Monta's Field Watch - Triumph

[JP Chestnut]

Do you have any proof that IWC isn't using ETA movements current? My understanding is that the SW movements either lasted a short amount of time, or were completely erroneously reported.

There's something off putting about the tone of the communications coming out of this brand. Obviously, the owner (or whoever) lost his shit on that comment thread. Even this... is off putting in some way.

[r.palace]

We weren't satisfied with what the market was bearing in the $2K to $4K range in terms of quality and attention to detail.

Thanks for the replies, Shane. But do you really believe what you're saying here?

That statement seems far-fetched at the least

[JP Chestnut]

We weren't satisfied with what the market was bearing in the $2K to $4K range in terms of quality and attention to detail.

Thanks for the replies, Shane. But do you really believe what you're saying here?

That statement seems far-fetched at the least

Thanks for pulling out an example of the off putting messaging.

[BBK357]

Do you have any proof that IWC isn't using ETA movements current? My understanding is that the SW movements either lasted a short amount of time, or were completely erroneously reported.

There's something off putting about the tone of the communications coming out of this brand. Obviously, the owner (or whoever) lost his shit on that comment thread. Even this... is off putting in some way.

are you talking about the comments after that online review?

[JP Chestnut]

Do you have any proof that IWC isn't using ETA movements current? My understanding is that the SW movements either lasted a short amount of time, or were completely erroneously reported.

There's something off putting about the tone of the communications coming out of this brand. Obviously, the owner (or whoever) lost his shit on that comment thread. Even this... is off putting in some way.

are you talking about the comments after that online review?

Yes. I didn't pay close attention, but from what I saw the guy made a total ass of himself.

[tattoo chef]

This brand is polarizing. From what I have seen, a decent amount do not like designs or lack of cohesiveness with the designs and then the price points for an unknown brand. Design is very much subjective, but when brand owners and reps start telling you in marketing speak how great the watch is and how much they went through to make the watch the quality it is, then saying things like the $2k-4K range was lacking in quality and detail, people are turned off completely.
Sometimes silence is better...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[streetracer101]

This brand is polarizing. From what I have seen, a decent amount do not like designs or lack of cohesiveness with the designs and then the price points for an unknown brand. Design is very much subjective, but when brand owners and reps start telling you in marketing speak how great the watch is and how much they went through to make the watch the quality it is, then saying things like the $2k-4K range was lacking in quality and detail, people are turned off completely.
Sometimes silence is better...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think that the 2k to 4k range is probably one of the best market segments out there. There is an endless array of good new and preowned watches in this price bracket.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[r.palace]

This brand is polarizing. From what I have seen, a decent amount do not like designs or lack of cohesiveness with the designs and then the price points for an unknown brand. Design is very much subjective, but when brand owners and reps start telling you in marketing speak how great the watch is and how much they went through to make the watch the quality it is, then saying things like the $2k-4K range was lacking in quality and detail, people are turned off completely.
Sometimes silence is better...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think that the 2k to 4k range is probably one of the best market segments out there. There is an endless array of good new and preowned watches in this price bracket.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Again, endless array.

[tattoo chef]

This brand is polarizing. From what I have seen, a decent amount do not like designs or lack of cohesiveness with the designs and then the price points for an unknown brand. Design is very much subjective, but when brand owners and reps start telling you in marketing speak how great the watch is and how much they went through to make the watch the quality it is, then saying things like the $2k-4K range was lacking in quality and detail, people are turned off completely.
Sometimes silence is better...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think that the 2k to 4k range is probably one of the best market segments out there. There is an endless array of good new and preowned watches in this price bracket.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

I agree. 2-4K you are looking at Sinn, Tudor, certain Omegas, certain Breitlings, Eterna, Muhle Glashutte etc etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JP Chestnut]

You can buy a nice 114720 Explorer 1 for under $4,000. Would anyone in their right mind suggest that this watch is a compelling alternative to that?

[shane0mack]

I guess there's conflicting info on IWC's use of Sellita or ETA, so I can't definitively say. Without official word from IWC, I'll withdraw what I said about the Mark XVIII using a Sellita -- I was just basing that on what I last heard.

