In 2015, Monta introduced its debut watch, the Oceanking dive watch (check out our review of the original), a well-executed, handsome timepiece that sold out quickly. By 2018, the brand had introduced a second generation, with a new movement and several cosmetic upgrades. In early 2022, though, Monta abruptly announced that the Oceanking as we knew it was being discontinued. Details were scarce, and there was no clear timeline as to when it would be reintroduced—or if it would be reintroduced at all. A similar announcement about the Skyquest (effectively a GMT Oceanking) followed, and it became clear that Monta was planning a complete overhaul of the two models. In September of last year, the brand finally announced the new Skyquest, and anticipation started to build about the next Oceanking. Well, it’s finally here, and it appears to deliver exactly what the previous version did: a high-quality dive watch that complements and is complemented by its GMT sibling.
The Oceanking has always been a straightforward diver, aiming to be someone’s go-to sports watch (if not his or her everyday watch). With this new version, you won’t see major changes to the design of the mid-case, which isn’t surprising considering the brand has been incrementally refining it since its introduction eight years ago. With fully polished flanks and chamfers and a brushed top, the 40.7mm stainless steel case is 11.7mm-thick with a lug-to-lug of 47.4mm, dimensions that will almost certainly ensure a great wear on most wrists. The case has a screw-down crown (with guards that were updated on the last version to allow easier crown access), a flat sapphire crystal, and 300m of water resistance.
Included with the bracelet is Monta’s proprietary clasp, which it has deemed one of the most comfortable on the market. Having owned a Skyquest, I can confirm that it’s exceptional. The clasp features a six-point micro-adjust mechanism, and in its recently upgraded version has been made shorter in response to feedback from the community. Cosmetically, the bracelet has received an update, as well, now being fully brushed with a lower profile tab on the fliplock. While I’m sure Monta tested the clasp to death, the smaller tab makes me wonder if it will be as easy to unlock as its predecessor. The oyster-style bracelet measures 20mm and features fully articulating links though lacks a quick-release mechanism. As with all Monta watches, the lugs are designed to perfectly fit every band from sister company Everest Bands.
The bezel and dial are where the big changes happened, and it all appears to be in the name of legibility and functionality, both of which seem to be achieved handily. The bezel remains black ceramic with a luminous pip at 12 but has been considerably widened, and the brand says it’s filed two patents for the 120-click mechanism supported by three ball bearings. The insert is no longer fully lumed, but the numerals and hashes have been refined a bit from the last generation. With the wider bezel, the black lacquer dial has been reduced in size, though its applied indices have been enlarged, with additional refinements to the dial text and 6 o’clock date window. The handset remains the same, and both it and the markers are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9. The overall effect of this new bezel and dial is a more tool-forward watch with a chunky top-down appearance that belies its wearable proportions.
The new Monta Oceanking is powered by a Sellia SW300, which Monta refers to as the Monta M-22. Concealed under a solid screw-down caseback, it is not noted to have any embellishments. This automatic movement offers a 56-hour power reserve at 28,800vph. Perhaps only interesting to me, Monta originally used the Eterna 39 caliber in the Oceanking but smartly switched to the SW300 for the second generation.
This is not a showstopper or a game-changer, and it’s not meant to be. Monta is and always has been about making watches that can be worn every day, balancing comfort, design, and function without cutting corners. The new Oceanking solidifies the Oceanking/Skyquest duo for years to come with a truly new look and demonstrates that Monta is a brand willing and able to evolve. Orders for the Monta Oceanking will be open on July 7, with delivery expected in October 2023. Pricing during the pre-order period from July to October will be $2,225 USD, with the retail price set at $2,550 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
