Monta Oceanking -vs- Skyquest - A Comparative Analysis & Review - Which Would I Choose?

[@kylestewart4444]

I reeeeallly like the look of these watches but the price is just a bit too high for me right now. I just picked up an Ocean Rover so it’s not like I’m dying for another diver but I do find these watches to be quite attractive. Particularly the black/gilt dial Oceanking.

[@kylestewart4444]

I reeeeallly like the look of these watches but the price is just a bit too high for me right now. I just picked up an Ocean Rover so it’s not like I’m dying for another diver but I do really find these watches attracted. Particularly the black/gilt dial.

[@nacozinhacomfernando]

Hi, Patrick, my name is Fernando and I have recently purchased a Phoibos Reef Master after watching a review video. Unfortunately after receiving the watch I realised the bezel was misaligned and it was way off on accuracy running at + 56 s a day. After having the watch for 7 days (purchased directly from Phoibos website) I wrote to their customer centre to notify the defects and was honestly expecting first for a replacement or second for the watch to be shipped back and properly fixed, however the first response from Phoibos was that there was nothing wrong with the watch, I was probably looking at the bezel from a angle and also that I didn’t know how to adjust the watch. I was really surprised with their response and told them to look at the video I did on their Facebook page and they came back saying that they couldn’t see anything wrong. I did a second video showing better the misaligned bezel and had a bunch of comments saying they it was clear on the first video but still, I tried again. After many emails and videos sent to Phoibos they in the end told me that I could try to force a bit of back play on the bezel to realign and still insisted that I should try to set the watch again for accuracy (I am a watch collector for 20 years, feeling like the stupidest person in the world at that moment) But if I really wanted it looked at that I could send the watch back. As last, unfortunately if you have any problems with your watch you have to send it to China and can not declare its value as more than 30 dollars or it won’t get through China customs and also that they have no responsibility if anything happens so in summary if my or your watch doesn’t get back to them you only receive 30 dollars back from your insurance. Yes, what to do with that money. I just think it would be nice to let people know my story so that they can think twice before o buying a Phoibos or they might end up with 30 dollars Kind regards Fernando

[@thewatchloungechris]

I just ordered a blue dial SKY Quest can't wait I've heard the blue looks even better in person.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Great choice! I understand they're almost out of those models currently. So glad to hear it's well received.

[@thewatchloungechris]

@@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett thanks ! Yeah I got the stainless steel bezel only version left but it's cool because it reminds me of the Explorer ii

[@JustBlueFish]

Great comparision Patrick. I've been hearing good things about Monta, it looks like they deliver.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Thank you.* They do a good job, without a doubt. They need to extend Everest into a bracelet brand and market those stainless steel wonders...

[@jasonkeith1725]

The Skyquest. I need a good GMT for business travel.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I still kinda want one -_- in gilt...

[@rodericklacerna2321]

Great watches! The glide lock type clasp is a great addition. However, I agree with you about the reservations about the crowns on both watches. I can see the small size of the crowns hampering the functionality (especially in the skyquest).

[@Billeh556]

Almost perfect. I mean I’m still wanting to buy a triumph and a oceanking, but imagine if there was a no date versions of each and they all had the micro adjustment OMG

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

One can dream... That’d be great, yeah.

[@gregalonzo747]

Beautiful timepieces. I recently picked up the Squale GMT. I travel back and forth to Europe and for me, a GMT is imperative. I guess one more wouldn't hurt))) The Skyquest is definitely worth a look.

[@WatchRob]

Great review Patrick. One question, I have read some concern online about the OK glide lock clasp being rather long, did anything feel out of proportion on the wrist or was it a non-issue?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

For my 7.25” this was not a noticeable issue. The clasp was nearly as long as the head, so if the clasp is too large the head is likely too large for their wrist as well. Also, I make light of the size of their clasp in my Triumph Review, stating that it’s a great design choice: keeping the watch balanced atop your wrist.

