I do wish this was a completely different line up like you've mentioned. From their last gen model, I will miss the unique indices, the quirky chapter ring, and mostly importantly the bent GMT hand which was very iconic for the Skyquest. Still wish them many success, and they are still definitely the next up and coming brand
Great video and spot on about the new model giving up several of the things that made the v1 unique and original. Aside from the slightly smaller logo on the dial, which is an improvement, I much prefer the prior version with the raised and recessed indices, and bent GMT hand.
I’ve been on the lookout for an affordable luxury GMT for quite a while, and with the Coke-version here I think I finally found it. Think it looks amazing.
Seems like an unpopular opinion in these comments... but I just didn't like the old skyquest, as someone who owned it. The bezel felt far too thin, the dial too wide and open, and that GMT hand... while it was a conversation starter for sure, I always came back around to "does it look good though?" This new version looks classic, like you said. Great dimensions, great features, papa johns
Another very nice review! I think its hard to follow up an original design, especially with a new one that is a little more generic and moves away from the design language that was carried through all of their models previously. There are aspects of this one that I like better than the previous, full color gmt hand and aluminum bezel among them. Also thought the new bezel width was too much, but here it looks pretty good! Definitely still a Monta, but curious to see where the other models go as far as design.
Hmmm... Even though I'm a sucker for vintage aesthetics, the previous version seemed a bit more distinct and special. I mean, this is not exactly generic, either - but it's a tad less "Monta" imo. 7/10, design wise.
I look forward to picking one of these up used. I think folks who get it won’t be in love with it due to the significant changes from the previous gen.
Love your videos 😍. On one thing I disagree, they could have gone for a saffier bezel that's comparable in price as aluminium. I would love to see that, including lumed inlays.
Thanks for the review. How did you feel about the red ring at the base of the gmt hand being large enough to see behind the hour and minute hands? The more I see it, the more it makes me think of less expensive watches. The Tudor and the Roly seem to avoid it, maybe for that reason?
I really like the Monta designs - I have an Atlas and a Noble. Unfortunately, this new GMT design doesn't have the same "Monta feel" - it seems very generic and Rolex GMT Master-like in it's execution. I would be interested in purchasing a Skyquest, if they make the previous design available again, but this new design is a hard pass for me.
Unfortunately, with these specific colorways, I feel that if I were to pick this up I would always be thinking about the GMT Master which it clearly draws some inspiration from. I wish they would experiment with different colors/styles.
This is a nice one, homaging but without really homaging with an injection of Montas own DNA. The quality and finess into every part of this watch really shines through.
@@juniorjohnson5961 I’m not quite 50…we’ve still got a lot of great adventures left in us! Very nice Rolex, too; I’m sure it has seen it’s share of adventures through the years.
it looks good. i have steinhart vintage pepsi so this would be redundant for me but if I were in the market for a gmt pepsi i would consider this for sure.
Cool watch and really like Monta, but the change in style isn't for me. I don't know what it is, but feels busy... Maybe it's the chunky handset and thick indices with the large bezel numerals and gold accents - just feels off. Love an aluminum bezel, but the numbers on the ceramic looked cleaner. Agree that removing the chapter numerals helps, but the stepped gmt hand was one thing I love about Monta watches. Really stood out.
I am sorry to say I liked the old one a lot better. They seem to have stripped away of a lot of the details and refinement that made it unique and elegant. It is still in a nice case and has a nice bracelet which is good. Not sure if this is on my short list any more.
The glaring issue for me is font on the bezel. The numeral '2' is the most important number on a 24 hour bezel and the font chosen should take care of at least how the number 2 looks. I know this is a vintage inspired design, but the font chosen is very uninspiring :D I also agree with you and the comments here that I love the original look more than this one! Yeah, fight me :D
I was in the same boat and went for the Skyquest due to the sw330-2 movement. Dunno if tag used the updated sellita in the Aquaracer. Plus you can get Skyquest for less - better value. Tbh the Tag MSRP is over valued
The Tudors are true "travel GMT's" - independent hour hand. The Monta is a "desk GMT" - useful if one is in an office, but not so useful if one is traveling IMHO.
Although this is a very nice watch, I feel the move to a more tool-like look isn't what I think of, nor what I want to think of when it comes to Monta. I think the old one was the right amount of sophisticated. This new one is executed well, but it's lacking that uniqueness/originality from the previous version. It seems a bit more generic I guess, which doesn't mean it's not well executed. I'm sure they will sell well, but this moves away from what I like about the brand.
