No Mercedes hand, no cyclops lens, date at 6, with only two lines of text above the 6. And it has a ceramic bezel, solid movement, 300m of WR, and more consistent geometric markers on the lacquered dial. They fixed the submariner and are selling it for 1/5 of the price. Well done.
The design is very Submariner. It is almost Ginault-like. I wonder why they didn't keep going their own way. I still like their attention to detail though. Very well made.
Any comments on the length and thickness of the clasp? The six o’clock side of my Atlas did not curve very well against my flat wrist. It’s why I canceled my pre-order until there were more reviews.
Supernice, less is more, elegant simplicity. Basically a Rollie for those who don't want to drop the dough (or wait forever, or while waiting, or whatever). Just a killer GADA watch, refined, super-comfortable, with outstanding customer service. If you don't want to play >2k, just wait; these will come up used for less in the months and years ahead...
It’s an amazing watch, and I’d be a buyer if I didn’t already have a current-gen Sub Date. It’s just too similar and in some ways I like the Monta better, (including a date while still maintaining symmetry 👍) but I prefer the sharper lines of the Submariner. I think this is a great watch for those who don’t quite have the budget for a Sub. Similar enough to give you the same vibe, but without completely being a homage and making you feel like you’re wearing a replica.
I owned the version 2, had few issues with it, the numerals on the bezel would get dirty, and was really hard to clean, just looked off, and the clasp was too straight across, both of these issues are fixed on this one. I have heard criticism of the "sub issue" on this, but to me it is not a homage, and I must say, this is one of the most handsome divers on the market
I’m 7.25 and was waiting for the wrist shot to see how this fits on that wrist size. But it was too quick! How do you think this wears on a larger wrist? The 20 mm lug width seems just a tad small.
The Monta has always been a very solid watch. This V3 looks like they're finding their own style and niche. This watch really resonates with me as a nearly perfect example of a Mil spec. Sub.! I prefer those indicies to the round dots of a Rolex. To me they've just about nailed the watch design/quality Vs. Price/value relationship. This has jumped on to my most desirable/ hit list! Possibly displacing a Christopher Ward.😮 I just wish the bezel was fully lumed! 😢
@@watchchimp3102 I had a Christopher ward trident but they're more than 50% cheaper than this watch. Once it starts getting above £2k you're starting to get towards Tudor price point and I'd always go to a more established and recognised brand when spending that type of money.
Honestly, with a well-executed 6 o'clock date window, I don't mind it at all. Much better than a 3 o'clock and cyclops, like a certain model this is going after... I think the only thing I would want to see different in this, would be a lumed date wheel.
I've been asking Monta for a no-date watch with a dynamic or fixed bezel and they've been pretty adamant that they don't sell. One of the owners told me that it took them a while to fully sell out the original no-date Oceanking. Meanwhile, they now have 2 different but same-sized watches with the same SW330 GMT movement in them. Go figure!
I get it. I think the Silent Service is nice. But the Monta has less text on the dial, which I like, and a superior movement with better power reserve.
This looks really really nice. If the odds of actually ever getting a Sub are zero anyway, why not go for something like this? Nice movement regulated by Monta, nice finishing, bracelet and clasp. Killer product at a great price.
Rob, you have reviewed the Ginault Silent Service and now v3 of the Monta Oceanking. Which would you pick for yourself if money was not a concern and you could only pick one?
Your question is what one would I buy regardless of cost. Neither I prefer more color and pop. Now to answer it as if I did prefer them as they are. Monta if o could afford it, Ginault if I could afford it. There really is no wrong or right choice here. Unless you just get both. Or go buy an orange dial watch and smile more.
very impressive watch...I have hard time spending so much these days with a lot of awesome lower cost options...San Martin SN0111T comes to mind...very similar size but made with Grade 5 Titanium...
Sure, as long as you don't care about fit and finishing, time keeping accuracy and power reserve duration. The difference in those attributes in lower and higher cost options is night and day.
I find it so weird that they claim (almost) no demand for no-dates. For me, the date makes it a no-buyer, especially at that price. (but, I might be crazy)
I recall they had a no date of the Ocean King v2, and I recall they told me it was something like 3 date versions sold for every no date. I personally wouldn't buy it without a date.
@@RedwoodAggie Interesting! Well, they probably know the market better than me. It explains why most watches have dates. Although, I won't mind seeing more no-date options.
