The Microbrand Aqua Terra!

[@garythomas3150]

Monta has one brick and mortar retail AD close to their headquarters in St Louis-Clarkson Jewelers. Just in case you are in the area, and want to see some in the metal before buying. I purchased my opeline Skyquest from them. They also carry Rolex, Tudor, Breitling, Tissot, TAG, Oris, and Grand Seiko (I might be missing one), so there is plenty to look at while you are there.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

You mention scratch resistant coating and how you wish it had it, I’m in the other camp that would much rather not have any coating. The reason for this is that without a coating scratches can be easily polished out to bring a watch to as new with coating you can’t do anything. 😊

[@RelativeTime]

I guess that puts into the same argument as Sapphire Vs Acrylic. Basically, would you rather make it harder to prevent scratches, or do you make it easier to repair when it happens?

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I have the anthracite dial Noble. Great watch. Beautiful brushing, strong lume, and you can't beat the quick adjust on the clasp.

[@mh-do3pe]

How does crown? Heard it's wobbly

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

@@mh-do3pe not at all. That would be vostok.

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Nice review of a watch well-worth its price and the accolades it gets.

[@ericsherer3505]

I like them both, but am in the " wish it was 40-41mm" group due to wrist size. That Rally Strap you have is awesome though!

[@simonwright6882]

I think the noble is a real cracker and good value. The finishing is excellent. The skyquest looks great too. I think this gives my oyster perpetual a run for it's money and the female end links make it wear better than the op.

[@mathewazzopard8100]

Nice watch, elegant and sporty. Dress watch but suitable for jeans and anything casual. Desk diving, pool, snorkeling. Great finishing btw. Can't compare it to the Aqua, mainly because of the price point but it is equally elegant so yes for an under 2k watch, it does offer a lot and would love to see one in the steel. Thanks for the excellent review.

[@AlexanderB.]

I'm not talking about brand prestige, movement and possible differences in quality. But for me the Omega Aqua Terra is the epitome of effortless sporty elegance. This Monta is nice but it isn't quite there. Especially the handset is a bit bland in my eyes.

[@karlsenula9495]

That and the hands look a bit short to me.

[@chrisdavis8399]

This watch is nice, but in no way would it scratch an itch for an Aqua Terra…

[@bt3750]

I almost pulled the trigger on one of these, even tried their home test with a non-functional copy. The thing that stopped me was the thin hands and small indexes. My own perference I guess, but if the indexes were a little larger and they used their hands from the Atlas, I'd own one. The finishing really was outstanding.

[@kevinmarble5260]

Monta has the same problem the publick has; having to purchase something over the Internet. Your feature here is an excellent, way to get introduced to a product outside of actually holding ONE. Seems as though it won't bee long, perhaps after the war, where 3D glasses will bring the experience even closer, making your job more interesting and expensive to produce as new equipment will bee necessary. I'm ONE that prefers actually putting on a pair of shoes, pants, or shirt sometimes, and definitely a suit bee for purchasing. Suits need alterations and an AD CAN furnish many ancillary needs including fitting. In lieu of service from an AD brick and mortar, any RE FUND policy is going to help. EYE was a CSR for a company that RE PRESENT TED Levis and it was possible then to even get a pre addressed shipping label and bag for the purpose of RE TURNS witch were highly monitored and honored for even the slightest of whims. Thank you for the heads up on this watch, it is a nice entry.

[@AlexanderB.]

Excellent point! Living in Europe, Monta's return policy kept me from buying one. Not only do they charge quite a lot for international shipping, in case I didn't like the watch, I'd have to: 1. bear the return shipping costs, 2. accept to get a restocking fee deducted and 3. deal with the customs authorities to get a refund on the VAT, this should be a pain if it's even possible.

[@stevebrannan4966]

Great review as always. Price is a little above my comfort zone. I did check them out after your first review. Everyone needs a Grail watch thought right. My preference would also be the Triumph. 👍

[@adk7962]

I guess they are more of a Micro Luxury Brand or a Luxury Micro Brand. It’s way above what I can comfortably pay for a watch, but if the fit and finish is almost at Aqua Terra levels, then it’s definitely a great “value.”Thanks for the great review.

[@gorenyc]

Best in the biz, Shane. Great review!