Shorter lug to lug amazing, bigger and pulled into the center indicies good, painted gmt hand also good. Fatter bezel, overall wider case appearing case, the lose of the odd numbers (idk the name of that thing that goes up from the dial), and the lose of the bent gmt hand. Something about the whole package doesn’t feel like Monta. I agree with the generic. All of that with a price increase .. I also forgot about the bezel insert, I only like the aluminum more because their paint disappears out of the bezel.
Your channel is ‘for me’ The breadth of watches you look at is really great, excellent range of micro brands and high end hitters too. If you haven’t yet, check out Blancpain. Their ceramic bathyscaphe is arguably the best diver out there This watch isn’t.
I was super disappointed by this release. I like the aesthetics of the first gen way better and was holding out hope they were getting a flyer GMT movement. Still a Monta fan, but not a fan of this watch.
@@YoureTerrific I'm not sure what is readily available. But this was announced around the time of the new Miyota flyer movement, so I was hoping they were going there. If they want to keep it "Swiss" then I guess it depends on if you can talk SWATCH into selling you the movement Mido/Longines use. But again, I don't know logistics. It was just my hope when they announced upgrades.
New, yes, but old had something this is missing... May i say elegance? Or more elegant design? Guess it's about the same, right? 😋(especially that white dial one they sold in minutes at... you know, you've been there...)
I loved the original design so much but missed out on getting one. I really don't like or understand the direction of the new design. I don't know why I'm triggered by it so much…maybe it's because the 2nd version looks like nothing more than a Steinhardt.
Not gonna lie, I am not a fan of the new design language. The indexes or the original were very 3 dimensional and unique. These indexes seem much more generic, and although applied, still seem much more flat and boring. The whole look of the dial/bezel seems very Maxi and off in some way
@@jaer.6540 either way it's a copy, regardless of which one you see more. So it's not worth it. It gets old seeing the same shit get repeated over and over and over forever
Agree with the comments here. It looks like it's trying too hard to be like those 'other two' watches. So whilst the watch has quality finish and components merit, where is the identity?
I think this redesign is a huge fail for Monta. It now looks like a $1200 Seiko. The unique markers are gone, the custom rehaut with cutouts for the makers is gone, the beveling on the inside of the lugs is gone. Everything that made it standout as *a Monta* rather than some generic microbrand GMT watch is gone. It looks like they were trying to increase margins, and cost cut everywhere they could, while **increasing** the price another $300 after the pre-order period is over. Anyone who pays the full $2500 for one of these - be aware that you'll be lucky to get back $1200 if you go to sell. Monta's resale is horrible, and I think it's only going to get worse with these considering how boring and generic they are.
Thank God, there’s still a watch reviewer out there that says “aluminum” properly the way it has ALWAYS been pronounced not changing because of some trend or fad. Nice watch. I have the same size wrists, but that sure looks like a 38
The new model is a swing and a miss for me unfortunately - especially when combined with that price hike. Monta does so much right, but this was a huge step backwards.
Meh. Looks like something you’d find on a tower of watches next to the Sears perfume display case. Funny how a watch can tick so many spec boxes and still underwhelm. I prefer to be whelmed.
Yeah, just can't get down with this. I struggle to understand why someone would pay over twice as much for one of these as a similarly specced Christopher Ward, in all honesty.
@@YoureTerrific Christopher Ward's finishing is higher tier than these new Monta's, so it's a fair comparison. This Monta smacks of a cost cutting excercise.
@@YoureTerrific Touché. I feel like CW vs Monta is a pretty apt comparison, though. Seemingly similar levels of case finishing and dial work, both use lightly decorated SW200's, both Swiss made while being designed by teams in other countries, both have their own kinda quirky design language etc etc. Ironically, I think Monta's best watch is their cheapest.
I like this version of the Skyquest better than the original. People get all sentimental about things like a bent hand, but this is a nice watch.
I'm with you, the last one was lovely but a little fussy to me. This one is really clean and really classy 😎
Stunning watch. The tones of the blue and red on the bezel are exactly right
You’ve really been killing it with the content lately. Love the videos!
Loved the thorough review and the fun yet informative commentary. Great content!
I do wish this was a completely different line up like you've mentioned. From their last gen model, I will miss the unique indices, the quirky chapter ring, and mostly importantly the bent GMT hand which was very iconic for the Skyquest. Still wish them many success, and they are still definitely the next up and coming brand
Great video and spot on about the new model giving up several of the things that made the v1 unique and original. Aside from the slightly smaller logo on the dial, which is an improvement, I much prefer the prior version with the raised and recessed indices, and bent GMT hand.
You've opened me up to this brand. Looks great!
I love your take and humorous vibe! Best watch content on here
Monta is killing it and their customer service is fantastic. Another great video brother 👏
Good folks, for sure.