@@TimRobertsen I don't think it's an insignificant amount, though I wonder if there was a surge of interest when the no dates were released, then a slowing of sales once the no date fans already bought theirs. I'd be interested in seeing that information. They also have only one color for now. Maybe they will come out with different colors and a no date at a later time and were just focused on getting this one right first for the latest generation.
@@RedwoodAggie Yeah, I bet the no-dates went real fast. I'm not very active (at all) on watch forums, etc, so I don't really have a good gauge on what people within the watch-communities prefere. For me, the date-window really breaks the aesthetics of the dial. In this case it's at 6, which isn't all that bad, the dial maintains symmetry atleast, but the 3 and 4:30 dates really don't work for me. It saves me money though:p
The indices are a definite downgrade from the V2, but I like everything else. IMO I don't see why it's $1000 better than a CW Trident 300, but to each their own.
This watch on preorder is $2,225 out the door. Monta does not charge sales tax. The Trident Pro on bracelet is $1,085 plus sales tax and customs duty. For me, the total price for a Trident Pro 300 would be approx $1,300. The Monta is more refined and better finished than the CW, and has a better bracelet and movement (56 hour power reserve versus 38 hour power reserve on the CW).
Longines has been making a lot of attractive watches lately, but they still can't be bothered to make a bracelet with a tool-less micro adjustment clasp.
A fantastic looking watch from Monta. It seems like there isn't anything to complain about....except a couple of things.... I think that the price is too expensive. $2550 plus tax comes out to almost $3000.00 THAT is a lot of money for a Monta watch. Secondly, it looks like this models is a poster child of Ginault's Ocean King 2 & Silent Service. When Monta's first version was released, it had its own identity and design, however, this V3 is a lot like many other famous brand homage watches, with exceptionally well-done on fit & finish. A great looking watch, but I am not so sure about the retail price... Thanks for the review, Rob.
The 3d shaped subdials of v2 were the coolest thing about the watch. Once you remove that, despite everything else being fantastic, the watch still looks generic. No idea why they couldn't make the subdials a little more 3d with more metal at the edges of the 3', 9' and 12' markers at least. Then the price point would be justified. And I would have bought the watch.
I love it. The size, bracelet, bezel and dial, but at the end of the day, it’s a homage to the Crown. If pre-order is $2,200, it’s too much. As a homage, it’s a level up from the rest of the pack; I think $1,700 is a good starting point.
The indicies are also different. Different style of bracelet links. Case shape is different. I definitely think there are design cues that are taken from the sub but the reality is there are a lot of popular dive watches that takes cues from the sub.
@@ryan850r But that's what a proper homage is. It's not a copy, there are plenty of those out there, but is influenced by the original. In a good way, in my opinion. I do think this looks better than the previous model, certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
While an amazing watch, I can't justify buying the v3 while I have the black v2 with the stainless steel bezel. The v2 just feels more original more Monta especially so with the steel bezel and something about those waterfall indices really appeals to me as well.
Nice watch but pretty bland watch. Feels like a high class Pagani Design watch. I think the Ginault Silent Service is probably more exciting and just as high quality AND cheaper. Not for me this one
I for one would rather have a no date version. As a Submariner homage, it appears to be a very beautiful well made watch. I just can't spend this kind of money though on an homage. San Martin recently came out with a beautiful Titanium Sub homage in grade 5 Titanium and Cronos also have their beautiful homage at a fraction of the cost of a Monta.
materials are no longer a reason for a watch to be expensive. there are stainless watches with sapphire crystals and ceramic inserts for sub $150. I get these smaller brands are trying to make a name but $2,000 for an upgraded SKX with in-house movement is ridiculous
If this was there first ocean king would all be ripping them for being a boring homage. Rolex Tudor whatever you want to say. It’s no different then the silent service at this point. Yikes. Hard hard pass
That is a legit question and there is long answers for it. Many combinations apply. Materials, Design, Overhead, are the big three that broad stroke version an answer.
No Mercedes hand, no cyclops lens, date at 6, with only two lines of text above the 6. And it has a ceramic bezel, solid movement, 300m of WR, and more consistent geometric markers on the lacquered dial. They fixed the submariner and are selling it for 1/5 of the price.
Well done.
The design is very Submariner. It is almost Ginault-like. I wonder why they didn't keep going their own way. I still like their attention to detail though. Very well made.
Slowly becoming a homage
Agree, looks like a Sub and Silent Service had a baby. Wish they woulda kept the 15/30/45 bezel.
