The BEST Microbrand Watch I Have Ever Reviewed - The Monta Atlas GMT Review (2020)

[@joshgull]

I used to love microbrands but I’ve gotten very spoiled by the fit and finishing on the half dozen Rolex and Omega watches I’ve owned. I found it very difficult to find the same level of enjoyment in micros because they simply lacked the refinement I had become accustomed to. Then I found Monta. They changed the game for me. I own a Skyquest and very likely will be purchasing an Atlas and/or Oceanking as well. My Skyquest gets just as much wear as my Submariner and Speedmaster, and goes toe to toe with them in every way but the movement (and I’m of the opinion that all a tool watch needs is a reliable and serviceable movement, which these Montas have). Big fan of Monta here. They converted me.

[@calebbutton1939]

Hi Joshua. I think this is the first time I've ever recognized anyone in the comments from IG ! Been following you over on IG for a while now. Looking forward to having a chance to see/experience a Monta "in the metal" once I move back to the States. Right now the Atlas seems most appealing but only because the Triumph (which I want so badly to like) has numerals that sort of bother me in their placement and size. I might feel differently if I had one in hand, but while I'm initially drawn in every time I see photos of the triumph the numerals hit me 2 seconds later and kind of sours the visual for me... Anyway, excited to see what's next from them. If I recall I heard them hinting at something new, I think it was on the Tenn&Two podcast (though I can't remember for sure) And, if so weren't you also "co-hosting" that episode? I tried looking it up just now to verify but for some reason I couldn't find that episode on iTunes! Oh well.

[@joshgull]

Caleb Button hey man, that’s awesome! And yep I was on that podcast. Definitely get hands on if you can. I think you’ll find the Triumph issues you mention to not be an issue at all. From a strict design standpoint, it’s a very well balanced design and the mix of numeral sizes makes perfect sense to highlight the cardinal positions (look at the Rolex Explorer with the oversized triangle at 12 and the large numerals at 3, 6, and 9 mixed in with normal indices).

[@danielthompson803]

Have a look at the Formex Reef, great design and fit and finish equal or above Monta.

[@docreggiefirefox4811]

Same here @Joshua, been follow also your channel as well, love your comment as well. Anyway, if your tired or bored so to speak of your microbrand or those extra watches to review…you might want to send it to me hahaha! Would love to wear it everyday during my rounds, new watch, new excitement…hahaha! Let me know if you want to donate your so many collections hihihi! Stay safe…still pandemic, what’s the best in a day with full of patients but to take a break and appreciate such review of watches.

[@thegorn]

Monta employee?

[@alexestrada4023]

I've been following Monta for a while, and I definitely do my research before jumping into this brand. I have yet to hear anything but positive comments around this brand, especially the finishing. So, I jumped in when the atlas was announced. Let me tell you, the finishing of this watch is bananas. It competes with the brushing and polishing of my Explorer 1 for 1/6th the price. The attention to detail is second to none. Box and presentation is Omega quality, and their customer service is incredible. I called to check how the production was going and Justin, the co-owner answered the phone. It was awesome. You cant appreciate these until you see them in the metal and appreciate the brush to polish contrast on the case and bracelet.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Alex Estrada thanks for info , when it comes to micro brands this is the feedback that is needed and can save on a regretful purchase especially when your talking over $1,500

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

Completely agree and in many ways it surpasses my Explorer II!

[@kbeightyseven1783]

The problem is the brand has no heritage, for the price you can pick up a lightly used Tudor or omega

[@sinesaii]

I would add Formex to Monta as great watches for really low prices. I would rather have a nicer watch than some silly “in-house” movement I do not care about.

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

Micro-brands are the reason I got into watches. Still my bread and butter.

[@horologywatchmaking13]

This is probably the only microbrand that has a proper name and a nice brand logo both on the dial . One thing that i always considered to be important . But that price though .

[@benbot5173]

I love how the printing sits a touch 3-dimensionally on the dial. I didn’t think I could marvel at the ink used in watchmaking, but that small little detail stands out to me, even when everything else is so good.