The white dial one they were selling at windup was so beautiful
Thanks for the review Evan. I think the previous generation for me with its unique quirks would be my pick. Overall lovely looking watch though.
Actually a really tempting package. Specs are ace for the price. Great review! ❤
Still bummed I missed out on the white LE Skyquest they did last fall. Really digging this, but will be ready when we get more dial options.
That's such a cool piece.
I’ve been on the lookout for an affordable luxury GMT for quite a while, and with the Coke-version here I think I finally found it. Think it looks amazing.
Seems like an unpopular opinion in these comments... but I just didn't like the old skyquest, as someone who owned it. The bezel felt far too thin, the dial too wide and open, and that GMT hand... while it was a conversation starter for sure, I always came back around to "does it look good though?"
This new version looks classic, like you said. Great dimensions, great features, papa johns
Mmm, garlic goop.
Same here. The new one looks way better.
holy banana... love, love for the watch, love for the music, the editing, all of your work here, great job man.
Who me?
@@YoureTerrific ha ha, of course, well done
Best Monta to the date. Fight me. 🔥🔥🔥
The Noble has a special place in my heart especially the Anthracite. But this model Skyquest might have something to say about that
Another very nice review! I think its hard to follow up an original design, especially with a new one that is a little more generic and moves away from the design language that was carried through all of their models previously. There are aspects of this one that I like better than the previous, full color gmt hand and aluminum bezel among them. Also thought the new bezel width was too much, but here it looks pretty good! Definitely still a Monta, but curious to see where the other models go as far as design.
i agree, the new bezel width is too much in my opinion.
Hmmm... Even though I'm a sucker for vintage aesthetics, the previous version seemed a bit more distinct and special. I mean, this is not exactly generic, either - but it's a tad less "Monta" imo. 7/10, design wise.
Love this new design.
Only when I saw the footage of the old model did I remember the brand from the bent GMT hand, which was unique.
I look forward to picking one of these up used. I think folks who get it won’t be in love with it due to the significant changes from the previous gen.
Beautiful. If there was a Batman configuration with golden accents I would seriously consider it.
Nice review, thanks
Love your videos 😍. On one thing I disagree, they could have gone for a saffier bezel that's comparable in price as aluminium. I would love to see that, including lumed inlays.
Great review!
Thanks for making it better!
Honestly your the terrific one here! Another great video.
Thanks so much
Thanks for the review. How did you feel about the red ring at the base of the gmt hand being large enough to see behind the hour and minute hands? The more I see it, the more it makes me think of less expensive watches. The Tudor and the Roly seem to avoid it, maybe for that reason?
2:09 This was gold hahah.
The hour marker frames around the 4, 5, 6, & 7 are all scratched with two lines. Can you see them?
I really like the Monta designs - I have an Atlas and a Noble. Unfortunately, this new GMT design doesn't have the same "Monta feel" - it seems very generic and Rolex GMT Master-like in it's execution. I would be interested in purchasing a Skyquest, if they make the previous design available again, but this new design is a hard pass for me.
I was lucky enough to get the last model limited release with the Opal dial, it hasn't come off my wrist since.
Unfortunately, with these specific colorways, I feel that if I were to pick this up I would always be thinking about the GMT Master which it clearly draws some inspiration from. I wish they would experiment with different colors/styles.
This is a nice one, homaging but without really homaging with an injection of Montas own DNA.
The quality and finess into every part of this watch really shines through.
love the Milsub hands
Nice promo!
I like it. I really like the aluminum bezel; that should wear & fade nicely with age!
I don't like my watches to look old & faded
@@juniorjohnson5961 I don’t either, but my watches with obvious wear show that they’ve been used, enjoyed, & were on my wrist during my adventures.
@@chriscon8463 I'm probably a bit younger 69 so my adventures are pretty tame. But I do have Rolex Datejust from the 70s that still looks great
@@juniorjohnson5961 I’m not quite 50…we’ve still got a lot of great adventures left in us! Very nice Rolex, too; I’m sure it has seen it’s share of adventures through the years.
I have an Atlas and it's fantastic, I'd love to pickup a skyquest but I want the opaline
Really like the Atlas.
it looks good. i have steinhart vintage pepsi so this would be redundant for me but if I were in the market for a gmt pepsi i would consider this for sure.
Remember to never pick your feet in Poughkeepsie. Don't do it.
Oh the watch, yeah I like this one. Its nice. Good review I have so much to say!
Great choice for those seeking a Steinhart upgrade!
Haha.
Yours are the only watch review videos I press the F key on.
