Monbrey MB2 Watch Review - CNC Machined Mother Of Pearl Dial

[@monbrey_]

Hey Peter, thank you for your review! We've noted the logo and endpiece issues as well. We'll refine the logo finishing, add a coating to reduce reflections for consistency with other indexes. The bracelet endpiece will be flatter to match the case/lugs, with 6 adjustable links on each side to fit wrists from 14cm to 21cm. We have done this on MB1 so there is no doubt of fixing it. 🤞

[@PeterKotsa]

Brilliant, that sounds exactly what this needs... Thanks for the feedback

[@benjaminvis]

Thanks so much for being on the ball Peter and Monbrey!

[@benjaminvis]

@@monbrey_ Peter mentioned you may be further improving the strap. Not sure what you think about this, but I think while the black is versatile (if a little formal), especially these lighter mop dials (blue and pink) might benefit from a rich golden/burnished cognac or dark reddish brown. It might be nice to offer a different option for returning customers, given the strap is exchangeable between the models.

[@monbrey_]

@@benjaminvis tbh It's challenging to offer various strap options since we have to manually select different straps for each order on the line. This is also the reason why we decided to provide both black and brown straps in MB1, but this increased the product cost which may not be feasible for everyone. So we are only offering the black strap this time.

[@benjaminvis]

@monbrey_ @monbrey_ thanks for explaining. That does make sense. I suppose that when I ordered the MB1 you already changed to black? It was the logical colour for the variant ordered. I don't remember the exact tone of brown you offered. Perhaps those could still make a great option for some of these dials. Since the quality of straps you selected is pretty good, as is the choice of epsom, it is worth having the option as provided by you in my opinion. But I really do understand your reasoning and the black does work on pretty much all variants.

[@Salexus5]

Looking at their website, they say these changes will be made for the final release: "We will enhance the surface of the bracelet endpiece to ensure a better match with the case and lugs. Also, we will apply a coating to minimize reflections on the logo, achieving a reflective quality consistent with the other indexes."

[@PeterKotsa]

Brilliant..👍

[@shamanprime]

Really like it. Would be interesting to see the other dial as well under Peter’s lens. :)

[@Co808]

I think they should use a smaller font for the logo. The logo on the MB1 looks way better

[@AlexanderB.]

This is mother of pearl? Unbelievable. I happen to own a King Seiko, so I like the design. This thing is lovely and not even overly expensive at the preorder price. Nice one!

[@PeterKotsa]

I couldn't believe it either, because the delicateness of the dial combined with CNC would be a difficult process to achieve

[@user-vv1qm5dj9c]

I’m not getting a KS vibe. Good looking watch though. The most interesting aspect of this watch for me is the faraday cage. The dial would have blown me away a couple of years ago but at this price point it's not pulling ahead of other similarly priced micros. The bracelet looked very nice.

[@DingoEstrea96]

Unfortunately, its hard to tell from the video that its a mother of pearl dial. I see it as just a light blue however, that alone is still a gorgeous watch! Thanks for the video Pete 😆

[@PeterKotsa]

I agree, its has a very subtle pink running through it as the light shifts and pearl tones, however they are not dominant that the video easily picks them up

[@ronb4115]

That’s funny I like the logo and wish there was more text actually.

[@Little19man]

Thanks for sharing this Peter! I'm considering one now. It has strong Halios Universa vibes with the case design and flat link bracelet. Halios probably executed the whole design a bit better, but you can't buy one of them new, and if you could it'd cost considerably more, as do used examples these days. I'm glad I already have one. Interestingly, I think both this Monbrey and Halios offer more than current King Seiko lineup does. Both are at a considerably lower price point and both use higher quality movements (Miyota 9039 and Sellita SW210/300 depending on manual wind or automatic for the Universa) with higher beat rates and far better accuracy.

[@danong9458]

Great looking watch! I'm leaning towards ordering one! My gripes would be the it could be thinner, I would be fine without the magnetic shielding contributing to the thickness. And in its place I would prefer a better decorated caseback or an exhibition caseback. I like the pin and collar bracelet, I've never had a problem with pin and collar, and have the tools to size it easily. It allows the bracelet to be thinner and no issue with screws even with having the screwdrivers to size it

[@ColonelLighthart]

I'm genuinely impressed with how close MAMACOO were able to replicate every aspect of this very very goofy looking classic watch.

[@MagnusEhinger01]

That pattern on the dial is really special! Somehow makes me think of M. C. Escher…

[@Stanjara]

Absolutely agree about the logo, but otherwise stunning... black dial piece.

[@FreshYoungDude]

Gorgeous. I’m now considering the black dial.

[@weezkidtube]

I really can't tell it has a mother of pearl dial. Great dial nonetheless.

[@PeterKotsa]

Very subtle, you should be able to see slight pink hues running through it as the light passes over it Video was difficult to pick this up

[@mattsmiley8156]

I knew i was going to buy this when i first saw them advertise it on the FB Group for Micros. I tried not to. But damnit, I had to try that purple. I don't have anything purple. But it's just the right purple and on that great leather strap, how could I not? And the bracelet looks mighty fine. But let's hope they get screw pins, Nobody wants a pin and collar. But for under $500 US, this is a pretty nice bargain I think. Thank you again Mr K for the reiview, as always.