As far as believing what I say, I sure do. Of course, it's a matter of opinion. I spent a couple of years working for a high-volume 2nd hand watch store and I've handled just about everything under the sun. There are obviously guys more knowledgeable than me out there, but from my experience, that price range is currently lacking in technology, creativity, and quality (testing, tuning, etc.). I think below $2k and above $5k or $6k is where there's more effort happening, but obviously with a quality disparity between the two. Again, everyone here can disagree with me all day long -- and that's all good -- but I do think many of you would gain an appreciation for what we're doing when the watches are handled in person. I say that not talking out of my ass, but because the response we've gotten at Red Bar events and with retailers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Comments like the ones from the ABTW article (I assume what is being referred to) were expected. Mike went through the same thing with Everest Straps -- in fact, even more so, considering he was "modifying Rolex" watches -- so we weren't shocked. We're totally okay with criticisms, and we're excited people are talking about MONTA, both good and bad. We have a long road ahead, and so far, it's been a blast.

[toxicavenger]

For me when a company has to convince me on why they are worth a certain amount of money then I know it isn't for me. I do like both iterations so far, but I would like them more for 1k and I could see people I know buying them in that price range.

At the 2-4k range I need some off the chart shit done to the watch to justify it over the other watches in these category. Tough category to be in for sure. And even tougher when you are a brand new company.

My suggestion if you guys want to be successful, target the Hodinkee crowd. Not the forum crowd. You are going to waste your time and money, because the forum crowd will pick it/you to pieces. The Hodinkee crowd will buy it because the Redbar told them too.

But honestly I don't know anything about watches. I am looking from the outside.

[JP Chestnut]

Hodinkee and Red Bar seem to be the appropriate audience. The guy who drops $45,000 on some Hoedicky special LE would probably be happy to take a flyer on a watch from the guys who make Rolex rubber straps.

[streetracer101]

I guess there's conflicting info on IWC's use of Sellita or ETA, so I can't definitively say. Without official word from IWC, I'll withdraw what I said about the Mark XVIII using a Sellita -- I was just basing that on what I last heard.

As far as believing what I say, I sure do. Of course, it's a matter of opinion. I spent a couple of years working for a high-volume 2nd hand watch store and I've handled just about everything under the sun. There are obviously guys more knowledgeable than me out there, but from my experience, that price range is currently lacking in technology, creativity, and quality (testing, tuning, etc.). I think below $2k and above $5k or $6k is where there's more effort happening, but obviously with a quality disparity between the two. Again, everyone here can disagree with me all day long -- and that's all good -- but I do think many of you would gain an appreciation for what we're doing when the watches are handled in person. I say that not talking out of my ass, but because the response we've gotten at Red Bar events and with retailers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Comments like the ones from the ABTW article (I assume what is being referred to) were expected. Mike went through the same thing with Everest Straps -- in fact, even more so, considering he was "modifying Rolex" watches -- so we weren't shocked. We're totally okay with criticisms, and we're excited people are talking about MONTA, both good and bad. We have a long road ahead, and so far, it's been a blast.

That's the issue. You guys are using a fairly incoherent design and slapping a base movement in it and charging probably $500-1000 more than others do for a similar product. I see no beneficial tech or tuning Incorporated in this watch.

With the recent success of the hodinktard LE watches, I guess there is a market for this stuff, but I don't think you'll get much love here.

As for Red Bar, isn't this the point where C-notes comes in and calls us keyboard ninjas that can't appreciate a good thing when it's right in front of us?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[toxicavenger]

Hodinkee and Red Bar seem to be the appropriate audience. The guy who drops $45,000 on some Hoedicky special LE would probably be happy to take a flyer on a watch from the guys who make Rolex rubber straps.

My point exactly. Since a broke ass dude like me wants a reason on why I need to spend my money on a certain brand. And I have know that I won't lose my ass if I have to sell it. The Hoedinkee crowd isn't worried at all. It is g-shock money for them.

[Ryeguy]

I appreciate the effort, but I tend to echo Jacob's sentiments. At $2K I'd be considering something from Tudor such as the North Flag which uses an in-house movement. If I wanted to save a bit, I would look at the Ranger on bracelet and sacrifice the in-house movement for the ETA 2824-2. I'd also look at an Omega AquaTerra which can be had for $400 +/- less than the MSRP you are projecting for your Monta Triumph.