[@tomj3372]

I so want one of these. Not sure which one that I am going to wind up getting. GREAT review btw. Is there any sort of coupon code for Monta?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Not at the moment, that I’m conscious of, no. 🧐

[@JRoJamz]

I've been agonizing over a Skyquest, or at the other end, an Orion Calamity. Love giving a new microbrand a shot, and willing to pay a bit more for a lack of economy of scale a startup has to deal with. Orion sold out of the Calamity in blue, so now I'm leaning more heavily to Monta. Two things. I'd love the better clasp, and would pay extra to buy it separately. I'd also pay extra to get a blue dial with a matching or even black ceramic bezel. Love that color, but the steel bezel doesn't do it for me.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I'm personally a huge fan of Monta. However, I've been hearing good things about Orion as well. I am a little biased though, as I own a Monta Oceanking; and can easily recommend anything from Monta's range. Their cases/bracelets are impeccable.

[@brownkid44]

The only thing missing is drilled lugs. I love the “blue” dial!

[@romanopeterj]

Great video! Strongly considering an OceanKing! Also considering some of the retro divers like the Christopher Ward C65, and the Oris 65.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Oris 65 before the C65, but C. Ward Bronze 38mm before both 🤤

[@Andrew-J316]

Based on latest reviews you seem to favor Monta watches now. How do they compare against your last praises of Christopher Ward watches? I certainly wish I could get my hands on the watches to feel them first hand. That is the only sense missing from these reviews that would certainly help me in leaning towards a purchase of one or another. Perhaps a future review of Monta vs. Chr. Ward would be helpful. Thank you for the reviews!

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I would place Monta slightly above C. Ward in terms of build quality. The cases and bracelets - not to mention their fitted rubber and leather strap offerings - are a cut above nearly all their competition. However, for the price, C. Ward is hard to beat. It all depends on your budget/taste. I think C. Ward *and* Monta both have their own design language now. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, go with whichever you aesthetically like most. I will say though, C. Ward does offer a better movement by way of their Calibre SH range... Most of those models ranging within $1.7-3.4K. Again, both companies, extraordinary work. Either way, you cannot go wrong.

[@Andrew-J316]

Thanks for the feedback. Will consider Monta above Chr.Ward. Just need to get my hands on one to look at it before somehow! :)

[@inkitatus1]

Sweet! Cheers mate 👍👍

[@atomik7223]

Do the watches come in the same great packaging if I buy one?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yes! If you watch my Monta Triumph (Part One) video, you’ll see the exact packaging you’ll receive with every Monta.

[@atomik7223]

Take Time, w/Patrick Marlett Perfect! I always appreciate great packaging... Especially in a micro brand I’ve been looking at the skyquest since this video... I’m wanting that or the Oris sixty five or aquis...

[@anthonyd6881]

Monta's new watches are top notch. If they put the new clasp on the Skyquest or Triumph it's GAME OVER -- I'm buying!

[@irish0625]

Very nice review!!

[@grahamlawton6250]

Great review. Thx? Months are awesome looking and love the 60 click bezel...why do we need 120? Cheers.

[@TheTimLara]

Ha, I clicked through the Monta site while listening to this and I actually chose the stainless/wet blue combo as my favorite also, right before you mentioned it. Great minds... ;)

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Indeed* 👌⌚️😉

[@happy_burger]

Ocean King for me. That gold-red combinations on SkyQuest just look alien to me

[@neilpiper9889]

Ocean King face looks like my Seagull Ocean Star. Seagull st2130 movement 28000 Bph

[@waffle168]

Is the bracelet and strap interchangeable with the Triumph?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I want to say “No,” but I’m not certain on this.

[@WatchRob]

I believe Monta has confirmed their bracelet and strap options are compatible across all models. Not 100% positive but pretty damn sure I read that on their Instagram.