[@damskrz791]

Monta Atlas GMT vs Traska Summiteer ? which one u would recommend/advise/compare?

[@feenanay4866]

I was torn between the Monta Oceanking and this opaline Atlas when it was first announced in 2019. After I moved up to St. Louis in midsummer and found out that Monta's HQ was about 10 minutes away from my office, I made a beeline down there and checked out all their models firsthand.....except the Atlas, the first batch of which hadn't arrived from Switzerland yet. I ended up getting the Oceanking in black/gilt dial and absolutely love it, but I'm still tempted by the Atlas. Monta's design language and quality just speak to me. The folks over there are terrific and extremely customer focused. So many great watches out there in the

[@davidpatrick9302]

Thanks for input. I'm in KC and may swing by there to visit Monta next time I'm in St. Louis. I agree on the appeal of their design language.

[@BuddhaRice]

I am also in st louis and proud their origins are here. Did they allow you to purchase the watch there or did you have to go through online/AD?

[@feenanay4866]

@@BuddhaRice I bought directly from Monta. Did a PayPal transaction while sitting in Justin's office.

[@rousseau327]

Makes me want to get a ticket to St. Louis for a day! Would love to speak to the guys at Monta. One of the only things that's holding me back in not being able to see these in person before purchasing

[@jimmski9908]

@@rousseau327 yeah, that is tough, their return policy is quite restrictive.

[@MrGrandis852]

Monta Atlas blue dial is my all-time favorite watch in my collection, sporty yet classy at the same time. I love it!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Great watch. Was split on feathering that one or this.

[@vr6glx96]

Dude, your videos have been getting better and better. You are in my top 2 for watch channels. This watch is beautiful. I love the hands and indices. The hands almost have a knife edge look to them, very true to the name of "sword hands", as a knife lover... I really appreciate that.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Glad to be in the top two. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@SpaghettiKillah]

OMG I was looking for a dressy GMT but was priced out by most offers (Grand Seiko, JLC and such). This fits the bill *PERFECTLY* !!

[@jazzman5598]

Kudos Teddy, for having the capacity to “evolve” & coupled with an ability to admit you have changed a position in such a forthright way. This is strength & confidence. So, Sir, . . . Good on you!

[@Razman277]

I’m a lover of Oris but this clasp appears to be nicer than my Aquis. I love micro-adjustments in multiple locations as sometimes you just need a little here or there instead of a global adjustment. I’m also starting to not understand clear case backs that don’t have some level of finishing. I appreciate mechanics being an ex-engineer but I want to see more than a bead blasted finish if you’re going to show it off. I like the blue tip on the hand...always love little details like that.

[@mitchd1963]

I bought a triumph couple months ago and absolutely love it you get so much for your money to me its perfect

[@briancarpenter1255]

Great review Teddy as usual. I have never looked at Monta because it is out of my price range, but it doesn't mean that I can't admire a beautifully designed and built watch. Keep up the good work Teddy. Thanks, Brian

[@wernerjacq]

I would love you to do an interview with the owner of MING watches and a review of their core models... seen nowhere else!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I’ll see what I can do. Ming is another brand doing it right.

[@yuvalmor7594]

@@TeddyBaldassarre good luck💪

[@timur9429]

There is one on the Hodinkee Podcast I guess ..

[@palerider9855]

Was looking for a GMT to round out my small watch collection (Vintage 50’s Omega Seamaster and 60’s Omega Seamaster, Stowa Flieger Classic 36, Hamilton 38 mm Khaki Field, Seiko SARB-033 AND SARB-035, and a couple of Seiko day/date Seiko 5’s for beater watches for work. Just picked up the Monta today from FedEx. I purchased the Charcoal model and this is the best piece just passing the Stowa in my collection in my opinion. Thanks for the great reviews, videos, and what you do for the watch enthusiasts. Even thinking about watch repair because of channels like yours.

[@millersciencesms762]

I own a Monta Triumph silver dial. Really enjoy the quality. Plus the partnership with Everest bands is amazing.