It looks enough likr its own thing, a lot of watches look like a sub because it is the definitive dive watch
The Ginault Silent Service is more original than this, but either way they’re both great watches.
Much more value for money than at Rolex Submariner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That’s a very good looking watch. I really like Monta, and it’s a nice size too. The SW300 is a solid movement.
I couldn't tell you how many times I've watched this video. I should be picking up my Oceanking in the next week or two
Any comments on the length and thickness of the clasp? The six o’clock side of my Atlas did not curve very well against my flat wrist. It’s why I canceled my pre-order until there were more reviews.
Ginault Silent Service looks much better IMO, i think the indices are much more balanced in the SS and maybe better implemented AR.
Supernice, less is more, elegant simplicity. Basically a Rollie for those who don't want to drop the dough (or wait forever, or while waiting, or whatever). Just a killer GADA watch, refined, super-comfortable, with outstanding customer service. If you don't want to play >2k, just wait; these will come up used for less in the months and years ahead...
Rolex prices have become vulgar. There are far better ways for me to use my money. This Monta is what I’ll be getting next. Good review. Thanks.
Beautiful watch, I really like my Monta Atlas. The quality is fantastic.
It’s an amazing watch, and I’d be a buyer if I didn’t already have a current-gen Sub Date. It’s just too similar and in some ways I like the Monta better, (including a date while still maintaining symmetry 👍) but I prefer the sharper lines of the Submariner. I think this is a great watch for those who don’t quite have the budget for a Sub. Similar enough to give you the same vibe, but without completely being a homage and making you feel like you’re wearing a replica.
Thanks for doing this review. Just pull the trigger yesterday after considering it vs the Seiko SPB383 and this helped me go with the Monta.
I owned the version 2, had few issues with it, the numerals on the bezel would get dirty, and was really hard to clean, just looked off, and the clasp was too straight across, both of these issues are fixed on this one. I have heard criticism of the "sub issue" on this, but to me it is not a homage, and I must say, this is one of the most handsome divers on the market
For myself, I'm glad to see they got rid of the weird-font slanted 5s from the last version. This looks all together more cohesive.
I’m 7.25 and was waiting for the wrist shot to see how this fits on that wrist size. But it was too quick! How do you think this wears on a larger wrist? The 20 mm lug width seems just a tad small.
The Monta has always been a very solid watch. This V3 looks like they're finding their own style and niche.
This watch really resonates with me as a nearly perfect example of a Mil spec. Sub.! I prefer those indicies to the round dots of a Rolex.
To me they've just about nailed the watch design/quality Vs. Price/value relationship.
This has jumped on to my most desirable/ hit list! Possibly displacing a Christopher Ward.😮
I just wish the bezel was fully lumed! 😢
Lovely watch but I couldn't spend that much on a microbrand watch such as this.
@@frankdux5693 I think Monta has moved beyond the Microbrand category. They are producing a first class watch. Much like a young Christopher Ward.
@@watchchimp3102 I had a Christopher ward trident but they're more than 50% cheaper than this watch. Once it starts getting above £2k you're starting to get towards Tudor price point and I'd always go to a more established and recognised brand when spending that type of money.
Honestly, with a well-executed 6 o'clock date window, I don't mind it at all. Much better than a 3 o'clock and cyclops, like a certain model this is going after... I think the only thing I would want to see different in this, would be a lumed date wheel.
Date complications are a must with a $2K price tag. Should have added luminous paint to the bezel numbers.
I've been asking Monta for a no-date watch with a dynamic or fixed bezel and they've been pretty adamant that they don't sell. One of the owners told me that it took them a while to fully sell out the original no-date Oceanking. Meanwhile, they now have 2 different but same-sized watches with the same SW330 GMT movement in them. Go figure!
Given the price I'd probably go for Ginault instead..
I get it. I think the Silent Service is nice. But the Monta has less text on the dial, which I like, and a superior movement with better power reserve.
This looks really really nice. If the odds of actually ever getting a Sub are zero anyway, why not go for something like this? Nice movement regulated by Monta, nice finishing, bracelet and clasp. Killer product at a great price.
Rob, you have reviewed the Ginault Silent Service and now v3 of the Monta Oceanking. Which would you pick for yourself if money was not a concern and you could only pick one?
Your question is what one would I buy regardless of cost. Neither I prefer more color and pop. Now to answer it as if I did prefer them as they are. Monta if o could afford it, Ginault if I could afford it. There really is no wrong or right choice here. Unless you just get both. Or go buy an orange dial watch and smile more.