[@waffle168]

Rob Couch thanks! I confirmed with Monta that it was indeed the case.

[@artificialingredient]

why would they go with 72 clicks? why not 48 to allow for 30 minute time zones? Weird.

[@MM-cr7dq]

Great intro music Paddy

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Thank you* 🙇‍♂️

[@Lee_K_5555]

Electronic calipers!!!? Will wonders never cease? :) Monta and Ginault are interesting players in the market, asking for double or triple what their micro-brand competitors are asking for. It appears that they have correspondingly upped the quality level as well. I like these two better aesthetically than the Triumph design, but feel that all are well-built. Oris and Mido are the first two mainstream Swiss competitors that I thought of and the question for anyone buying a Monta is long-term viability and support. The Sellita SW-300 should be able to be serviced by any competent watchmaker, but watch parts (crystal, bezel insert, links) may be an issue. With a less expensive watch like a Steinhart OVM, I wouldn't worry too much about it because the low cost of the watch would not make me so upset if it broke ten years down the line and I couldn't easily get a replacement part. But these Montas are pushing $2000 and I might be a little more concerned if it broke and it couldn't be repaired. But who knows -- maybe Monta is going to become the next Christopher Ward and remain economically viable for decades. I for one hope they do.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah, risky business... I do hope Monta continues it’s growing accomplishments. I see them becoming a much larger player in the watch industry. 🤞

[@howardflies]

@@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett I agree too, they're slowly edging out of micro territory to "small company" territory.

[@lonewolf30531]

Thanks for the review . I am beginning to like this brand . The price is to high thou . To many options in the same price point .

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Nods in agreement*

[@ElCajondePepillo]

Interesting but I'm not sure about the price, I mean you can get a lot of interesting watches at that price, even you can get two for that price!

[@khronokraze]

