Monta Oceanking affordable luxury diver

[@thewatchloungechris]

Monta makes some killer pieces. And the bracelet is crazy comfortable.

[@Mcguyver67]

Is neat and sleek looking watch. I can see why this watch cost 2K but I think the details and workmanship of this watch is no doubt of great craftsmanship. The incredible details and quality that they put together and if were to compare to more expensive brands like Rolex, Omega, Breitling or even Tag Heuer, this watch has incredible value at this price point. I am not surprise this could be the best micro-brand that can offer, from packaging to presentation. Personally, I love their "Skyquest" and "Oceanking, for the price I'll buy it. Great watch!

[@drwindsurf]

The build quality on these look amazing. Thank you for sharing this one with us Rob :)

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

It definitely looks like a premium watch to me, Rob. I’m looking forward to seeing Monta grow in the upcoming years.

[@ryanstafford8544]

So I received a blue dial Monta Triumph for Christmas. For the first time ever I have seriously wondered why I have so many watches. It is fantastic. I wish they would have sold me a glidlock clasp separately though. My only complaint, perfect otherwise.

[@ramspencer5492]

I'm not getting why the glide lock hasn't been incorporate onto every watch...... Certainly ridiculous it's not on the GMT from what I hear yet. Same base case. It needs to be integrated there.

[@rickya237]

How do you manage to make so many vids Thanks Will always be sporting your Chanel You should be on top IMO

[@a97b18b]

I would love a Triumph or the ocean king. But 2k for this or a little more and get a Tudor?

[@nateg8175]

Monta. Go used if the price bothers you but at 2k its worth it.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I thought the same thing. Since I’ve already tried a Tudor on my wrist then the answer for me would be Tudor, however it’d be nice if I could try a Monta on my wrist.

[@412JFury]

Beats Tudor in every way. Fit and finish, movement, ar coating, bracelet, case thickness. All you are paying for with Tudor when compared to this is a name. Black Bay was my Grail for a long time and I almost got the 36. Until I found out about the triumph. I'd love for someone to name one thing that a Tudor does better than a Monta watch.

[@cknight0518]

@@412JFury Tudor Black Bay 58 has an in-house movement, doubles Monta's power reserve. Tudor has the name - - and more importantly, Rolex's backing - - which means it has the Longevity (it'll be around in 50 years, Monta is very young by comparison). And I think the BB58 is better looking, but that's subjective. Then again -- Monta is half the price lol, and the Sellita is cheaper to service.

[@jasonriccoboni5931]

Superbly crafted watch. I will be taking a look at Monta. For my black dial category, it will be between the CW MKIII and Monta OK Gen II. I do wish however, that with a 40mm diameter, the L2L would be a bit shorter than 49. With smaller wrists, I like to stick at that 46/47mm L2L and feel as though 49 is a bit too big for a watch this size. I do like your “bracelet laying flat against case back test” though, so your recommendation that this watch still wears well and comfortable is most likely spot on, even for my size wrists. This, plus the taper from 20mm to 16 will help a lot as well. My TAG Aquaracer checks all boxes; 39-41mm Diameter, L2L of 48mm or less, 12mm thin, Lay Flat test and a nice bracelet taper...most comfortable wear I’ve experienced in a watch.

[@mrbacchus6127]

Looks almost Seamaster level, mostly just lacking the heritage.

[@bonestructureofakung]

Rob: how would you compare the Monta Oceanking to the Sinn 104?

[@aussie8114]

You will never know 😂

[@matttheoneonly6617]

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend checking out the Mido Ocean star Titanium. It's extremely good value considering the specs. It's regulated, has a silicon balance wheel, has screw links, 80 hour reserve etc. One of the best watches made imo and I like mine so much I'm trying to buy another lol

[@robertwilliams1286]

Since it's a Swatch, it's probably following the line of the tissots and Hamilton's that have the 80 reserve but at the sacrifice of slower beat rate and the inability to regulate or service the movement. They all need to be taken to the service center and they swap movements.

[@matttheoneonly6617]

@@robertwilliams1286 yes it is similar to the Tissot and Hamilton variants. But not exactly the same. As far as I know it can be serviced by any competent watchmaker.

[@412JFury]

And you have to sacrifice fit finish looks bracelet case thickness.

