At a price point several times what we generally expect from the internet’s established micro-brands, the Oceanking doesn’t rely on the usual Miyota or ETA movement. Monta has selected Eterna’s Calibre 39 for the Oceanking, specifically fitting their inaugural diver with the caliber 3909A. A fully Swiss made movement, Eterna’s 3909A runs at 4 Hz, offers a power reserve of 65 hours and has been tuned and tested by Monta using some 38 methods. While far from scientific, if my loaner from Monta is any indication, the 3909A is capable of excellent timekeeping and, while not COSC certified, I don’t think you’ll miss the certificate.
As I have eluded, on wrist, the Oceanking really shines. It feels excellent on its steel bracelet, which is as nicely finished as the case, features single-sided screwed links and a simple but very sturdy milled clasp with four micro adjust positions. Should you grow tired of the bracelet, Monta also includes a black rubber strap with the Oceanking. While it may be of little surprise given their experience running Everest, the Oceanking’s rubber strap is also simply excellent. Soft, smooth, seamlessly finished and designed with an underside channel to maximize airflow, the Oceanking is a treat to wear on the rubber. At 121g on the strap, the Oceanking is arguably more comfortable on the rubber than on the bracelet (which is not to say the bracelet is uncomfortable).
Monta has made something special, something that feels like it can sit with the competition at $3500 and not have to hang its head. The most glaring competition will come from the big players at this price point, namely the Tudor Black Bay, which retails for $3675 on a bracelet (no option of a rubber strap). The Tudor is an excellent watch and now boasts an in-house movement (whether that is a plus over an ETA is up to you). The Oceanking is smaller but manages to be a bit thicker and a touch shorter than the Black Bay. I like the shape of Monta’s case better, but prefer the finely brushed flanks of the Black Bay. Really, it comes down to brand and aesthetic. If you want “vintage inspired” you’ll probably lean towards the Black Bay, as Monta has not designed the Oceanking to feel or wear like a vintage watch. Furthermore, if you want the Tudor because it says Tudor on the dial, the Oceanking was not really made with you in mind.
The Monta Oceanking costs $3,550 USD, which is basically in that space that is neither expensive nor cheap (at least within the confines of the mental maths of luxury watch enthusiasts). While I believe the Oceanking can operate at this price point, the struggle before Monta is not product, but perception. For many manufacturers, the strength of their branding is a major factor in their ability to sell a luxury product. Brands like Tudor, Sinn, and Longines can get buyers on board at their asking price as they have labored to establish a brand value. Monta will not have that edge and, like all of the internet micro-brands, they’ll have to earn the loyalty of each early adopter with a compelling and reliable niche product backed by an excellent customer experience.
Monta appears to be aware of these challenges as Oceanking early adopters get a number of perks for pre-ordering and supporting Monta’s first model. Pre-orders, which are still open at the time publishing, include an additional orange rubber strap, an extension of the warranty from three years to five, and a complimentary service within the first three years (including a full movement cleaning, calibration, gasket and seals, case re-finishing, parts and a new black rubber strap.
Monta is clearly serious about the Oceanking and they seem to understand that they’ll need to win hearts and minds to sell watches at this price point. Beyond the welcome warranty extension, I can’t recall any brand offering a complimentary full service in the first three years and, while you may not need it, a little piece of mind is nice when buying a luxury mechanical watch from a new brand.
So that’s the Monta Oceanking, an impressively made, remarkably finished, and eminently wearable dive watch from a new brand. If you dig the look and want to elevate your micro-brand game to a whole new level, I think that you’ll be impressed by its thoughtful design, excellent bezel, and easy-wearing charm. At $3,500 USD, the Oceanking is not cheap, but then again nothing about the Oceanking feels like it should cost less. At any price point, small enthusiast brands are crucial to watch enthusiasm because they bring new blood to an industry that is often slow to change. With the Oceanking, Monta has jumped into the deep end with a compelling, fresh-faced and luxurious indie diver. montawatch.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Monta
>Model: Oceanking
>Price: $3,500 USD
>Size: 40 mm x 13.8 mm x 49 mm l2l
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes, with a smile
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: A true enthusiast looking for something refreshing that they won’t see on a lot of wrists or all over instagram
>Best characteristic of watch: Excellent details and proportions
>Worst characteristic of watch: No lume on the bezel
