On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: WwRR - Ep. 23; Monta Noble x Formex Essence, Everyday Lux Comparo

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Monta Noble Review: • On the Wrist, from off...
Formex Essence 39 Review: • On the Wrist, from off...

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

1000: The opaline dial came today and to be honest the fit and finish is better than my 2021 explorer 1 and I think the bracelet on this is more comfortable than the oyster bracelet

[@MrZanzibar123]

As one of those people who requested this very video (probably multiple times, sorry!), let me say thanks!! Very cool to see them side by side this way. It's clear that you love them both, and great to hear your excitement coming through! (I occasionally worry when I hear you repeating your trademarked sentences that you sound a bit bored by it all... I think it's great to mix it up and keep yourself engaged!) Although you refuse to pick a winner (as it were), you clearly say that these two win over almost everything else. And I enjoyed the very strong claims you made: "None of the offerings from Longines, Tissot, Hamilton...can stand anywhere close to these"; "they trounce watches up to $2500"! As the hype around these two fades just a bit, I'm starting to see them for good deals on the secondary, so I may get one yet! Thanks for making that decision ever harder, LOL! I think this video is going to be very popular! :)

[@MrZanzibar123]

PS, "one thousand"!

[@bruceg.3483]

I actually picked up the Monta Noble white dial off a forum today. Thought it was a good deal. 12/20 card, full kit, 1100 USD. Looking forward to enjoying it.

[@ecureed]

Still enjoying that noble by chance??

[@BryanO92]

Both of these have been one thousand percent on my radar for a long time. Nice comparison.

[@gav_bray]

I've never been able to see either of these watches in the metal, but love both designs. If I had to choose one it would have to be the MONTA. Such a simple, classic and elegant design that appears to be perfectly executed. They have been on my radar for quite some time now.

[@snapfitness1]

A Monta is definitely on my short radar one day, I own the 43 blue dial essence and loooove it.

[@Gary-li7ib]

I have the Formex Essence 39 in white and my next watch is probably the Monta in Degrade Blue! Thanks for doing this, interested to see how they look against each other

[@JB-fl2gp]

I have the anthracite, it’s incredible.

[@Griffin1994]

Really needed that video! ONE THOUSAND

[@mikep5478]

Back in September of 2018 on the Kickstarter campaign I paid $366.42 with the conversion rate direct from FORMEX , it is the ETA 2824-2 version. I'm very happy with the watch and not just because I got in on the launch, that's part of it, but if I paid more I would still be enjoying mine. I'm not comparing it with an OMEGA, but it holds its own against brands like Christopher Ward, etc. Thanks for the video I always enjoy them.

[@phil5611]

Nice video and appreciate your candid thoughts as always. I have a Formex Reef and a Monta Nobel. Based upon my wearing experience and understanding of the brands, Monta gets the nod for finishing and the luxury feeling when wearing it. Formex wins for design and excitement when strapping it on. It is really a push at the end of the day. Either choice is a good one.

[@shaneth138]

The Essence has much better finishing than the reef so not really a good comparison.

[@thegorn]

The Formex is for classy Chads with active lifestyles and hot girlfriends. The Monta is for classy Stephens who like a brisk walk with a pet dog (possibly a poodle), and their girlfriends are understated yet sexy and intelligent. Don’t @ me I am 1000% correct.

[@EdmundPorter-ju8kd]

Very funny

[@jimmski9908]

Well that settles it, guess I will be getting the Formex.

[@1RunnerDad]

😂

[@bendskelton]

1000. Great video! I never understood the hate for the Formex name, it's stupid. Same thing as the "ChRiStOpHeR wArD iS tHe NaMe Of AnOtHeR dUdE" lunacy

[@claudtalkz2194]

The Formex wears smaller to- me. I’ve seen both, both lovely - I ultimately went with the Formex because the design was really different from anything in my collection- and it’s so comfortable - thanks for the review

[@jimmski9908]

I love the Monta, but it does look a lot like my Tissot Gentleman. I have had the Formex in my hand and on my wrist, it is really, really nice and super comfortable.

[@El-AYE-Ra1s3d]

Im actually getting both lol. Im in love with these two models

[@AverageBros]

haha, nice!

[@kbeightyseven1783]

I own both and the formex offers amazing value for money, the formex essence was the better buy imo

[@TerrySteiner]

@@AverageBros It was your review that got me to sell my Tudor BB 41 for it. A nice watch but I just never connected to it like i have the Nobel.