[@alexsdg3441]

WoWWWWWWWWW. Monta looks really really good. I mean everything looks as perfect as big name brand subs (Rolex sub just comes to my mind...). Also, I really love the bracelet with glide lock system with the small ceramic ball which gives extra premium feel and sound of the clasp locking. Amazing attention to details. I understand that this is about $2K watch which is not a cheap watch at all. it is in the range of high end Oris or even some Baume & Mercier. I own a couple of Ginault watches and for some reason, just by looking at your review and listening to the perfect clicking sound of the bezel and clasp, it seems like this Monta is one level higher than Ginault. what do you think Rob? Is this Monta really better than Ginault in your own personal opinion?

[@RandomRobReviews]

Yes it’s better then Ginault.

[@412JFury]

Monta is at least one level higher than Tudor the only thing Tudor has over this is a higher price. It's many levels above ginault

[@MegaBlackley]

For 2 grand, I'd buy a Sinn first. This certainly looks nice, though.

[@robertwilliams1286]

I'm personally been in line to buy a Sinn 104 black dial for a while but now I'm wondering if there's some competition for my funds under 2k...

[@robertwilliams1286]

@D C thanks DC! I'm going to take your comment into advisement. I mean, I think the Montas spec sheet demolishes the Sinns. Plus I like the applied indicies, lume choice, and apparently first in class bracelet. For the Sinn, I like the day date for an everyday watch and the countdown bezel a lot... Having owned both, can you speak to the size and wear of both since they seem similar (got 6.25 wrists) also, what's the accuracy like of the two?

[@sadaka201]

No dude. This is better. Or buy a a Ball Skindiver. Even better

[@412JFury]

Name one thing a sinn does over this?

[@MegaBlackley]

You mean besides looking a lot nicer? @@412JFury

[@ramspencer5492]

Looks like a phenomenal package. Thanks for the review

[@chrislam6753]

Great review as always Rob. Having worn both do you have a preference for this model vs the Triumph? Just curious.

[@prnuvsharma55]

Amazing build quality- better than TAG Heuer and Oris. Great video.

[@shipmate3577]

Disagree.

[@dorningarts]

@@shipmate3577 Have you had them all in hand? I have.I own the Monta, and it is better in fit and finish then both Oris and Tag, by a fair way, it made the Oris look a little cheap, and I like the Oris a lot, by the way. Tag was not even close

[@Erik-xy5xj]

@@dorningarts Tag is crap

[@shipmate3577]

@@dorningarts There are a number of obvious issues with Monta. First, no heritage (yes, it matters in the watch industry/market and if you deny it you are extremely ignorant - it affects prices, resale, status, etc... if money didn't matter than why are you spending $2,000 on this and not $200 or $20,000? Money matters.) Second, there are some very blatant design issues (1: the Monta bracelet clasp is stamped metal - whereas TAG and Oris use forged steel. Everytime you put on/take off your watch you will be reminded Monta skimped on quality. 2: Monta bezels have more play in them than should be acceptable at ~$2,000 range... it's acceptable on a $300 Seiko, but I wouldn't accept it on a $2,000 MM300. 3: Monta uses the SW GMT movements, which has the GMT hand at the bottom of the stack and this creates a visual bend in the hand - not visually asthetic and a common complaint) At this price range, there are better watches by better brands. Look at Christopher Ward that's almost half the price and been around about two decades longer and proven track record of excellent customer service, and who even make their own in-house movement in some of their watches. (see, I'm not a microbrand hater. Flipping my CW C60 Trident Chronograph has been my biggest regret in watch collecting) Also, Monta claims they regulate their SW300 and 330 movements to +/-5 seconds a day. Why do they not get them COSC certified (-4/+6 seconds a day)? A very new brand focusing on quality NEEDS to prove that it is indeed quality and one way to do this is through certifications. This makes me doubt their accuracy claim. I would recommend to friends and family to either buy from an established brand for less (get a Seiko Turtle or Hamilton Field Khaki for

[@dorningarts]

@@shipmate3577 LOL! the only comment you made that was accurate was the heritage issue, clearly you have not had theses all in hand

[@shawn1928]

Man that's a nice looking watch

[@robertwilliams1286]

Hey Rob, great video. Been sort of infatuated with this watch but in the Gilt the last week or so. Having handled this and owned the Sinn 104 (the one watch I have consistently lusted over for a year) I realize that I will be able to buy one this year... Which one do you think: 1) wears smaller 2) is better quality 3) better value proposition? They both use regulated Sellitas which is good so that I can always have a good watch maker tend to it vs an in house... I personally like the countdown bezel on the Sinn but something about the pastey dial just makes me think it comes out the factory faded. Maybe it's just the camera. Thoughts? Thanks! From one Rob to another!