While I am absolutely certain your products are of the highest manufacturing quality and your warranty is second to none, the reality is Monta is not a well established brand such as Tudor or Omega. Monta could easily fold their tent and disappear and my 4 year warranty is now meaningless.

Again, I appreciate the effort, but a new brand using an off-the-shelf movement at price point of north of $2K is probably not for me.

Thanks for the level-headed response. You're 100% correct that we don't have a history to support us, and it will be our biggest obstacle. With that said, all brands start somewhere. We weren't satisfied with what the market was bearing in the $2K to $4K range in terms of quality and attention to detail, and combined with our love for watches, that's how MONTA was born. At any rate, I hope you get to handle our watches in the near future. Whether you want one is besides the point, but I do think you'll see that the quality is there, and the watches are priced appropriately.

I'd love to see one someday and maybe my opinion will be swayed.

As it stands, in the $2K - $4K range, I'm looking for more than just a well made watch. I can get one of those for 25% of this potential spend.

Brand history, or more commonly called "brand equity", means a lot. One can argue this is way a Rolex Sub is an $8K watch and not a $2K watch.

Without brand equity, you've got to have a really good story. For example, I would spend this amount of money on an RGM watch, for example their 151-PR "Professional Pilot", because I can visit their factory, talk to my friends about their American Made case, and meet the craftsmen who created the watch. This, to me, is the reason the RGM 151-PR is a $3K watch and not a $1,000 watch.

FWIW, I believe this is why Seiko invested in their traveling road shows where they sent their Grand Seiko craftsmen to various boutiques trying to bring the Grand Seiko experience to North America. Despite this effort, people still struggle with the concept of a $5,000 Seiko.

Again, I applaud the effort. I'm tired of the endless stream of kickstarter, MIC, watch brands out there, but I fear you have an uphill battle due to this low end watch noise which has conditioned the market to equate "new / unknown brand" with "$200 watch".

[shane0mack]

My suggestion if you guys want to be successful, target the Hodinkee crowd. Not the forum crowd.

To be fair, someone else posted the picture originally. I figured if the watch was going to be discussed, that you at least had more info on the watch. That's all. Thanks again for the lively discussion.

[hoppyjr]

My suggestion if you guys want to be successful, target the Hodinkee crowd. Not the forum crowd.

To be fair, someone else posted the picture originally. I figured if the watch was going to be discussed, that you at least had more info on the watch. That's all. Thanks again for the lively discussion.

Don't take it personally pal, you know how we bring the truth around here.

While it's not likely for me, I wish you success in the new role and the best of luck with the brand.

[toxicavenger]

My suggestion if you guys want to be successful, target the Hodinkee crowd. Not the forum crowd.

To be fair, someone else posted the picture originally. I figured if the watch was going to be discussed, that you at least had more info on the watch. That's all. Thanks again for the lively discussion.

Shane and I am glad you stopped by. Hell I honestly think you are a straight up dude . I was just referring to the marketing of the Monta brand itself. They could do wonders I bet if they followed the Oak & Oscar type of marketing.

Oh and like hoppy said "Congrats" on the position buddy!

[JP Chestnut]

I appreciate the effort, but I tend to echo Jacob's sentiments. At $2K I'd be considering something from Tudor such as the North Flag which uses an in-house movement. If I wanted to save a bit, I would look at the Ranger on bracelet and sacrifice the in-house movement for the ETA 2824-2. I'd also look at an Omega AquaTerra which can be had for $400 +/- less than the MSRP you are projecting for your Monta Triumph.

While I am absolutely certain your products are of the highest manufacturing quality and your warranty is second to none, the reality is Monta is not a well established brand such as Tudor or Omega. Monta could easily fold their tent and disappear and my 4 year warranty is now meaningless.

Again, I appreciate the effort, but a new brand using an off-the-shelf movement at price point of north of $2K is probably not for me.