[@thomashendrick7294]

$1000...very understandable, they are both very different and yet both unique for quality to price ratio.

[@JackMarcusWeissman]

Fantastic video. Better detail and more original comments than most out there

[@TerrySteiner]

I have owned a Noble since it launched last December. It is truly gorgeous and it fits amazing even on my 20-cm (7-7/8 in). After a year I'm still in the honeymoon phase. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[@roberts.4582]

Thanks for this very useful comparison video. I've been eyeing both of these watches for awhile and plan to pick up both in their white-dial variants.

[@Ronald_roo]

Literally the two watches I’m deciding between for the next purchase. Thank you for reading my mind 🙏🏽

[@carlobighouse5434]

Bro you do so many videos that I end up looking for by searching YT and ending up on your page again. Ty dude. I wanna see these 2 head to head! 🍿 ready

[@JB-fl2gp]

I own the Noble and absolutely love it. They’re similar enough where it doesn’t make sense to me to own both but id love to see the formex in person some day.

[@sinesaii]

I love my Formex Essence. I have been stalking Monta, but I bought an Aqua Terra instead. I still like the Formex more.

[@keefw361]

I'm looking at an AT but just come across the formex which looks very very similar. How do you find both in terms of finish and comfort?

[@sinesaii]

@@keefw361 the finish is amazing, way above what I expected. I have the previous gen Onega Aqua Terra, and the Formex is better finished. And I find my 43mm to be comfortable.

[@cheesychester9647]

same. Bought an aqua Terra 38, now I wish I got the Formex. The ATs bracelet is horrible.

[@hugejohnson5011]

1000. That blue Formex looks nice. I think I want a green one. No, black! No! White! Arrrggghhh! That's the problem for me. Choosing a color, as I have a white dialed tool watch already, and a couple of blacks. Now I want some color! And, I would like a watch like the Formex, as I have none really like it.

[@jimmski9908]

IKR, the green is beautiful, but I do already have a green watch, guess I be going with the blue.

[@shaneth138]

The Formex is far more interesting to me. I was torn between these two (the blue model month though) and I am really glad I got the Formex. The Monta is more expensive for a more boring design. However I do think the handset on the Monta looks a little higher quality than the Formex. But I don't love how much the hands over lap at the middle on the Monta either so.

[@millersciencesms762]

I'm a Monta Triumph silver dial owner. Of course I prefer the Monta. But I scratch my head about the self winding and depth rating text on the 6 o'clock portion of the dial.

[@Rothbardy]

Monta dials their watches in-house to +-5 seconds, in-line with chronometer specs. It’s not advertised currently, they use to advertise this and still do this for all their watches

[@Toph378]

Love the “light play” with the flashlight segment!

[@dingodave3966]

Great vid here, will help anyone looking at these. Both great. Nothing average about this 1000 review bros!

[@heinrichthomas6112]

🥴$1000🤩 Been looking for a "One Watch" watch for a long time, which...well, for years to be completely transparent, and think this will be the watch that will be The One. Thanks for another 1st rate review Mark. Your reviews are regularly the most comprehensive...when I want to see a review on a watch I've come across some where down in the rabbit whole, your review is the first I look for.

[@timefliesby-jleo474]

My triumph and Oceanking have taken any notion of buying either a BB36 or BB58!

[@MuratIsgoren]

I have that same Formex and I was thinking of getting a Monta as well but imho Monta is asking a little too much comparing to Formex (not only trechnical but also no tax and free shipping options) so I dont think that I will purchase one anytime soon.

[@Apetro89]

1000 Excellent review buddy! Really enjoy watching your videos. I want to thank you for suggesting the parnis jubilee bracelet years ago for my (and your) alpinist! Talking about these watches, I think you cant go wrong with either one, both seem beautiful in their own way and quality built. Look wise, Formex is more attention grabbing with the polish and sharp lines, while Monta has more of a contemporary look. Im seriously considering Monta Atlas GMT as my next purchase since it checks all the boxes for me; perfect size, great movement, built quality, contemporary look, small number produced, usable complication, on the fly adjust etc and still doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

[@danielgillrup9518]

Just waiting on a return to Farer to pop in the account and a black Essence 39 is in the cards

[@BulkersRuleZ]

1000 For me it looks like Formex have better bracelet, dial and clasp but Monta have overall better finish and lume I bought Essence 43 with white dial and Im in love. Never seen Monta in-person but I definitely heard about it and it was in consideration for purchase. I hope Monta will release more Atlas color variations... also Oceanking v3 looks so good. Biggest problem for me is that Monta worldwide shipping cost 50€ and all the taxes/customs to Europe increase already quite high price

[@maitrehg]

To each their own but if there is one thing well known about Monta, it is the quality of their bracelets. In the same category as Rolex and Tudor.