[@thomasyamamoto6449]

What do you think of Farer’s Bradfield? Or Farer in general

[@CheetsNYC]

Great episode I gotta admit this is my second episode I have seen on your channel and I am glad to hear you are not just talking about watches you are sponsored with. This got me to subscribe. I hope to hear more reviews like this in the long term.

[@SM-wi1js]

Good video Teddy. I have JLC, Omega, GS and several Rolex but also enjoy brands such as Sin. One micro brand I would like you to review is Brellum especially the sports chrono with ETA mechanism.

[@dougbanker6719]

FWIW, I have a Monta Noble (Silver Dial) and it's gorgeous and worth every penny. I look forward to buying more of their watches and seeing where this brand goes. Impressive they have only been in business roughly 5 years.

[@VVT4ME]

Awesome review :D I love the fact there are so many microbrands around to add so much more choice. The one thing for me that replaces the lack of 'heritage' with microbrands, is the fact you are often dealing with a very small business. I love often dealing with the owners/designers directly in the purchase experience. And for me, heritage doesnt carry as much weight with many of the old legacy brands because of the giant watch conglomerates, like Swatch, behind them. I'm not saying giant watch conglomerates are bad, just that it removes some of the pull of heritage for me. I own Oris, Rolex, a couple of vintage Omegas, and I also own a couple of microbrand watches, a Lorier Hydra and a Straton Syncro. The personal experience I had with these two companies when ordering was great, and the watches are beautiful and extremely well made. I loved getting a signed card by the owners with my Lorier. Right now the Lorier is getting the most wrist time, as it vintage styling is my go to.....I love vintage styling. Granted my two microbrand pieces arent in the same price category as this Monta Atlas. After seeing this Im definitely going to put Monta on my attention list.

[@JH_Phillips]

I personally love micro brands. They add a lot of variety to to the watch industry. If you want heritage, the major brands are always there for you. Sometimes, however, you just can’t find the look you’re going for, and micro brands can very often fill that hole in the market.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I agree completely!

[@blackburnheart]

The color variety is a big bonus for me.

[@sxc5rhcp]

I think for some watch enthusiast me included the price or brand of the watch is important as long as the enjoyment you get from the piece justifies buying it. I think microbrands have a space for watch enthusiast as long as they offer something unique and of good or better quality than regular well known brands.

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Monta. Probably the most prominent Microbrand on Instagram! The Atlas GMT is georgeous for sure!

[@brianwca]

Yeah, I saw Monta, including the Atlas at the Worn & Wound watch show and the quality stood out. Great-looking watches.

[@kamelthorn]

Great review Teddy. Lovely watch!

[@rogertoledo478]

One of the best details is the crystal design, same design used on Perrelet Seacraft pieces. I love it. The size 38.5 is not for everyone though and the $1795.00 is huge for a entry level. With $700 more, you can get a Tudor black bay or Omega with a 2500 movement. Great content.

[@katshoulders4576]

Great review Teddy and awesome close up shots! To those that think the price is too high, I urge you to try and see one in the flesh. There’s usually a couple floating about at local watch meetups and of course the Wind Up shows will have the Monta guys there. The guys have been at is for a few years now and are not so “brand new” in my head, but certainly are making the rounds in the watch space. I have a feeling they won’t stay a “smaller” brand for long. The pricepoint is higher than what most people buying microbrands are used to and that can be hard to swallow but having owned several models myself, the price is well justified as your getting Omega/Rolex quality at a fraction of the price. Movement is only one aspect of a watch, and you can’t base a pricepoint alone on such. Sure it would be great if they had their own movement but then we’d see even more of a price hike. For someone like me that doesn’t really care about the movement as long as it’s accurate, I’m a huge fan of the fact these watches are easily serviceable as well as affordable as I know the stab in my heart every time I have to send off one of my Omega’s for servicing. The finishing is out of this world and they have the best sports bracelet on the market imo. I could go on and on but I think you summed it up well here Teddy. Great review as always and your hair game is on point in this one! 🙌🏼

[@MOTIG1]

As a bald straight man: Love your hair.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks brother! It cooperated in this video. I can't say that as much as I would like haha.