[@chriscon8463]

That Noble is a gorgeous watch! I like your Triumph more, though. I think it goes anywhere & does everything a bit better; definitely a little less dressy than the Noble.

[@adrianshephard224]

Looks stunning however that self-winding label instead of automatic is poking my eyes! Great review as always friend!

[@karlsenula9495]

There are a few brands that have this 'style' GADA watch including Longines, Bulova, Hamilton, Orient, Tissot - some tough competition here. I appreciate the quality but it is a watch you have to think about shop around and consider what the alternatives are.

[@deanP.]

Nice watch. Thanks for the review.

[@007josiah]

I've watched dozens of your videos and have bookmarked many watches you review but the only thing I have yet to buy is the mini Darth Vader lightsaber. Thanks bud I love mine so much.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! Yeah it's cool. I actually got it as a wedding present from a co-worker a long time ago. Glad you like it too.

[@watchalot919]

Very nice, but I think there is better value out there. A Christopher Ward C63 would be a good example. If you are prepared to forgo the "Swiss Made" label, my Second Hour Mandala would run it close. Come to think of it, my Maen Greenwich GMT IS Swiss made, very well put together, and half the price. Of course, the SW300 doesn't come cheap, and I appreciate that. Great review as usual

[@piotrszmidel]

Your Maen have shitty "faux Swiss" movement from a company that no longer exist

[@chrisdavis8399]

💯!! I was thinking exactly the same thing about CW. I just got their C63 Sealander GMT and the finishing is incredible!

[@maitrehg]

I really like CW but Monta is in another league. Very close to Tudor in quality but better for comfort.

[@midnightoracle982]

I prefer the dressier look of the noble. Looks more premium. But I’d prefer it in 40mm.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Monta makes great watches that are fantastic looking and worth the extra money. I would put Monta on par with the likes of Christopher Ward.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Very handsome! Love mine.

[@larrydalton2205]

Wow! Monta really produces classy watches. Love the dial on this one. White date wheel looks right on the Noble and Triumph. I would be happy to own either but probably lean a little more towards the Noble. If only there was a decent price used one like your Triumph. Thanks a lot for showing us new watches...I think. How would you compare the finishing with your CW C63 GMT?

[@BoozewithNick]

Monta makes such nice watches, I would take one over an Omega or Rolex any day, but I do wish they’d make a 40-41mm version. For a lot of us, 38 or 39 just wears a bit small.

[@jaer.6540]

The noble wears a bit larger tho. The fat lugs and the indices pushed all the way back to the chapter ring make it appear bigger than it is

[@RelativeTime]

I agree with that. I don't know if it wears quite like a 40mm, but it gets close.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

It really is beautiful but I would say it looks 80% like a Tissot Gentleman. I think I like the triumph more. It just looks at lot more original.

[@RelativeTime]

That's probably why I like the Triumph more too.

[@DumasMoran]

That looks great. I dig the navy-ish blue dial. Is there a logistical reason the end links don't sit flush with the ends of the lugs?

[@hrs.ai2018]

Beautiful

[@greenjihad3390]

Lovely watch but it is expensive ($1795). I would suggest as an alternative is Tissot's Gentleman.

[@ronb4115]

I’ve worn both and you would never say this if you’ve put on the Noble. The bracelet alone is worth the upgrade and the blue dial on the Noble is stunning. And this coming from a huge fan of the Gentleman as well.

[@shawnholloway2410]

Great video! I think I like the Triumph better. My only issue is the 38.5mm diameter.

[@jaer.6540]

Why is that an issue?

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

It's a beautiful watch. However, I think for the money, I'd stay with my Tissot Gentlemen for a lower price and all similar looks.

[@Intelligence3]

The white date wheel kills it for me. The framing and size and shape are nice. But it ends up feeling like a missed detail or a cost cutting measure. I don’t mind it on many watches, but this one feels distracting.

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Prefer the elegance of the Noble. Love the dimensions. Makes me wonder why the higher tier big brands don’t make similarly thin GADAs.

[@monologic4806]

Very nice 👍

[@thegorn]

The rehaut looks purple in some shots

[@RelativeTime]

Could the AR on the crystal.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

I've been looking at this it's a gorgeous looking watch. They make good quality watches.I think that date wheel is better white, than colour matched. The only thing I'm not sure about is the hour hand. I'd like it a bit more individualised. A sword or arrow?