First, thanks for another great video with helpful information. There's little doubt for Monta's reputation for high-quality build and finishing across their model range. the overall packaging is excellent as well. Being a known reputable aftermarket strap option for Rolex and Tudor under their sister (or brother?) company Everest Straps, it's no wonder the same level of high-quality execution has transferred to the various Monta strap and bracelet options. The bracelet is definitelly the star of the strap options. It's the level of detail in the finishing.. not many brands you could pay even $1000's more for put a nice micro bevel on each of the links.. let alone have more fully articulating link components for an awesome level of fit and comfort. Finally getting hands on at the Wind Up in San Francisco last month, I was most excited to check out Monta and as I wrote before, basically believe the hype. I really want one, but just have to save up a bit more for the perfect one to start off with. All of Monta's current offerings are nice. If I had the money, I'd probably get one of each. Being I'm' not a baller and likely can only afford one.. at least one at a time.. I'd still personally pick the Triumph for myself. I like the 38mm size, it quite low profile and flat, and it has that extra bit of versatility being more of a field watch design instead of a more purpose built diver or GMT watch I feel. However, I really do like the new Ocean King's new clasp for their bracelet option. The glidelock (and other of similar easy tool-free design, Rolex, Ginault and CW have something very similar, for example) is the best micro adjustment system to have since you can custom adjust to fit current wrist size without tools easily. Additionally, these types of micro adjustment systems are done internally, or at least hidden under the clasp, so you never get an unsightly gap and break in the aesthetics when bracelet is extended like you do with some other adjustments like the ratcheting ones found on the Seiko Marine Master 300 bracelet. Granted, those are more extreme and meant to be used over a wetsuit, but still, for casual and everyday use and adjustments, the glidelock is plenty, perfect and the best for such micro adjusting tasks. I really do wish and expect Monta to ultimately upgrade all their bracelet options in the SkyQuest and Triumph model lines. But, A) I can see this being a unique and bonus selling point to push the new Ocean King as a purchase decision... and likely an additional purchasing option since one may like the SkyQuest, also, but really want the bracelet from the Ocean King, too. And, B) As with the Triumph specifically, I think Monta wants to sell all their current Triumph stock and not scrap the bracelets they have already without the new clasp with glidelock before they implement it, if they do, and they really should for both the Triumph and the SkyQuest. As such may be the case, I might be waiting a while till it may finally get the glidelock clasp on the Triumph. You are correct. The "Wet Blue Dial" is the same as what the SkyQuest offers, although it is simply named "Blue Dial" if you look at the SkyQuest page. For sure, when I spoke with Monta at the Wind Up they told me that the "Wet Blue" is the same on the Ocean King as the Sky Quest. The new blue that is exclusive to the Ocean King 2 is what they simply named "Blue Dial" on the Ocean King 2 page. It is a much vibrant and unique blue actually than the "Wet Blue Dial" imho. Looks so good in person. Check out my Instagram photo here. It's the 9th out of the 10 here which shows all 4 Ocean King Dials. The new "Blue Dial" is the one in the upper left corner. As I recall, to my eyes, that new "Blue Dial" looks even wetter and liquidy in person than the supposed "Wet Blue Dial" does. It also almost swims into a slight purplish hue depending on lighting and angle. It really is one of the most unique and good looking blue dials I've ever seen. Looking at Monta's Ocean King 2 page at the image for the new "Blue Dial", it doesn't do the actual dial color and depth justice and actually looks "standard" blue on their webpage. I highly suggest Monta retake the photo of the new "Blue Dial" option to better represent the lush blue I have seen in person. Anyways, please, just have a look at Monta's Ocean King 2 page with the new "Blue Dial" option (only available with the (blue ceramic bezel) and compare it to the photo I took at the Wind Up on my Instagram link below and you will see a huge difference. FYI, the "Wet Blue Dial" actually looks pretty close to the photo as it does in real life.. has a hint of green or turquoise in it it seems. instagram.com/p/Bi-uB88Hsv8/?taken-by=stealthrobotstudio I can see how Oris might be Monta's closest competitor.. maybe.. But, I really feel Ginault is maybe a better closer comparison in terms of quality and price range in the microbrand market. However, Ginault only basically makes 1 type of watch which is a submariner homage. Still, they feel similar in the quality and brand presence for what you can get for the $1k-$2k price range. Oris is generally quite a bit more expensive.. I'd say easily over $2.5k-$3k for a new watch to start for entry level for Oris.. I think in Oris's market range, Longines seems about an equal competitor to me. And for those bitching that the price Monta charges for their watches is too much for a Sellita movement and being "just" a microbrand. Honestly, it's a stupid point. People pay at least 2-3x as much from brands like Oris, Tudor and other high-end luxury watches that basically have essentially the same ETA movement in them. You have to put aside the brand heritage tax bias cause every watch company that eventually becomes great or well-established starts off somewhere smaller first. And from the looks of it so far, Monta is and has been off to a great start with all 3 watch model offerings.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

The "Glide-Lock" here, but no "Glide-Lock" here is exactly what Rolex does with their Submariner and GMT lineup; so I'm not at all surprised seeing these marketed that way either. I am surprised by everyone's conclusion that this is similar to Ginault, haha. A lot of folks are putting these brands in the same boat. Not necessarily a bad thing, but there is a major difference in build quality/ideology. Oris is more comparable, so far as build quality is concerned. However, the cost is another thing, but I've never paid full MSRP for an Oris. You'll typically find them for much less "New" via Amazon or other online retailers and for far less used, so long as you're not opposed to being the second or third owner.

[@shlemp5183]

would like to see how a monta stacks up against ginault

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

A lot of folks would. Why is that? (Happy to accommodate)

[@WatchRob]

Patrick do you still have the Ginault? Can you do a comparison video?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I do, but I've loaned it out to a friend... Once it's back I'll see if Monta doesn't mind sending me another Oceanking to clear the air on this one.

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Overpriced crap Vs crap that's overpriced