[@Lord_of_The_World]

Seriously, you should be pushing hair products, raking in millions with the hair you have

[@drzaius844]

@@MES1808NYC It didn’t.

[@craig2100]

Btw, really proud of you and the growth in content with your channel, well done!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you Craig!

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Great video, Teddy. I’m a huge fan of Monta and I think your review captures this watch very accurately. I watched an interview of Justin from Monta discussing the 24 hour markers on this model. He basically said that, with the cream color dial, the black on black was a purely aesthetic choice. And, in his words, watch guys know how to use a GMT anyway. Ballsy.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Interesting! I did not know the intention behind it. Thanks for sharing!

[@andrewgiblin3468]

Beautiful watch but the same movement and as the premium Steinharts, and this seems three times the price. Is the finish quality that much better to justify the delta? It’s an absolute stunner though and I love it in the blue dial version, always a sucker for blue!!

[@tfacison]

Nothing wrong with steinhart I’ve owned a ton of them in the past, but completely different leagues

[@andrewgiblin3468]

@@tfacison Ok explain to me completely different leagues, I look at the Steinharts under a loop as compared to many of my higher end watches and I don't see it, are you saying the finishing is better (it sure as hell isn't on the movement as Steinharts us the high end ETA movements that are then finished in house like many 3-4K watches), the dials, hand, lume strength, case style/materiel and applied indices are all similar. I get higher end finishing on really expensive watches is markedly different, but I see nothing that delineates good $700-800 watches with ETA movements, to the $2-4K variants using the exact same ETA movements. So please enlighten me??

[@sxc5rhcp]

beautiful piece very well executed it stands out by its unique look

[@simonhalkyard4427]

‘History’ seems to be the main reason why many won’t spend up to 2K on a newish company like Monta. I understand to a point. I do wonder for many if its truly the history they care about or how a known expensive brand can boost the ego. I’m really pleased someone decided not to stay in the ‘500 dollar microbrand lane’ and challenge the construct of what a microbrand is. Monta may not yet have a storied history but the money you spend is in the watch not branding and it shows! Monta are a luxury brand for me because the watches look, feel and act like luxury timepieces. I hope more new watch companies are brave enough to enter at this price point and like Monta can back it up.

[@rojas2284]

Hi Teddy, great content and shots as always, one question, did you keep this with in your collection? If not, why? Thanks so much!

[@BrianThibodeaux]

As a new enthusiast, I'm not into Micro brands. I have too many pillars of the hobby to acquire. But this one peeked my interest. Definitely one to consider as I enter round two of my collection. Thanks for the great review.

[@fraybentos9854]

*piqued. :) Just so you know for future reference! And when it comes to "put it on and forget it" watches, the Atlas GMT is truly killer. Have a nice day!

[@jimbeam4140]

I have five swiss watches, two American and five Japanese so I'm a collector. Wasn't into microbrands at all until I got a Sternglas watch and now I have lots of time for Microbrands. Love the Sternglas, Bahaus German aesthetic.

[@underdog5081]

Absolutely agree. I’ve been hyping Monta gor the past year. High quality and great value. Great job on your review.

[@terrybeach9930]

I have that with the same dial. I also have the Monta Oceanking which I was lucky enough to pick up from their office since I live in the St. Louis area.

[@ColinLack]

I love microbrands I think they generally offer something unique if you actually look. Heritage does matter to me to an extent, but I don't feel like it's as big a deal as it could be. I do like Phoibos a lot. I also like this Monta.

[@anthonymoreo2351]

Great video. I was just saying how I would love to see a smaller GMT option. And just like that, you put this video out there.