[@RandomRobReviews]

This is an epic question and a great compare. I am kinda stumped haha. The 104 is a killer safe bet and if you want to sell you will do fine, although it is a keeper for many. It also is a great wearing watch being thin and the H link bracelet is killer (although could be an issue sizing perfectly). The Monta is easily a more bling or show watch, would get looks and maybe compliments vs the 104. The resale on the Monta may not be as good, but the bracelet is as good as the top brands made. I do not envy the person trying to pick between the two. They both wear similar size wise, the Monta will look smaller and feel thinner, but they are both super close.

[@robertwilliams1286]

@@RandomRobReviews yeah.. that's me... thanks for the super quick response! I have a 6.25in wrist so how it wears is important. I still think a countdown bezel would be super useful, but man that illuminated ceramic sure is purty. I'm not interested in reselling as this will be the last watch I get until I save for one of my 2 grails (which I'm in no rush to get). I just want a nice all around watch that can take some banging and the office. May have to buy both and return the one I don't vibe with before the return window closes 😕. It's crazy because I love the day date function of my visodate so it would awesome on an everyday watch, but if I had to have just a date I would want it at 6. Damnit why are they both so perfect.... Any comment on the faded look of the Sinn dial? Is it actually a deep black in person? Cheers, Rob

[@JB-fl2gp]

Is the dial a lacquer/enamel finish or is it flat?

[@kerrybayton8356]

I prefer the dimensions of their gmt along with its plain bezel.. But I want the shoulders and bracelet from the oceanking. Either way I'm going to have to commit soon.

[@elarson312]

Im trying to decide between the Ball Fireman Enterprise or maybe a watch like this Monta. Is the Monta worth taking a chance on?

[@RandomRobReviews]

Ball makes some killer watches. Monta fits so well and screams quality. Really will depend on what works for you. Most Ball have butterfly clasp (I hate that).

[@mrbacchus6127]

You could look at the Fireman Glory, mostly the same as the Enterprise but with brighter tritium.

[@shipmate3577]

Get a Ball

[@richardseekins24]

Ball watches are outstanding but I find some of the clasps a bit hard work. I would still buy the Ball watch over this Monta though

[@412JFury]

No way is ball on the same level with Monta by any means other than its name and its history.

[@roamy3605]

I've been looking at the Monta brand for some time now. They all look like quality watches and yes I think you could make an argument for them being just a slightly less Rolex Submariner. And I'm talking slight here. If there was a 65-70 hour power reserve out there Monta could step it up even more. Hey Rob, question here. Am I the only one who thinks that the Swiss are lazy about producing some newer mechanical movements? What was the last Swiss movement made for the mass market produced in the the last 45 years? I can't think of one other than the Omega Co-axial. How does an entire industry get away with that? And please don't tell me that if it was good enough 50 years ago it should be good enough now. Just wanted to throw that out there. Maybe I'm just an ass---e!

[@RandomRobReviews]

On the lower end of watch sales (where we live) the focus is on designs mostly. The crazy expensive watches show some wild innovations that may trickle down to normal watches at some point. The only thing as of late I can think of is the 80 hour power reserve, but that was achieved by slowing down the moment (much more was done too). We really don’t see tons of advancements with quartz either, the future will be smart watches that’s for sure. Overall I am not disappointed with current movements at all, would be nice to see Seiko bridge the gap from 6r to 8l and keep cost down.

[@roamy3605]

@@RandomRobReviews I agree with what you say except I think we should expect more from the Swiss watch industry that provide movements to us on the lower end of Swiss watches. This is a several billion dollar industry as a whole and over 90% of Swiss watches are on the lower end < $1,000. Yet the Swiss have not done much, if anything for this market. I mean com'on, no movements in 45 years? What other industry can get away with this? And yes, it looks like we will have to look for new movements by the Japanese and possibly the Chinese going forward. Thanks for response back.

[@josephcastillo6742]

If they put a display case back I would pull the trigger on this immediately no doubt

[@je720ep8]

Great review on a fine watch , thank you

[@theannouncer5538]

Plz review the mk3 that’s releasing in October🙏

[@almoscola8684]

Great video and content!