@RandomRobReviews informative, diplomatic and funny reply. :) You are an orange TH-cam reviewer because you made me smile.
Could you please ask them to go back to the old design for the skyquest?
Nice, just don't like the sword hands, personal preference. Although, for the money, I'd probably get the new Blue dial Longines Hydroconquest GMT.
Do you think this is too big for a 6.5 inch wrist? They're return policy requires a $150 stocking fee so want to make sure before purchase. Thank you!
very impressive watch...I have hard time spending so much these days with a lot of awesome lower cost options...San Martin SN0111T comes to mind...very similar size but made with Grade 5 Titanium...
Sure, as long as you don't care about fit and finishing, time keeping accuracy and power reserve duration. The difference in those attributes in lower and higher cost options is night and day.
Are you sure about the lug to lug? On the website they list it at 48mm
This is an amazing looking watch with great dimensions, I agree though I'd love to see a no date version.
How do this stunner compared to a Ginault? I like both
Hi, where do I get to see the Monta collection in Italy - Milano town?😊
Beautiful watch. I agree in that I would also like to see some no-date varieties of Monta watches.
I find it so weird that they claim (almost) no demand for no-dates. For me, the date makes it a no-buyer, especially at that price. (but, I might be crazy)
I recall they had a no date of the Ocean King v2, and I recall they told me it was something like 3 date versions sold for every no date. I personally wouldn't buy it without a date.
@@RedwoodAggie Interesting! Well, they probably know the market better than me. It explains why most watches have dates. Although, I won't mind seeing more no-date options.
@@TimRobertsen I don't think it's an insignificant amount, though I wonder if there was a surge of interest when the no dates were released, then a slowing of sales once the no date fans already bought theirs. I'd be interested in seeing that information. They also have only one color for now. Maybe they will come out with different colors and a no date at a later time and were just focused on getting this one right first for the latest generation.
@@RedwoodAggie Yeah, I bet the no-dates went real fast. I'm not very active (at all) on watch forums, etc, so I don't really have a good gauge on what people within the watch-communities prefere. For me, the date-window really breaks the aesthetics of the dial. In this case it's at 6, which isn't all that bad, the dial maintains symmetry atleast, but the 3 and 4:30 dates really don't work for me. It saves me money though:p
Is it just me or does this look very similar to the ginault silent service??
Would you take this over a Tudor BB58?
I love the hands so much, really want to get one.
Evolving it? Into what, an already existing product?
The indices are a definite downgrade from the V2, but I like everything else. IMO I don't see why it's $1000 better than a CW Trident 300, but to each their own.
This watch on preorder is $2,225 out the door. Monta does not charge sales tax. The Trident Pro on bracelet is $1,085 plus sales tax and customs duty. For me, the total price for a Trident Pro 300 would be approx $1,300. The Monta is more refined and better finished than the CW, and has a better bracelet and movement (56 hour power reserve versus 38 hour power reserve on the CW).
How’s it compare to a Christopher Ward diver?
Thats a sharp looking watch , looks near perfect. For the price however the power reserve should at least be 60 hours or more
Looks great. I would be more interested in a no-date (and no “ghost date”) version!
At that price...get a Longines with an in-house movement and real history.
I was thinking the same thing
What model of Longines has an in-house movement for $2500? The Hydroconquest uses a modified ETA
Longines has been making a lot of attractive watches lately, but they still can't be bothered to make a bracelet with a tool-less micro adjustment clasp.
A fantastic looking watch from Monta. It seems like there isn't anything to complain about....except a couple of things.... I think that the price is too expensive. $2550 plus tax comes out to almost $3000.00 THAT is a lot of money for a Monta watch. Secondly, it looks like this models is a poster child of Ginault's Ocean King 2 & Silent Service. When Monta's first version was released, it had its own identity and design, however, this V3 is a lot like many other famous brand homage watches, with exceptionally well-done on fit & finish. A great looking watch, but I am not so sure about the retail price... Thanks for the review, Rob.
It doesn’t get any more generic than that 🥴
Everyone: "Is that a sub?"
Exactly!
Whats the competition for this watch? This quality and price?
Id say mostly Cheistopher Ward, Longines, Federique Constant, etc
Really good looking watch. I’m gunna look to see if there is an AD in my area. Thx Rob.
What kind of pins join the bracelet links?