[@bluetickhound16]

Nice watch for sure, but for the asking price there are several others I’d buy before this one. Oris, Ball Longines (That Heritage Avigation tho!!) and even Certina come immediately to mind... I admit I have a strong Certina bias though, lol!!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I think apart from the name on the dial, there is no question from me that this piece is worth the price. I think most microbrands have to offer things for ridiculously price competitive pieces in comparison to the big boys. The unfortunate part is when doing this it leads to forever being classified as a microbrand.

[@user-jd2zs8ql1v]

Teddy Baldassarre well said. Ball is a Swinese brand mostly. If you put an oris or ball logo on the monta it would be a $5k retail price watch IMHO.

[@precociousdeathdealer202]

@@TeddyBaldassarre teddy how come you wrist is so small for a guy so tall. I also have small wrist but in 5'9

[@denniskwok7613]

I own a few of the Swiss luxury brands and I can say with hand on heart, that my Monta Triumph is as well built and finished as modern Omega pieces and significantly better than the likes of similarly priced models from Oris, Ball and Longines. The difference is significant and immediately obvious with the watch in your hands.

[@bluetickhound16]

Dennis Kwok don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking the Monta by any stretch. I’m actually probably revealing a bad trait among watch aficionados in that I’m favoring established brands over relative newcomers strictly based on name recognition. By all appearances the Monta is well designed and built but if I were given a choice between it and say, a Longines GMT I’d most likely go with the Longines and that’s not really being fair to the Monta. That being said, I’m not against micro brands by any means... I have a Dan Henry that I wear all the time and love it. No one in their right mind would even attempt to compare my DH with a Monta, the Monta is light years away in quality.

[@valentinhoerzer]

This is, apart from general taste of course, by far the best watch I’ve seen so far. Quality is amazing, price is on the higher end but fair I feel, case size and lug to lug is pretty much for 90 percent of people out there, water resist, sapphire, open case back etc... I mean if you don’t like the design you don’t like the design but if you’re into Explorer‘esque watches this to me is a no brain !! Great review Teddy !:)

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

BRAVO! Love that it is 38 mm ! My wife would love a GMT but sadly most are large... what other GMT at 38mm or less you recommend? Thanks

[@markprknsn]

1st watch I received from Watch Gang (I was a member their inaugural year only) was a Mercer Airfoil. That was my intro to micro-brands. On-line reviews seemed genuine (to me, anyway), and generally gave it high praise. I like it and it sparked my interest in micro-brands. Seems like many are called, but few are worth choosing, to adapt a phrase. Someone mentioned Ming in these comments. That guy is doing impressive things, IMO. I 2nd getting an interview & reviews of his works.

[@erikkalifornia5182]

Great watch, price increase now on bracelet at $1,950. Also, the bracelet now features 3 quick tool free micro adjustment positions. Big improvement there.

[@btyc]

I have a CW C65 (gmt) appreciate you calling it out as a worthy fighter for the big boys - will definitely check out this Monta off the back of your review - you have a new sub!

[@StrapaWatch]

I love my CW's and my Sinn 556i. I am a Rolex, Omega and Grand Seiko wearer as well, but for day in and day out wearability I think micro brands that like Monta offer a great value for us watch geeks. I sometimes switch out watches two or three times a day depending on what I'm doing, and there's a time a place for all of my watches. Great review Teddy! Thanks, MK

[@عزيزالعربي-ك1غ]

Well done Teddy, brilliant work! You are my favourite contemporary authority, when it comes to watches. I would love to see a video about Perrelet. Underrated? Where is it going? Which models, if any, tickle your fancy?

[@GonkOrange]

It seems like you really upped the quality of your macros! Your videos are always improving: Major respect man!

[@denniskwok7613]

Regarding the bracelet, what did you think of the long length of the clasp on your small wrist? I have a similar sized wrist to you and find the clasp to be needlessly long. So it doesn't sit nicely on the underside and slightly, 'jutting out', which ends up looking a little awkward. Also, regarding the comparison to a Sinn 556, I have that model too and I personally think my Monta Triumph absolutely hammers it in terms of finishing, build quality and attention to detail.