[@n.hermanto9667]

An almost perfect dive watch for the money. I like everything about it and wanted to add to my collection but the long (45mm?) and straight (less curvy) clasp will be uncomfortable on my small 6.5" wrist... Too bad. May have to see if this flaw will be addressed in gen 3.

[@mickeylickey123]

It is quite long isnt it. If they cut that down to, say, 30 to 35mm it would be perfect.

[@stevenuk]

crown guards 😫 school boy design error!... 60 click bezel is a nuisance if you use the bezel to time things, you need 120 to get a more accurate within 30 seconds timings... apart from that, super nice build quality though.

[@ramspencer5492]

Crown guards are the modern standard for a reason. I agree I like the look slightly better without them but they definitely do protect the crown, which is a weak spot that can result in damage not only to the crown, but to the movement. 60 clicks is fine. If you're needing times to the second, your either going to have to stare at your watch anyway or just use your phone timer. It's pretty trivial. Of you're using it as an actual dive watch, your probably not going to risk it to the exact second of when you come up for air either. This looks like the total package. I'm curious about the materials on the movement. Is there any antimagnetic and shock resistance going on?

[@mefjupl8679]

"im not gonna argue with anyone about it" nice attitude man... respecting community above all ;D , Even having said that im not putting cross on u mr Rob and on Monta, and i think that u can defend each-other. To prove that could u make a comparison video of this Monta watch and: worth 1/4 NTH skipjack, worth 3/4 Longines Legend Diver or mby to similarly priced discontinued Seiko Marinemaster 300 - i know Bruce can borrow u the last one :).

[@nateg8175]

I own a Monta Oceanking Gen 2 and I used to own an SBDX017 MM300. The Monta has better dimensions, finishing, and comfort. I loved the MM300 but the height was annoying.

[@412JFury]

I mean he has a video comparing this to Tudor and Rolex and says it's right up there with both of them I think it's going to do better than the nth.

[@ramspencer5492]

I have to honest here. For 2k I could but one hell of an acoustic guitar! Which would get my money first.... That's for sure. It's a great watch though! I dunno.... Feel like 5-6 hundred buys a lot of watch already..... There's fun stuff for quite a bit less.

[@samuelball8775]

I love this watch. Thats all 😂

[@cokchops_5231]

These watches should be priced higher without a doubt. I have the ocean king also and it destroys my Sinn 104 on fine link bracelet, it destroys my Tag heuer Aquaracer WAY2112. They don't even compare

[@reefsurfer4356]

That's lovely.

[@Tonysoprano497]

tend to agree with many of the comments . With taxes it would cost 2.5k to be shipped to uk this s a lot of cash for a watch which essentially you have to purchase before trying _ no try before you buy .. I accept that it’s probably a good sports watch . But then again at this price there are a lot of great sports watches . Just bought a new oris 65 on a bracelet for a shade over 1100 bucks in the jan sales locally and it’s a beautifully executed piece from a Swiss brand with heritage , therefore shelling out more than twice this for a micro brand just wouldn’t be given serious consideration.. Regardless of whether it’s a good sports watch or not , they do not have have any of the huge middleman costs of the big guys So I would presume there is huge mark up on each piece .

[@Tonysoprano497]

I feel there is probably no doubt the monta is well built .. However as an owner of high end divers I am hugely impressed by the oris . All things considered I wouldn’t contemplate spending another 1300 bucks on a micro brand the value just isn’t there. From a personal perspective

[@412JFury]

I've tried that Oris 65 I used to be a big fan it's nowhere near the Monta I mean not even in the same ballpark. You want to compare Monta to something compared to Rolex or Tudor

[@cedarcanoe]

Wow this truely is nice

[@nicholastesta5387]

Can’t decide between this and the Tourby Lawless 40

[@RandomRobReviews]

I would like to see a lawless 40

[@nicholastesta5387]

It’s a great watch but is more pure tool than the Oceanking. Think I’m going to be getting the exact model you reviewed here the quality looks incredible

[@ivankerr3570]

Very nice however “affordable “ at $2000 I hardly class it as affordable. At that price why wouldn’t you buy something decent

[@seikocookiemonster6327]

i think i would buy Two Oris Aquis for 2 grand

[@dorningarts]

@@seikocookiemonster6327 I have the Monta, and have done a side by side with the Aquis, it was no contest, the Monta was better in every way

[@412JFury]

Why buy two subpar watches over a watch that sits hand-in-hand with Rolex and far above Tudor

[@mickeylickey123]