[@RelativeTime]

They are expensive for a micro, but worth a look.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

​​​@@RelativeTimeyes. Longines comes to mind..especially the Spirit

[@RelativeTime]

@@MrPINKFL0YD The spirit is one I really want to check out. The blue dial version looks fantastic.

[@BryanO92]

Out her tryin to sell me one of these things...it's working.

[@caporal505]

Another one

[@RelativeTime]

Another what?

[@LooptroopRocker]

Beautiful watch but I can’t get over that purple hue rehaut. Should be black or dark blue. So close to being perfect…

[@stavros_katsopr]

I'd take Noble over Triumph, easily (mind if i say pun intended here? Not as aristocrat, rather noble gesture). But that's just me. As for the price, still waiting someone to say something bad, not praise this brand anyways, in general, so the only bet is fit, not the way you mean it, fit as fit on me. That said, time only will tell when we'll meet... hear me Monta?? Thanks for the (back to back...) review Shane. Be well mate. PS Strap monster indeed. Got to ask though, how helpful is that double spring bar removal tool (at 3:33)? Is it a cheap one from Ali, or... I've been using (curved edge) tweezers, not the best... but works. PS2 To (even) see one here, in Greece, is hard. To try it too... almost impossible! LOL

[@grahambeer8179]

When I compare Monta watches to the Pitzmann II, I do not undertsand how Monta can charge $1800 for a watch that Pitzmann offers for $1000. Both offer a dress watch that can be used for diving. Same movement, same water-proofness, similar dimensions and level of finish (if anything, I would say the Pitzmann is slightly superior).

[@RelativeTime]

I haven't seen the Pitzmann in person, but I remeber Peter's video on it. I'd guess the Swiss Made factor and the bracelet are the two biggest factors for the price between the two. I'm not sure you could say the bracelt is better here, but I think it's more expensive to make. Same with Swiss Made.

[@KC-bv9kf]

Just need to shorten that weirdly long clasp.

[@MrRarbelaez]

On the surface both watches may be comparable… but the magnetic resistance, and the precision from a METAS certified movement really doesn’t allow a fair comparison and puts Omega way above the Monta.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

I've looked at Monta watches a hundred times and always concluded that, while they seem high quality, they look super boring. But to be fair, that's true of my Aqua Terra too.

[@RelativeTime]

What's a design that you find more interesting? One that really captivates you?

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

@@RelativeTime I'm a huge fan of the Serica 5303, and ZRC watches appeal to me for their strangeness, as do Isotopes. I like the clever use of colors by Farer and anOrdain. And for sheer prettiness, it's hard to beat my Globemaster. But more and more I find myself drawn to old divers -- Omegas and Bulovas and the like -- from the less derivative eras of the '60s and '70s.

[@billyrock2550]

Same watch different dial.

[@RelativeTime]

Same as? edit: Sorry.. not enough caffine this morning. You mean the Triumph.

[@RyanBofMKE]

....$1.8K for this microbrand.... 0_0 Maybe they'll include some of the crack they've been smokin' with your purchase..

[@gafakyusef6201]

Pfft.

[@finesse49]

Beautiful but too big and too expensive for me.

[@RelativeTime]

What is your ideal size?

[@jaysterling26]

Agree , especially about the size.Make it in 36 & ( lower the price(?)- I can't see that , really) Monta could steal some potential CW customers ( i.e. me). Is there at least an ISO diver antimagnetism?

[@RelativeTime]

@@jaysterling26 I don't think there's anything beyond the normal capabilities of the movement. Although it would be interesting to see them do their version of a Milgauss.

[@WatchMatt]

Nic watch, but I don't think the price is justified. The fake in-house movement shenanigans is very much a red flag. Compare this to a Christopher Ward, bigger name, more coherent design, similar level of fit and finish, transparency about the movements used. Overall, a much better buy in my opinion.

[@maitrehg]

Absolutely not. Monta is in another league. Very close to Tudor in quality but better in comfort.

[@buckethead84]

So you no experience with high end luxury watches such as omega but proceed with the click bait title 😅

[@RelativeTime]

Lol... Yeah, guilty as charged... But that's just what you have to do with the algorithm these days. You got to get people's attention and you got to get them to click on a video. Otherwise it basically dies on the vine, and they won't even tell your subscribers a new video is out.

[@billyrock2550]

Over priced

[@maitrehg]

No