them? Not too many eggs in one basket.
Wow! I could by a TAG aquaracer quartz and have nearly half that left as change? I think the problem now is that there are soooo many microbrand divers out now pricing is getting all over the shop? Cheers my man.
Oh, and I think the indices are too small. And why go to the trouble of notching the rehaut but leaving it blank only to put the minute track on the dial? Seems an odd design choice.
Am looking to buy 1 Monta watch... until I saw your video 🤣
Totally agree that it's a bit too much blue. I like a blue dial but with the blue bezel it just looks a bit garish. It's hard to be objective about quality without handling the watch but it really doesn't look like a 2K watch from the video! When you consider just how luxurious something like the Brellum Duobox is for the same money, I think it's a bit pricey! Totally different watch I know. And lastly, it's too small for my taste!
One thing to keep in mind: yes, the GMT may cost the same, but it doesn't have the adjustable glide lock bracelet.
I'd surely appreciate such bracelet, especially the clasp with those very helpful adjustments. As for the watch, I got stuck with 39mm diameter, 11.5mm thickness, crown guard free. If I had this one, I might have a different opinion on the perfect size watch (for me), but.. No.
For 2k, I'd get a more iconic time piece to enjoy (in a watch box 😂)
Thanks for the review, Jody!
I wish more micros lived in this price range. Oak & Oscar is another company to look at in this niche.
They have great watches, some would argue, even better than Monta
Has anyone drunk the MONTA Kool-Aid ? I personally can't get past that 2K price point? Here's a list of some IMHO better choices. ALL PRICES AS OF TODAY ON JOMASHOP!
1: Breitling Colt $1995
2: Ball Hydrocarbon $1595
3: Longines Heritage L28824569 $ 1795
4:Oris Big Crown GMT $1820
5: ETERNA KONTIKI 44 $ 1800
6: Oris Aquis $1549
7: Hamilton X Wind $ 1075
8: Glycine Airman Bronze GMT $ 699
9: Tag Heuer Aquaracer $ 1925
10: Bell & Ross BR0392 $2075
is it worth the price?
Jody: Objectively I think so.
meaning no...haha
Can yiu review the Gevril Wall Street? i really want to know why that is priced at $4k.