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

How big is the dial on the essence actually? It really schrunk down the watch nicely. Almost like a 36 next to this white monta

[@waynesellers4078]

The essence would be measurably better if they just put the reef clasp on it.

[@jimmski9908]

I probably would have gotten one by now if that was the case.

[@markphillips2072]

Was curious if you have ever had or have reviewed a Ginault OR and what your thoughts were on the brand because I think it falls in line with those higher tear watches you reviewed today. My passion is sport watches and wanted to get the best diver for about the same money as the watches today and respect your opinion and usually are on point when it comes to the quality and value of a piece thanks .

[@AverageBros]

I did a four part review series on the Ginault OR and later featured in a comparison with the Monta Oceanking and Christopher Ward C60 Trident Mk3 here>>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqqeIdseNyBb7M

[@markphillips2072]

@@AverageBros I'll differently check that out thanks and after I commented kind of remembered that you had but you've reviewed so many watch had forgotten that you had thanks .

[@kkassen1]

The Ocean Rover 2 is a cut above from the Original Ocean Rover

[@jlarsson1978]

Wish the Essence bracelet was tapered.

[@ragra9822]

It is tapered...

[@shaneth138]

@@ragra9822 No its not but I think it would look weird if it were.

[@smm6526]

Formex is dangerously on the rampage, it trounces this Monta..Formex is really hitting hard, really hard...

[@thomascrown7818]

I am seriously considering Formex essence 39 as my next watch but I am also considering Tissot PRX in blue dial. Would Formex be worth twice more than PRX? Coming from wearing Hamilton khaki mechanical in black pvd at the moment. Any advice?

[@JB-fl2gp]

The prx is nice but doesn’t touch either of these for level of finishing and luxury feel. Prx lume is a joke but its a great watch for its price point. Is the noble worth the money? Every penny.

[@mrbacchus6127]

If I was considering either as a gada watch I would throw in a Christopher ward Sealander 39mm as an independent for less money.

[@AverageBros]

I do enjoy Chris Ward, have a ton of them but in this space, considering how good Seiko has been with their Aplinist line, it honestly makes it tougher to pick the Sealander. Sure it's nicer but the Seiko is cheaper, more capable, and has a lot more horological significance. I found myself preferring to just pay more for something significantly nicer and passing over the CW. The Sealander does look excellent though and who knows, still might make it into the collection eventually.

[@mrbacchus6127]

@@AverageBros Only problem with the Alpinist is there are so many models I am good and confused about them.

[@waynesellers4078]

From someone from the UK the standard sealander comes in at half the price of the formex, the elite is the same as the formex and the gmt sits in the middle. I would take a single crown alpinist over the standard sealander though which are the same price.

[@JB-fl2gp]

The C63 has nothing on the Noble. I own both

[@waynesellers4078]

@@JB-fl2gp not sure where you are in the world but in the UK I can get a C63 for £500 (600 on bracelet) and a noble is £1300 before taxes so probably around £1500 so I wouldn't expect them to be close. The single crown alpinist is also £500

[@fernandoguerrero7327]

One thousand. If you can describe the blue dials on: fromex, monta noble and seiko spb 187.

[@Smenis7]

I feel like its the lug to lug that makes the Monta wear bigger...

[@AverageBros]

it not, it's the larger dial with the indices pushed to the outer edges

[@rkstahl]

uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhh one THOUSAND

[@scottrehak4076]

One thousand, got my noble in the mail 😉

[@AverageBros]

Congrats, enjoy it Scott!

[@ab9677]

Monta Noble is way better than the Essence.

[@KameronMurphy]

What made you choose the noble over the triumph?

[@AverageBros]

I didn't, I have a Triumph too, lol

[@KameronMurphy]

@@AverageBros did you ever do a video comparing the triumph and the noble?

[@AverageBros]

@@KameronMurphy no, not directly, I don't think

[@grapevinelover1]

I’m looking at a Longines Conquest, would the Monta Noble be a step up in quality etc?

[@AverageBros]

Yes, absolutely a noticeable step up

[@gutsynin6156]

The Monta Noble dial looks empty. Not a fan.