Thanks for the level-headed response. You're 100% correct that we don't have a history to support us, and it will be our biggest obstacle. With that said, all brands start somewhere. We weren't satisfied with what the market was bearing in the $2K to $4K range in terms of quality and attention to detail, and combined with our love for watches, that's how MONTA was born. At any rate, I hope you get to handle our watches in the near future. Whether you want one is besides the point, but I do think you'll see that the quality is there, and the watches are priced appropriately.

I'd love to see one someday and maybe my opinion will be swayed.

As it stands, in the $2K - $4K range, I'm looking for more than just a well made watch. I can get one of those for 25% of this potential spend.

Brand history, or more commonly called "brand equity", means a lot. One can argue this is way a Rolex Sub is an $8K watch and not a $2K watch.

Without brand equity, you've got to have a really good story. For example, I would spend this amount of money on an RGM watch, for example their 151-PR "Professional Pilot", because I can visit their factory, talk to my friends about their American Made case, and meet the craftsmen who created the watch. This, to me, is the reason the RGM 151-PR is a $3K watch and not a $1,000 watch.

FWIW, I believe this is why Seiko invested in their traveling road shows where they sent their Grand Seiko craftsmen to various boutiques trying to bring the Grand Seiko experience to North America. Despite this effort, people still struggle with the concept of a $5,000 Seiko.

Again, I applaud the effort. I'm tired of the endless stream of kickstarter, MIC, watch brands out there, but I fear you have an uphill battle due to this low end watch noise which has conditioned the market to equate "new / unknown brand" with "$200 watch".

Funny you bring up Grand Seiko, because those are extremely high quality watches with slightly more brand cache than this one and more technology. If I wanted a high quality watch no one had ever heard of, I'm heading to GS.

[shane0mack]

Thanks for the kind words, toxic and hoppy.

[andrema]

I appreciate the effort, but I tend to echo Jacob's sentiments. At $2K I'd be considering something from Tudor such as the North Flag which uses an in-house movement. If I wanted to save a bit, I would look at the Ranger on bracelet and sacrifice the in-house movement for the ETA 2824-2. I'd also look at an Omega AquaTerra which can be had for $400 +/- less than the MSRP you are projecting for your Monta Triumph.

While I am absolutely certain your products are of the highest manufacturing quality and your warranty is second to none, the reality is Monta is not a well established brand such as Tudor or Omega. Monta could easily fold their tent and disappear and my 4 year warranty is now meaningless.

Again, I appreciate the effort, but a new brand using an off-the-shelf movement at price point of north of $2K is probably not for me.

Thanks for the level-headed response. You're 100% correct that we don't have a history to support us, and it will be our biggest obstacle. With that said, all brands start somewhere. We weren't satisfied with what the market was bearing in the $2K to $4K range in terms of quality and attention to detail, and combined with our love for watches, that's how MONTA was born. At any rate, I hope you get to handle our watches in the near future. Whether you want one is besides the point, but I do think you'll see that the quality is there, and the watches are priced appropriately.

Can you please explain the pricing as compared to brand's established peers in the price range?

[shane0mack]

Can you please explain the pricing as compared to brand's established peers in the price range?

Sure thing. At $2,150, we're about $1,500 less than the North Flag's retail, so I'm not sure the North Flag is a great comparison. That's about 70% more. Of course, you could forego the Tudor warranty and get it at Joma, but that's not for everyone. Even still, it's more costly. I won't get too much into looks, but I'm not a fan of the North Flag, or integrated bracelets in general (except for some Genta designs).

Compared to the Ranger, the SW300 (a clone of an ETA2892), is arguably a superior movement to the 2824. The Ranger retails at $2,900 on a strap, so again, a good chunk more expensive.

As for a pre-owned Aqua Terra, sure, you can find one for high-$2k range, maybe mid-$2k if you really search. However, they may be out of warranty, they may need service, they may be banged up, etc. Comparing new to pre-owned can be done with watches at any price level, and it opens up a different discussion.

[JP Chestnut]

This with a 20% discount, which shouldn't be too hard to get, is $2900.
http://seikousa.com/collections/grand%20seiko/SBGR051

I'm just not seeing the lack of high quality options in your niche.

[sfglenrock]

Thanks for the info, Shane. Best of luck with your new role at Monta.