Screws
The 3d shaped subdials of v2 were the coolest thing about the watch. Once you remove that, despite everything else being fantastic, the watch still looks generic. No idea why they couldn't make the subdials a little more 3d with more metal at the edges of the 3', 9' and 12' markers at least. Then the price point would be justified. And I would have bought the watch.
I love it. The size, bracelet, bezel and dial, but at the end of the day, it’s a homage to the Crown. If pre-order is $2,200, it’s too much. As a homage, it’s a level up from the rest of the pack; I think $1,700 is a good starting point.
The monta is definitely not an homage. There are quite a few differences between it and a submariner.
The handset, logo, date position, and movement. Those are visible up close. But from 5 feet away, it looks like a no date submariner
The indicies are also different. Different style of bracelet links. Case shape is different. I definitely think there are design cues that are taken from the sub but the reality is there are a lot of popular dive watches that takes cues from the sub.
@@ryan850r But that's what a proper homage is. It's not a copy, there are plenty of those out there, but is influenced by the original. In a good way, in my opinion. I do think this looks better than the previous model, certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
In my opinion, this is pretty much perfect.
The different shapes and sizes of the hour markers is a bit messy looking, and I always prefer no date divers. Beautiful watch otherwise.
Without taking links off what would you guess the largest wrist size the bracelet could be worn on
Need the Monta guys to weigh in, but I would guess 8.5”
A piece like this should really make you question why you might spend 10k more for Submariner?
Most Rolex copies claim they're homage, this one is an actual proper Rolex homage.
Preorder is over. Watch is now $2,550.
This basically a Rolex submariner with the date at 6
Beautiful nonetheless
Polished bevel edge on lugs gone, intricate chamfers on the indices gone. I would call it cost cutting
While an amazing watch, I can't justify buying the v3 while I have the black v2 with the stainless steel bezel. The v2 just feels more original more Monta especially so with the steel bezel and something about those waterfall indices really appeals to me as well.
My $250 Sugess has an engraved rehaut…Just saying
The website lists the price as $3,086.00
Beauty watch but for a 1/3 of the price I would go for the Silent Service.
These are going for $1500-1600 on the forums now
I feel any originality they had, has gone
Nice watch but pretty bland watch. Feels like a high class Pagani Design watch. I think the Ginault Silent Service is probably more exciting and just as high quality AND cheaper. Not for me this one
Bottom line is Rob - is it better than the Silent service ?
Yes. But it better be as it’s twice the price right?
Would be the nicest looking diver if it didn’t have the date (imo)
seiko diver all the ways
Everything is great except the rounded edges of the case. It already looks over polished.
At least it's s good sized date. No drilled lugs...oh well.
I for one would rather have a no date version. As a Submariner homage, it appears to be a very beautiful well made watch. I just can't spend this kind of money though on an homage. San Martin recently came out with a beautiful Titanium Sub homage in grade 5 Titanium and Cronos also have their beautiful homage at a fraction of the cost of a Monta.
previos versions design was waaaay better imo
materials are no longer a reason for a watch to be expensive. there are stainless watches with sapphire crystals and ceramic inserts for sub $150. I get these smaller brands are trying to make a name but $2,000 for an upgraded SKX with in-house movement is ridiculous
this is about as good as a black dive watch gets.
At their price point, a color-matched date wheel should be part of the package.
They got rid off that look after the first version on their Triumph watch. I gave up on Monta after they got rid of their cool gmt hand.
Shame they didn't lume the bezel. Great watch though.
My issue with Monta is the clasp is just a little too long.
Annoying
❤❤❤❤😮😊
Looks like a squale... that looks like an old rlx
I wish they kept the 15/30/45 bezel insert, now it looks too much like a Rolex Sub..... :(
The only reason i dont have a Monta is import taxes to Europe.
Jesus , I can’t tell how many times I had to fake receipts in order to avoid import taxes. 28% it’s crazy and ridiculous.
id rather just buy an oris tbh
If this was there first ocean king would all be ripping them for being a boring homage. Rolex Tudor whatever you want to say. It’s no different then the silent service at this point. Yikes. Hard hard pass
Agree
Why are watches so expensive? Legit question, I’m not being funny.
That is a legit question and there is long answers for it. Many combinations apply. Materials, Design, Overhead, are the big three that broad stroke version an answer.
2000 plus?? lol what a joke. Give me a Combat sub with heritage for 350$ any day.
Such a limp analysis, no detail on what's been changed/removed between versions. Getting paid by Monta I'm sure.
Thanks for watching
I wish more watches were made with no date. In this day and age do we really need a day and date on a watch?