[@rumporridge1]

Micro brands are hot right now. Will add this to my very short list of wants in my collection. Dan Henry, Lorier and Yema have been added and has not disappointed.

[@Mik01ist]

Do you reckon that the servicing would be an issue over here in Europe? Great finishing, nice design…this looks a nice choice

[@JordanHMay]

Do you think Bell & Ross watches are a good buy?

[@recaanharb]

Awesome review!! I've gotta say, for me, Lorier is hands down my favorite Microbrand watch. Followed by Zelos. These companies are churning out good quality products!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Both great brands doing it right in their own way. Agreed.

[@VVT4ME]

+1 for Lorier. I am in love with my Hydra!

[@recaanharb]

@@VVT4ME Hell yea! Waiting patiently for the Neptune to come back out in the Spring!

[@stevenuk]

I don't like the design, but the build quality is as good as Sinn and Oris, if not better and much better than all the other brands mentioned here. For the money, you are getting a very good value watch, this is a budget Rolex, better than a Tudor even, in my opinion and if you like its design over a Rolex GMT, this is the one to get hands down 🔨

[@mikec3454]

At first glance and looking at this watch head on, it is quite a looker. Very nice indeed! What I can't seem to look past is that bent GMT hand. I don't know, just looks odd to me. At the price point, I can see why some would hesitate to buy Monta. Realistically, you're in the Oris, Sinn, Tissot price range and do you choose a really new brand or something with history/pedigree? It's a tough call for sure... Monta definitely deserves a look at though.

[@mdr8ball]

TB- Great review. This lead me to research Monta more. Pulled the trigger on the black/no date Oceanking yesterday. Cheers!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Happy to help! I remain very impressed. I hope you enjoy it!

[@matthewbagley6132]

Loving the videos Teddy. I have a burning question though. I have a Rolex Datejust 41and a Breitling Chronomat 41 Limited Edition. I paid a lot of money for them and a chunk of that cash is represented by the movement inside. Tomorrow I'm collecting a GS Snowflake which has a display back to show off the movement and that got me thinking.... why the hell don't my other watches show off their movements? They are both well finished. Why don't more premium watches have display backs?

[@fshsunlimit21]

As far as the Monta nice call! U should consider doing a top 10 of microbrands! Definitely consider convincing Kevin, to get in the watch game as well!

[@TheOnlyShanzz]

Keep doing what you do Teddy, you’re crushing it bro!!!

[@vanidge]

Finally a GMT that will fit my wrist and looks great to boot. I'm seriously thinking about picking this up, import duties be danmed gonna be a killer.

[@robertm.9633]

Great honest review, Teddy! By the numbers, it’s a good watch and the price is reasonable, given that fact. The hobby has an emotional component for me. If I don’t feel it for the brand, I won’t connect with it. In my opinion, brands matter and is a component of the price. Oris and not Monta hits those marks for me, in this price space. I have a little brand snobbery, to be honest.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I think that’s fair and is kind of what I expressed at the end. I don’t think there any ability to debate this watch on quality vs the bigger brands, it’s just the fact that they are brands that have been around for so long. I think that holds more value than what people admit.

[@highflying19]

Monta makes some nice watches i have a Laventure sous marine bronze that i absolutely love. Its right up there in the affordable luxury micro brand game. Also the Orion Calamity is a beauty of a watch as well. Thanks Teddy great video

[@johnny__t4490]

I love the idea of "mircobrand." Affordable watches aimed at the enthusiast, what's not to be attracted to? However, I'm a bit old fashioned in that I am hesitant to consider buying anything that I haven't been able to try on, and of course that is difficult to do with a lot of "microbrands." Yes, I understand the E-commerce strategy behind a lot of these new brands is what keeps the prices in an affordable range. Great review btw, Teddy.

[@mdunawaym]

I love the whole micro-brand thing when they are done well. This is a gorgeous watch that I would totally buy if it was within my price range. I just pre-ordered the Vaer diver, and I can't wait to get it!