Imperialist here! Me like. I need a bezel that I can use to track elapsed minutes (yes, need) but absent that, this watch is a no-brainer.
Cool watch and really like Monta, but the change in style isn't for me. I don't know what it is, but feels busy...
Maybe it's the chunky handset and thick indices with the large bezel numerals and gold accents - just feels off.
Love an aluminum bezel, but the numbers on the ceramic looked cleaner.
Agree that removing the chapter numerals helps, but the stepped gmt hand was one thing I love about Monta watches. Really stood out.
Hey. Which watch I see around your wrist @7m10sec ??
I like it.
Love Monta and really like the Coke color way on this one.
Have a coke & a smile 🤗
Winner 👍
I grew up in St. Louis, which makes me very interested in this brand. This may delay my Explorer II by about $2500.
Never settle buy the watch you really want !
@@juniorjohnson5961 But I do really want this too! I'll probably wait for a second-hand one though so it won't hurt my 16570 fund too bad.
I am sorry to say I liked the old one a lot better. They seem to have stripped away of a lot of the details and refinement that made it unique and elegant. It is still in a nice case and has a nice bracelet which is good. Not sure if this is on my short list any more.
I like it
The bent GMT arrow hand was a solution to a problem, not a design choice. To desire it over a flat one is weird. This is better.
Like it all but I prefer ceramic bezel insert.
That coke bezel is calling my name!
I just wished this watch had a jubilee style bracelet
Wish it still had a ceramic bezel
Black bay pro review please 😊
The glaring issue for me is font on the bezel. The numeral '2' is the most important number on a 24 hour bezel and the font chosen should take care of at least how the number 2 looks. I know this is a vintage inspired design, but the font chosen is very uninspiring :D
I also agree with you and the comments here that I love the original look more than this one! Yeah, fight me :D
Yo, you're terrific :)
❤
This Monta skyquest or Tag Heuer aquaracer for my first and only watch in this price range ?
I was in the same boat and went for the Skyquest due to the sw330-2 movement. Dunno if tag used the updated sellita in the Aquaracer. Plus you can get Skyquest for less - better value. Tbh the Tag MSRP is over valued
For quality, it's like day and night. Monta by a mile.
The original blue is still the one to get IMO
Sub-12mm thickness from a Monta and Tudor's out here trying to sell 14mm thick GMTs.
1mm per ten hours of power reserve. Not worth it to me.
The Tudors are true "travel GMT's" - independent hour hand. The Monta is a "desk GMT" - useful if one is in an office, but not so useful if one is traveling IMHO.
Love this watch. Too bad I already have a Tudor BB GMT with similar looks and functionality.
I am glad they were out of stock on this watch which made me look (and buy) at the Tudor because I don’t like this version over the v1.
Although this is a very nice watch, I feel the move to a more tool-like look isn't what I think of, nor what I want to think of when it comes to Monta. I think the old one was the right amount of sophisticated. This new one is executed well, but it's lacking that uniqueness/originality from the previous version. It seems a bit more generic I guess, which doesn't mean it's not well executed. I'm sure they will sell well, but this moves away from what I like about the brand.
Been a big fan of the brand since their conception, just the pesky import charges to the UK.....
Up to 3k why not a grand seiko? Are they comprable?
I prefer the first gen.
So you’re saying I have to buy it?
I prefer the new Skyquest to the old one, but the fact that they printed on the lume pip rather than inserting a proper one kills it for me.
Lume pip ? It's a GMT no need for that.
Shorter lug to lug amazing, bigger and pulled into the center indicies good, painted gmt hand also good.
Fatter bezel, overall wider case appearing case, the lose of the odd numbers (idk the name of that thing that goes up from the dial), and the lose of the bent gmt hand.
Something about the whole package doesn’t feel like Monta. I agree with the generic. All of that with a price increase ..
I also forgot about the bezel insert, I only like the aluminum more because their paint disappears out of the bezel.
Your channel is ‘for me’
The breadth of watches you look at is really great, excellent range of micro brands and high end hitters too. If you haven’t yet, check out Blancpain. Their ceramic bathyscaphe is arguably the best diver out there
This watch isn’t.
I was super disappointed by this release. I like the aesthetics of the first gen way better and was holding out hope they were getting a flyer GMT movement. Still a Monta fan, but not a fan of this watch.
Are there readily available flyer GMT movements?
@@YoureTerrific I'm not sure what is readily available. But this was announced around the time of the new Miyota flyer movement, so I was hoping they were going there. If they want to keep it "Swiss" then I guess it depends on if you can talk SWATCH into selling you the movement Mido/Longines use. But again, I don't know logistics. It was just my hope when they announced upgrades.