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure 👍

[@MarcusVronik]

LOVE your intro tune!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Thanks Pete 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure bro

[@devinyasas]

Fumé Brown! holy smokes that's gorgeous

[@codys5727]

Good looking piece. I think a more decorated or exhibition case base could help and screwed links would be a nice touch

[@leonm2407]

This watch should resonate with anthropologists as they also have an interest with the missing link

[@PeterKotsa]

Hahaha, funny guy 😂

[@benjaminvis]

@@leonm2407 I affirm, but note that this will be fixed in production

[@mesteme]

Looks lovely. The logotype in the macro shot is actually pretty cool but I agree there's something about it on that layout. Love the case, love the bracelet - but yes - as soon as I saw your shots I thought the same, where they meet, the fitted lugs look bizarre… also, I prefer butterfly clasps on non-divers.

[@benjaminvis]

@@mesteme I do actually agree on the butterfly clasp, but I feel the cards are stacked against us. This is a perfectly serviceable clasp, however. The endlinks will be better matched and flattened for production they have confirmed. I think Peter is right that quite possibly here a flat topped (with microgrooves? ;-) ) logo would look possibly look better. Monbrey have said they're looking into it, but more in terms of bringing down reflection with a coating, so I'm not sure that it will be flat. But given the attention to detail elsewhere I'm willing to trust that their solution will be a significant improvement on the wrist. Possibly flat and still polished would still look good, too, but brushing might be too much. It's really not bad looking as it is, also helped by the fact that the typeface is neutral but not unpleasant.

[@mesteme]

@@benjaminvis no yeah the logo as it is is very pretty and the way it plays with light works well, but I feel it mismatches the sharp indices, I'm certain it can work on other dial layouts but this one is a bit at odds. I've also seen their previous grainy black and blue non-MOP dials and they are great.

[@benjaminvis]

@mesteme for me the 'odds' are probably more with the markers against the logo: the softness of the logo vs the sharpness of the markers. There is of course more angularlity in the CNC mop

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Gorgeous these should do very well

[@richardwysocki8300]

Like this watch very much, Peter. Thanks for your review, Sir. Peace.

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@SaSpursFan]

Changing the dial text to match each dial doesn’t make sense bc what will they for the next dial, change it again?

[@stevenkelby2169]

When you say "tool less clasp" what do you mean? Does it have on the fly micro adjust? That would push me to buy. I can't buy a watch without it anymore.

[@monbrey_]

the clasp features micro-adjustment, there is a button behind for adjusting the bracelet.

[@stevenkelby2169]

@@monbrey_ Hey thanks for the reply. Nice watch! Do you have any video of the micro adjust?

[@monbrey_]

@@stevenkelby2169 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZXSoqd_fsunnNE

[@monbrey_]

@@stevenkelby2169 thanks mate!

[@PeterKotsa]

Yes, On the fly micro-adjustment clasp...press a button and slide longer or shorter 👍

[@JonathanTReviews]

Great video buddy! I've been eagerly awaiting footage of this light blue and the pink variants. It looks great! Cheers

[@PeterKotsa]

This blue one seem to yield very subtle pink tones as the light changes I tried to capture it but the video can only see what it sees Thanks fro watching Jonathan, be well mate 🙏

[@JonathanTReviews]

@PeterKotsa Definitely. MOP isn't always easy to capture with color shift. I encountered the same with the White CNC MOP on the Selten M1. I'll be curious to see if the Pink version of this one yields any greater shift. Either way, still beautiful! Cheers

[@markthomas741]

Nice watch!

[@HaonProductions]

I like supporting microbrands especially when they do something unique and make properly sized dress watches, but I recently picked up a high-end Citizen for about the same price and I don't think I need anything else. That's the real King Seiko these days.

[@onewatchjustisntenough]

I like the logo just fine 🙂

[@PeterKotsa]

Thats a fair call I think it looks a bit cheap as compared to the rest of the dials finishing.. Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@ワンコそば-v2c]

I have small wrist, so adjustable links are needed!!

[@monbrey_]

we will have six adjustable links on each side, so it will fit from 14cm to 21cm wrist.

[@benjaminvis]