[@daymondtalley9500]

Great review. This is on my short list to look at purchasing in 2020, been waiting on someone to do an unbiased review. Great as always.

[@Mx199D]

I'm wondering if there's any quality smaller-size watches out there? I often think 41mm cases look quite bulky on my wrist and I would like to get an elegant, minimalistic-looking watch with a smaller case. Any suggestions?

[@F15ACC2001]

Would love to see you show an array of micro brands to Mr Wonderful. I’m interested to see his raw reactions to their quality and hear his thoughts on how they fit and what impact he sees them having on the market.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Would be an awesome idea!

[@rousseau327]

FP Journe is technically a microbrand in the world of Pateks ;)

[@csmats5374]

I'm new to the watch hobby so I'm not real invested in brands, but I will say is that names and logos of microbrands are what I look at after build quality and value for price, or to be honest probably even before. For example, this particular brand name and logo appeal to me subjectively so I like the watch, especially after noting the build features. Some other brand names and logos just don't appeal to me and therefore don't get a second look even if the build quality, features and value to price ratio are there. That's a filter the established big name brands don't have to contend with.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Very good comment and points. I agree entirely and catch myself doing the same things.

[@Wootguy238]

I agree. Christopher Ward has some beautiful watches...aside from the name on the dial. Not a fan of watches with peoples' names. I would have a CW coming in the mail if they didn't have that stupid name. Instead i'm waiting on my Monta Noble preorder. Seems like an overpriced fashion trend to me.

[@Norman-mn7gp]

Monta watches are very solid and beautifully designed. two tips; -The Monta boys should use more unique movements, example: BALL Caliber and Eterna caliber. -Monta should be used by extreme athletes ... Monta is not a micro brand; Monta is a true brand ... Thanks for another great review Teddy ..... Note: do you like watches: Longines Legend Diver, Mido Multifort GMT and Bremont U-2?

[@rfern263]

Norman Misántropo - when a micro brand of decent reputation like Monta decides to build a GMT using a true GMT movement and offer it at under $2500 they will have my undivided attention, and the attention of the big watch companies. GMT watches with ETA 2893-2 movements are a dime a dozen and can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars. It makes no sense to pay $1700 for such a watch.

[@Norman-mn7gp]

I applaud and respect Monta's work, but; You're right Teddy .... Thank you.

[@rousseau327]

Using ETA and Sellita de-risks the brand. Imagine, when you're a microbrand competing against established ones, one of the major competing factors is long term serviceability. A mainstream movement like Sellita helps you stay viable based on your design and not your movement. Once you've established credibility you can make all the in-house movements you want

[@jaime4022]

@@rfern263 EXACTLY!!!!

[@tristanchristopher]

Hey Teddy! I decided to try a smaller brand, a one off really. I picked up Nemo Diver (white face with the beads of rice) by EMG they are on the more affordable side at 450ish USD and I love it quality made solid feel clean look and the bracelet is really very nice anyways take care keep up the good work

[@nickb638]

Still out here doing great reviews! Good job man

[@bernardpawlowicz3941]

My brother has the Monta Triumph with a green dial (I think that colour way is sold out for good) and the quality, feel and look of the watch and bracelet are amazing.

[@woltee8011]

Hey man great videos. I have a question that I can't seem to get an answer to. You seem like just the person to ask. I want to regulate my Seiko SKX. The question is: Does this have to be done in a specialist dust free room or can it be done in a standard apartment room? I'd love to get my watch a bit more accurate as it currently is slow by about 30 s a day. Thanks. Awesome videos.

[@JamesMaccarone]

Couldn't agree more with this review. Monta watches are like Teddy's hair.... everything is on point!

[@Aggnog]

Looks really refined. I recently put an oris big crown with a green dial on my wishlist at the same price point but with this in the same price point it's hard to choose. And yes the style is different but they are both really versatile.

[@PhilipBeresford]

I don't really consider Monta a microbrand, but more as a 'boutique brand'. Other brands I'd put in that category would be Stowa, Laco, Christopher Ward, etc. These are small brands that have their own style, have several employees, and do their own assembly and servicing. I consider a microbrand to be a 1 or 2 man operation who outsources all production and assembly to a 3rd party.