[@shaneth138]

Yeah he probably should have reviewed the blue model. That has a gradient to it that is far more interesting than the white. But I think the Formex looks better in every way.

[@allthetime7583]

Formex is a great looking watch but I can’t get past the name, it sounds like a cleaning product

[@shaneth138]

It really doesn't though.

[@JB-fl2gp]

The name bothers me as well

[@Wrist-rolls]

Appreciate the comparison, but it took you almost 7 minutes minutes to start. Cmon man

[@ecureed]

1000, between these and a 556

[@AverageBros]

@@ecureed I still own both of these but no longer own either my 556A or 556IB

[@ecureed]

@@AverageBros if you could only keep one, which would it be?

[@AverageBros]

@@ecureed couldn't choose, sorry

[@michaeldemarco899]

I know this is two years old but it takes you a very long time to just get to the reviews. Better to cut that down and get to the point!

[@kofiofosu9051]

One thousand

[@kws4e]

I own the Formex and I'm gonna be honest to you, I'm not too happy with it, concidering the price. Thr finishing, the build quality, the tolerances. They are fine, but a San Martin for $300 gives me exactly the same. Is the Monta better in that regard?

[@parkpy]

Wow! That’s…either praise for the San Martin or extreme criticism of the formex. I was really digging the formex, but now? Eh…

[@kws4e]

@@parkpy Don't get me wrong, Fomex is great. Their offer an original design, some really interesting "Innovations" and an overall solid piece, if you're happy with spending that kind of money. Also, Formex customer support is literally the best I ever had, I was in direct contact with the CEO of Formex for a small problem I once had, they were amazing. This is also worth a lot. But having owned many chinese watches, especially ones from San Martin, I just expected more. I mean it's really not a fair comparison, San Martin don't really have (mostly) their own Designs, they produce in China, customers support will never be as good as from Formex and so on. There are simply a few things, that aren't what I expected. Let's say the fit of the end links to the case, theres a small gap on every Essence out there. Not bad, but not fantastic either. The bracelet has more flex than I hoped it to have, the on the fly extension feels rather flimsy, the screws in the bracelet aren't perfectly finished and so on. I'm not Saying that San Martin ist better, but what I'm gonna say is that San Martin offers the same level of build quality, fit and finish, at least on their newer, more expensive models such as the SN020 or the BB hommage. They have flaws aswell, but that's acceptable on a $300 watch, not so much on a $1400 one, at least for me. But as I said, it's not a fair comparison, I think for the money, going the swiss made route, Formex is one of thr best values out there, easily. I hope that makes sense.

[@shaneth138]

@@parkpy Don't listen to this dude. I have the Formex and the finishing and build quality blow everything away under $2500. I am not the only one that says this either. Watch the Teddy Baldassarre review on it. Its an incredible watch. This dude probably works for Monta or San Martin something.

[@shaneth138]

The San Martins are Rolex replica garbage.

[@kws4e]

@@shaneth138 Still better then my $1400 Formex ;)

[@jimmski9908]

1000, um I mean 2000

[@fmartmart8099]

what does on the wrist from off the cuff even mean. It seems like you're just glomming together watch words.

[@AverageBros]

Watches are worn on the wrist and the review format is off of the cuff, as in relaxed and not with an abundance of production

[@rickfuller4111]

1000

[@retired_in_portugal]

Only lasted the first 10 min of this video which up to that point at least was not about the two watches. Unfortunately one more channel to add to the do not recommend pile

[@AverageBros]

Oh Steve, no... don't go, give me another chance!

[@musik4u343]

Monta 100% for an everyday watch at these costs...you MUST have a screw down crown in my opinion...push pull crown in water...no thanks

[@EOrtiz]

1,000.00

[@1969jmac]

I just received my Monta Noble today. I was eager to open it and try it on. Then was a bit disappointed, the watch is pretty small and light and has a cheap feel about it. The band is very flimsy and feels cheap and the case itself is so so but definitely doesn't warrant all the hype. The micro adjustments on the band slip, so when you adjust them and wear the watch then take it off they slip back out and you have to adjust it again before you wear it. Also the power reserve is only a few hours, I can wear it all day then take it off before bed and in the morning it has stopped and I have to re-set it. Over all its probably on par with your average run of the mill everyday watch you can buy at one of those kiosks in the middle of the mall. It's nothing special and definitely not worth the price point.

[@snwachuku]

1000