When you reviewed the MB1 I really appreciated the concept and execution, but didn't go for it; the straight lugs seemed like a straight 'no' and it would probably wear too large. Then, somehow, over time (and a few more reviews) I felt myself drawn more and more to how it looks on the wrist of others, also with similar wrists to mine, and then it began to itch until I purchased the anniversary version. I won't say that the watch isn't a tad on the bigger side on my 17cm wrist, but it's actually been a very good wearing experience and the quality and finish seems really on point, even if the sharp angles can at times be felt when running your fingers purposefully over the bracelet (one really shouldn't caress a bracelet like that as it's bound to leave smudges). The style and design really resonates with me, it's just the right amount of contrary, notable, and assertive balanced by the reassurance of vintage conservatism. I wasn't at all sure what to expect from a next Monbrey. This, so far, does not disappoint at all. The jewel steel reads sportier and the mop reads dressier, and actually they make a great pairing. I also think that while I really like the bracelet (as I do on the MB1) the mop might accordingly just look nicer on the strap, although I think that the soft blue and pink might look better on a dark brown or rich cognac strap. For me, it underlines the flexibility of the design. It will always look smart, just as I like it, but you can easily dress up or down, wear it truly formally or in most of casual life. On the other hand, it also seems odd how the word sport is associated with this gente of watch, as I cannot really imagine it in any sporty setting (well, perhaps in a viewing box at the Derby or so). It clearly taps into KS and GS for inspiration, but brings a character all its own. The new size should find wider appeal, while the wrist presence remains really strong. I really like how the case sits on the wrist and surfaces are broken up thanks to differently finished facets. The box sapphire looks glorious. I supoose the Faraday cage has added thickness, and I appreciate the brand stickig to its guns here. Nonetheless, it makes me wonder if the impression could become even more premium with a thinner case, also because I'm not all that sure how much of a problem magnetisation really is (I suspect that only one of my watches suffers from it, or it just needs regulating). Most of all, though, the MB2 convinces thanks to the inspired ensemble of impressively finished, detailed, and well-proportioned bezel, dial, markers, and hands. No effort seems to have been spared and at the price that is simply commendable and desirable. It's great that Monbrey is aware and working on resolving the little gripes Peter mentioned.

[@monbrey_]

thank you Benjamin, it means a lot to us 🤜🤛

[@PocketUau]

has anyone been able to order with 25% discount they advertise? Mine is still full price in the basket

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

Looks nice. Anything set it apart from the millions of other watches in this bracket?

[@johnvandeven2188]

I find it difficult to buy a watch without an additional one or two complications. For me it could be a GMT or a day/date combination with matching background colour. It's my only real quirk and I can't change, can't get over that mental hurdle. I received a Wise divers watch as a gift and it has no additional complications. None. I do wear it in rotation but it feels incomplete. I guess we all have our gripes,

[@au18ert]

What does sponsored mean?

[@PeterKotsa]

As you probably know I am a Professional Photographer by trade, so in order to take time off work to do these videos, I ask that they sponsor the video (a small fee) How much?...2 to 3 hours of my time This fee covers the extensive effort involved in product evaluation, scripting, editing, and production. Importantly, it does not influence the review's integrity - my commitment to impartiality and authenticity remains unwavering. (thats why I include a "gripes - room for improvement" section in the videos) How long does each video take? On average 12-14 hours plus one week on the wrist to experience the watch properly Financially are these videos worth the long hours, my time, effort and photographic expertise?..No! But, I do it as long as the wife is ok with me taking time off work I suppose she sees me enjoying this hobby so she doesn't complain Hope that helps clarify things, cheers

[@juniorjohnson5961]

​@@PeterKotsa I appreciate your integrity and great photography !

[@PeterKotsa]

@@juniorjohnson5961 Thanks brother..honesty is the only policy 🙏 Im loving this hobby

[@UTOOOOOOOY]

Bought the pink one, can't wait for this watch, it definitely has a lot of unique aspects that stands out to me from the microbrand pack. The gripes are definitely sentiments I share, the endlinks doesn't seem to fit the aesthetic and the flatter logo does sound like it'll look better.

[@PeterKotsa]

I was keen to see that pink one too, enjoy it when it arrives 👍

[@curt4930]

Nice pics as always Pete, it seems like a quality product but do you think they would sell at the full price? There are a lot of watches of similar style out there at a similar price, my bench mark would be the Houtman Murchison with a Swiss movement at A$725 great finish & quality too if my Pilbara is any gauge. I agree about the logo needs to be flat like the batons. Nice that they are doing something different with the dial though kudos for that.

[@grenphelps7455]

The name on the dial, the letters remind of the letters you get on the back of some cars 🤣🤣 they would be better off with a fancy logo of their name.... spoils the dial

[@technoboy21]

I wouldn't be able to wear a watch with such cheap looking logo. It must be printed as currently it gets AliExpress $100 vibes.

[@eliteelite7428]

Monbrey😂😂😂 seriously

[@juniorjohnson5961]

What would you call it

[@musik4u343]

The original release mb1 is far better than this. This actually looks like a step backwards it looks like a generic micro brand first at least. At least their first one had some design language and some character. And as long as you didn't have a tiny wrist, VK shape was fine. I think you're overstating the wearability on that one. The first one was just way more unique. This just looks like another microban watch with a dial pattern that is just another dial pattern

[@PeterKotsa]

I love the MB1, the lugs don’t turn down and that’s what makes it so great visually on the wrist, albeit borderline impractical. Pushing the boundaries and looking good at the same time 👍

[@urbanus3546]

Watches from this company looks like a carbon copy's of hundreds of existing and unfortunately more expensive watches. I might be wrong, but I think people will purchase those watches instead of the real thing. Any way, watch collectors are so against copy/fake/replica watches, I wonder how this product can be classified ? PS. Presentation as usual, better than the watch. 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

Interesting feedback and food for thought 👍