[@BellaARE]

I have a deep respect for the heritage watches as I do have many Breitling, Tissot, Longines, Tag Heuer, etc. in my collection but Microbrands excite me. This watch looks gorgeous, some of my favorite micro brand watches are Formex, Farer, and lately the Stella Watch Company whose collection I highly recommend and are worth a look!

[@JoshuaOoi]

Ming watches are another micro brand I would love to see a review on. Thanks got the great content so far!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for watching Joshua! And agreed on Ming!

[@TeMorrisonJuggernaut]

Do you have any opinion on Christopher Ward? I don't think I'd call them a micro brand but with their pricing even less than this I'm wondering if they're an even better value compared to Monta.

[@matthewhoover6154]

It looks well made and finished. Nothing special about the movement, but for the price point you can't expect in house or custom movements, I think it looks great. My thoughts on microbrands is that i worry about getting a cheap case with no quality.

[@clamcove]

You are saying it's an ETA movement yet their website says Sellita. Which is correct?

[@clamcove]

Ok, picked up later in coverage.

[@mikes1929]

This Monta is really sharp. I love micro brands that bring something original to the table. Even if I don't like it, I respect originality. My favorite micro is Farer Universal. Would love to hear your take on what they're doing!

[@aqdasf.]

What is your opinion about the latest Monta Skyquest GMT .. and is it a tTrue Gmt movement?

[@guiyerod444]

For me a fixed smooth stainless steel bezel beats a dive bezel or gmt bezel gives the dial good space and makes it pop more than a busy bezel. That's why i believe a datejust is the best rolex to get, classic, elegant and easy to dress up or use it as an everyday or sport watch. This monta is amazing.

[@DavidMoore-lz4bh]

Hi Teddy, I am sure you have mentioned before but what size is your wrist ?

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

15.9 cm or 6.25 inches

[@bartfloyd8521]

Keep up the great work Teddy. You are always a pleasure to WATCH! 😃

[@MS-sy8ls]

The GMT hours might be better placed on the outer bezel, but like you, I thought people might make a big deal of that being ‘lazy’ design, or a Rolex ‘homage’. However, there’s a reason why Rolex are so popular...they almost always get it right. Great looking watch from Monta here, and another cool review!

[@WatchDanReviews]

Thanks for this video, Teddy! I am curious about one thing, I found a story by Monta online where they said the movement is rhodium plated but can’t seem to find anything else about it. Is this true?

[@abdullahchaudhry9563]

What are your thoughts on Seiko kinetic? are they still made?

[@r.martin8585]

Can you do a full reveiw on baltic watches? I have seen you mention them in the past but I don't think you did a full review. Great content btw

[@chrisdavis8399]

Think I’ll buy one to add to their heritage! Love the design and quality, but this variant is not legible enough to satisfy me for the GMT function. The black and blue variants really pop!

[@MrKayDeeJay]

Love this watch, thanks for the review! Strongly considering buying a Monta Skyquest.

[@lighthunter1980]

Good looking watch for sure but close to $2k for a micro brand is IMO stretching it. I'd rather get a Sinn or Oris etc.

[@edhammond6911]

I love this channel. Teddy is great. But I stop the video at two minutes into it because 38.5 is way too small for me. I’m not that big of a guy but I don’t like small watches. I wear quite a few 40 which is like a dress watch and a few others only because I can’t get them in a 42 or 43.43 is my sweet spot. Have fun guys

[@JB-xt3ly]

I think price is good. My AD started carrying these 7 months ago and the fit and finish is pretty good.

[@drwindsurf]

Fantastic review Teddy. Monta has been on my radar for a while. I think they are making some really interesting watches. As far as microbrands go I really NTH & Christopher Ward. :)

[@marcgoldbergdogtrainer]

Very nice review! But when buying micro brands I really prefer the sub $500 range.