That clasp is just so dang long. Other than that, everything seems perfect

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Maybe it doesn’t come across on camera very well but I don’t see a $2000 dollar watch, monta are relatively unknown and look like any other micro brand diver to me, I would love to see one in real life and obviously that’s also a hard thing to do without buying one so I’m not suprised these don’t sell very well

[@dorningarts]

I own the oceanking and I can tell you it is obvious once in hand. I have done a side by side comparison with Tag Aquaracer, Oris Aquis and the Breitling Superocean, and the Monta was above both the Tag and Oris in fit and finish, making the Oris look a tiny bit cheap. The Superocean was at least on par, maybe having the edge. To me this is by far the best under $2000 diver out there

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Gary this is the problem though, I can’t walk into an ad and try one, I have to go read biased reviews from people that own them and ‘take their word for it’ I own a Tudor black bay 36 that I paid £1700 for and if the monta triumph is of similar quality I still feel the price is too near, the triumph to me in the uk is £1400 of which I have to take a leap of faith to buy a watch from a relatively unknown brand and will likely have little resale value, I could actually sell my black bay for £1600 quite easily, it’s a shame really as if I could see one in person and the price was a little cheaper then I may buy one but I can’t see either happening

[@dorningarts]

@@kbeightyseven1783 I totally understand, I was a bit nervous plunking down the cash, but for me the only other watch i was interested in was the Aquis. That was why I finally drove for an hour and a half to compare them just to see if I had made a mistake. I would have been willing to flip the Monta if the Oris had come out on top. That being said it is a lot of money to risk.

[@nateg8175]

The finishing and quality are on par with my Grand Seikos

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Nate G I find that hard to believe, Grand Seiko have been considered better finished than rolex, and I have read reviews saying the monta isn’t quite as nice as Tudor so..

[@NICKVST]

Looks great to small for my wrist

[@user-gr3rk6ur2p]

it's cool and all that but.. $2k lots of big names out there in that market price---------- 1/12/2019

[@ramspencer5492]

This watch looks better than any big name I've seen for under 3 grand.

[@Chihabamine75]

Affordable my ass

[@ivaylops]

A 200$ Citizen NY0040 has the same 60-clicks bezel with zero play and solid mechanical sound and feel. Nice watch, good specs, wrong price. Looking forward to your next review.

[@ivaylops]

@D C Steinhart offers all that + ETA for 500$. But feel free to spend 2000$ instead. :)

[@shipmate3577]

This Monta commercial brought to you by Random Rob...

[@brownkid44]

Shipmate I have the Gilt OK, I can contest that the watch is as amazing as Rob is talking about.

[@nateg8175]

@@brownkid44 Wet Black Dial SS bezel. Its amazing

[@brownkid44]

Nate G I haven’t seen a bad Monta yet! I’ve only seen another in person besides mine.

[@ramspencer5492]

Wow...... Troll much?

[@shipmate3577]

@@ramspencer5492 the "Troll of Truth."

[@Ryokawshi]

Seiko is best IMO

[@412JFury]

I can't believe these comments. People saying this watch is unknown when it was one of the stars of the show last year Basile world. Was Featured in GQ. This watch blows Tudor out of the water and people were comparing Oris get real. This has way better fit and finish a much nicer bracelet a crystal with 17 layers of AR coating on the underside. A much better movement than Tudor ETA. Call yourselves watch enthusiasts yet you make horribly uneducated comments. The only thing Rolex has over this watch is movement. Rolex doesn't even have AR coating. This bracelet is much nicer draping and comfortable than a Rolex bracelet look at the fit and finish on the case and look at the fit and finish on the case of a Rolex. You're not going to find fit-and-finish like a Monta unless you go Grand Seiko. There's many people in watch groups who own both and will tell you this. And how can they be biased as some are saying when they own Rolex they own Tudor they own Grand Seiko and put this right up there with grand Seiko and Rolex and Above the Rest. I think it's snobs just can't get over the fact of its a micro brand that came in and made a watch that costs a fraction of another watch that it's just as good as in every way and better than others that it cost less than.

[@dr.ianmalcolm4510]

What even is this fuckery? We get it, you like your watch because YOU bought it and YOU own it. Now why don't you stop trying to convince yourself that's it's better than the BB and nearly better than the Submariner and just be happy with your purchase. I know there is some doubt in your mind which is why you keep posting this garbage.

[@Ex.zed.]

There's no such thing as "affordable luxury". That being said, for this price range, the watch looks and feels mediocre at best.