New Launch: The Third Era Monta Oceanking Dive Watch

In 2015, Monta launched its debut watch, the Oceanking dive watch (take a look at our review of the original), a well-executed, good-looking timepiece that bought out rapidly. By 2018, the model had launched a second technology, with a brand new motion and several other beauty upgrades. In early 2022, although, Monta abruptly introduced that the Oceanking as we knew it was being discontinued. Particulars have been scarce, and there was no clear timeline as to when it could be reintroduced—or if it could be reintroduced in any respect. An identical announcement in regards to the Skyquest (successfully a GMT Oceanking) adopted, and it turned clear that Monta was planning an entire overhaul of the 2 fashions. In September of final yr, the model lastly introduced the new Skyquest, and anticipation began to construct in regards to the subsequent Oceanking. Nicely, it’s lastly right here, and it seems to ship precisely what the earlier model did: a high-quality dive watch that enhances and is complemented by its GMT sibling.

The Oceanking has at all times been an easy diver, aiming to be somebody’s go-to sports activities watch (if not his or her on a regular basis watch). With this new model, you gained’t see main modifications to the design of the mid-case, which isn’t stunning contemplating the model has been incrementally refining it since its introduction eight years in the past. With absolutely polished flanks and chamfers and a brushed prime, the 40.7mm chrome steel case is 11.7mm-thick with a lug-to-lug of 47.4mm, dimensions that may nearly definitely guarantee an important put on on most wrists. The case has a screw-down crown (with guards that have been up to date on the final model to permit simpler crown entry), 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 vital comfy in the marketplace. Having owned a Skyquest, I can affirm that it’s distinctive. The clasp incorporates a six-point micro-adjust mechanism, and in its just lately upgraded model has been made shorter in response to suggestions from the neighborhood. Cosmetically, the bracelet has obtained an replace, as properly, now being absolutely brushed with a decrease profile tab on the fliplock. Whereas I’m certain Monta examined the clasp to dying, the smaller tab makes me surprise if it is going to be as straightforward to unlock as its predecessor. The oyster-style bracelet measures 20mm and options absolutely articulating hyperlinks although lacks a quick-release mechanism. As with all Monta watches, the lugs are designed to completely match each band from sister firm Everest Bands.

The bezel and dial are the place the massive modifications occurred, and all of it seems to be within the title of legibility and performance, each of which appear to be achieved handily. The bezel stays black ceramic with a luminous pip at 12 however has been significantly widened, and the model says it’s filed two patents for the 120-click mechanism supported by three ball bearings. The insert is not absolutely lumed, however the numerals and hashes have been refined a bit from the final technology. With the broader bezel, the black lacquer dial has been gotten smaller, although its utilized indices have been enlarged, with further refinements to the dial textual content and 6 o’clock date window. The handset stays the identical, and each it and the markers are stuffed with Tremendous-LumiNova BGW9. The general impact of this new bezel and dial is a extra tool-forward watch with a chunky top-down look that belies its wearable proportions.

The brand new Monta Oceanking is powered by a Sellia SW300, which Monta refers to because the Monta M-22. Hid underneath a strong screw-down caseback, it isn’t famous to have any gildings. This automated motion gives a 56-hour energy reserve at 28,800vph. Maybe solely fascinating to me, Monta initially used the Eterna 39 caliber within the Oceanking however well switched to the SW300 for the second technology.

This isn’t a showstopper or a game-changer, and it’s not meant to be. Monta is and at all times has been about making watches that may be worn each day, balancing consolation, design, and performance with out chopping corners. The brand new Oceanking solidifies the Oceanking/Skyquest duo for years to return with a very new look and demonstrates that Monta is a model keen and capable of evolve. Orders for the Monta Oceanking might be open on July 7, with supply anticipated in October 2023. Pricing in the course of the pre-order interval from July to October might be $2,225 USD, with the retail value set at $2,550 USD. For extra info, please go to the brand’s website.