New, yes, but old had something this is missing... May i say elegance? Or more elegant design? Guess it's about the same, right? 😋(especially that white dial one they sold in minutes at... you know, you've been there...)
I'd never heard of this micro brand until this video popped up in my feed. Is this really a 2K watch?
Yes, it is.
It's a bargain at this price.
Just what the world needed: another knock off of a Rolex Pepsi bezel.
I, too am more tool than sophisticated. So I guess this is the one for me.
Self awareness is important. Respect.
I loved the original design so much but missed out on getting one. I really don't like or understand the direction of the new design. I don't know why I'm triggered by it so much…maybe it's because the 2nd version looks like nothing more than a Steinhardt.
Not gonna lie, I am not a fan of the new design language. The indexes or the original were very 3 dimensional and unique. These indexes seem much more generic, and although applied, still seem much more flat and boring. The whole look of the dial/bezel seems very Maxi and off in some way
Agreed. This is too much of a Rolex homage.
@@BabyJesus66 not even close. This is more Seiko than GMT Master
@@jaer.6540 either way it's a copy, regardless of which one you see more. So it's not worth it. It gets old seeing the same shit get repeated over and over and over forever
Backward step in brand identity.
Agree with the comments here. It looks like it's trying too hard to be like those 'other two' watches.
So whilst the watch has quality finish and components merit, where is the identity?
Nice review, tks. Anyhow, seems they are entering Longines money territory.
I gotta get me a watch-scratch-fainting-couch.
11.8 mm thick and 300 water resistance? What kind of witchcraft do they have access to?
That witchcraft is a thin Sellita movement.
I need a fainting couch 😢
I think this redesign is a huge fail for Monta. It now looks like a $1200 Seiko. The unique markers are gone, the custom rehaut with cutouts for the makers is gone, the beveling on the inside of the lugs is gone. Everything that made it standout as *a Monta* rather than some generic microbrand GMT watch is gone. It looks like they were trying to increase margins, and cost cut everywhere they could, while **increasing** the price another $300 after the pre-order period is over. Anyone who pays the full $2500 for one of these - be aware that you'll be lucky to get back $1200 if you go to sell. Monta's resale is horrible, and I think it's only going to get worse with these considering how boring and generic they are.
$1,200 sounds good but if I bought it i doubt I'd sell , I'll wait for someone else to sell though
Looks like a 6542
I prefer the old vs new
I absolutly prefer the previous version of this skyquest. original view, ceramic ...
Why do I get the feeling you're settling a "Poughkeepsie" bet.
what made you mentioned the sh*t hole Poughtown😂😂😂
Lol what is with all the references to Poughkeepsie?
Comedy?
Thank God, there’s still a watch reviewer out there that says “aluminum” properly the way it has ALWAYS been pronounced not changing because of some trend or fad.
Nice watch. I have the same size wrists, but that sure looks like a 38
Gilt numbers a bit over the top for me. Makes me think they're trying too hard.
Evan.
I’m not sure what to say.
Can we talk about the weather…?
I mean it’s nice, sure.
Who ordered this weather? Am I right?
@@YoureTerrific In my eyes, you’re always right…☺️
The new model is a swing and a miss for me unfortunately - especially when combined with that price hike. Monta does so much right, but this was a huge step backwards.
Why wou.d they switch to aluminum?! Ceramic is superior... at least could have kept ceramic on the black version... I agree, the Gen 1 looks better.
Much prefer the older design language. This will push me to C Ward likely 😢
Meh. Looks like something you’d find on a tower of watches next to the Sears perfume display case. Funny how a watch can tick so many spec boxes and still underwhelm. I prefer to be whelmed.
Nice piece,but too much money, I prefer Longines Zulu time green dial
Yeah, just can't get down with this. I struggle to understand why someone would pay over twice as much for one of these as a similarly specced Christopher Ward, in all honesty.
At least partly because Christopher Ward doesn't have a bi-colored bezel watch in their lineup currently.
That's luxury watches, man. Why pay for a CW when you can get a G-Shock?
@@YoureTerrific Christopher Ward's finishing is higher tier than these new Monta's, so it's a fair comparison. This Monta smacks of a cost cutting excercise.
@@YoureTerrific Touché. I feel like CW vs Monta is a pretty apt comparison, though. Seemingly similar levels of case finishing and dial work, both use lightly decorated SW200's, both Swiss made while being designed by teams in other countries, both have their own kinda quirky design language etc etc. Ironically, I think Monta's best watch is their cheapest.
Pretty apt comparison, although Montas bracelets are far superior to CWs
The first gen is more elegant and stylish