At the Windup Watch Fair this past year in NYC the Monta Triumph would have been the watch I would’ve walked away with out of all the others. The quality of their case finishings are absolutely top notch. In the mix the new GMT one they had also looked awesome. And, I got to hold and try on this watch and speak with the designer. I got the sense he really thinks highly of the Rolex submariner so much so he pulled his out for me to compare with the new Ocean King. I wasn’t entirely sure of his strategy but I came away with a real appreciation of how amazing the sub is. The bezel on his sub was so good...didn’t know they could be that good...butta. The Ocean King was nice and had all the markings of Monta quality but you know it just fell flat. It almost seems like this version is an homage but for copyright issues they need to change a few things...a step back in innovation...or I should say creativity. Lol-your tone in this video says it all.

In my view there's enough different about this compared to the sub, for it to not warrant the "sub homage" moniker. It's definitely "submariner-like" but is by no means a sub homage. I really do like the older OceanKing better, with the slightly thinner bezel, and the slightly more elegant case shape, the polished chamfer on the lugs next to the end links, and with the dial indices recessed into the minute track. I actually had my heart set on the new OceanKing before release and was keyed up to get one, but when I saw it I felt a little flat. I ended up getting a Ginault Ocean-Rover II. I though if I'm going to get something that sub-like, I might as well get Ginault's amazing submariner fantasy homage. With the money I saved from getting the Ginault, I was then able to get a Henry Archer Akva meteorite dial! I'm very happy with the 1-2 punch of the Ocean-Rover and Akva rather than one Ocean-King.

Owning a bunch of watches throughout the years, I have recently made a discovery. By keeping the bracelet a bit shorter on the 6 o clock side, it sits so much better on the wrist. Never thought about this before 🙈🙈 !

Skyquest owner here :: You need to live with a Monta to realize how much it punches above its weight. It's moved into the forever part of my collection, alongside GS's and Omegas.

Huge Monta fan, I'm ok with this update, I hope the company succeeds.

Gorgeous. I'm new in the watch gang glad I found this channel, such a fun way to get to know what the industry has to offer!

its ironic because this watch is rarer than a sub :) and quality is soooo good, great job monta.

Loved the wrist shots while playing guitar, Keep it up!

Definitely agree. It’s looking more like a…watch…but the quality really is outstanding.

An antistatic cloth + brush for the set and humidifier in your studio could help with dust.

personally to me,.... This is the nicest ocean king yet.. I like how it captures that sub vibe without being a complete copy.. Potentially my first Monta will be this v3

Awesome Heisenberg references. Right up my alley. Love the vids!

Like the look of this. Definitely very clean. Would be nice if you added a soundbite of the bezel action fwiw. Keep up the great content.

Great video! I prefer the older models. This is just too close to Rolex.

Monta is simply my favorite brand. I own the new mint green Noble and a gray Triumph. I find myself wearing them almost daily over my Oris, Tudor, Tag, and others. I didn't fully understand the hype until I tried one on, and...wow.

I was impressed with Monta watches when I tried them on at Windup Chicago, and spoke to the owners. The Triumph particularly still occupies space in my mind, rent free. I am seriously considering getting one. That being said, I thought the character of the older models were more interesting in the previous Ocean King. The lack of a fully lumed bezel is a disappointment as well. I do appreciate some of the refinements though. Maybe we can get an Ocean King 3.1 with a bit added back? I don't mind the Rolex "vibe" at all. Frankly, many more brands have more than that vibe with their designs. Monta gets the little things right that most of the other brands don't even think about. Someone mentioned Christopher Ward as a better value. They're certainly cheaper, but they're typically using lower end SW200-1 movements in their divers, and the designs somehow leave me flat. More of a "look at our great specs at our great price" watch than a great watch. They are certainly well built and feel solid on wrist. They do have some very alluring designs in the brand, just not as much in their divers, for me. I am definitely in the camp of a fan that's tried the watches on, and also one that wants to see the brand succeed.

That’s beautiful, I like the quality of Monta.

I owned a pair of Monta’s previously and was able to visit their headquarters and chat with Michael just before COVID. They are definitely very well built and there is a passion behind the company. That being said I definitely agree with the sentiment though that this generation is great, but lacks a lot of the character of the previous gen, especially the waterfall 12 o’clock index. The previous gen had its own design. This seems like they said make a Submariner without it being a submariner

I've been waiting for this review from you! Please, Share your thoughts on comparison between the Monta Oceanking vs Formex Reef? Do you think they're on the category (microbrand Diver)? I've been looking foward to add one of these to my collection in a future. Just an observation, everything looks fantastic on your 7-inch wrist! Greetings from Brazil!

What a beautiful watch

One of the biggest style changes I miss from version 2 was the rehaut insert/track. Is that what you call it? It made the dial feel more finished and visually appealing to me.

The last time I was this early my girlfriend was upset.

Sad to see so many big brand homage watches make youtube video lists as "alternatives" and not rip offs. The Monta Oceanking looks like the sub, yes. But so do many other divers from micros to independents. Not sure why Monta gets picked on specifically. And not necessarily from the content in this video, but it seems the criticism in the comments of Monta reviews lately is lazy and repetitive. If the only fault of the watch is "it looks like a sub," it sounds like a damn good watch to me. The dial and bezel proportions are much better imo on this one. Did i love the previous indicies? Yes. But these are far more legible and sporty, which is what Monta set out to do, seperate the dressy models from the sporty models in their catalog. Im ranting at this point but i think this really punches above its weight getting close to Longines and Tudor territory. I wouldnt compare it to anything cheaper.

The case shape/profile looks a lot like a Submariner, and I’m not just saying that because it’s a diver. I do like the dial design and hands though.

I really wanna try these watches. I thought the best microbrand bracelet was the Orion bracelets, but I gotta try these..

If they had this watch in the ‘Hulk’ colorway, a lumed bezel and love the stayalized version (V2) more and I would instant buy one!!! Hope it will ever come and that they can ship from Europe!

Been looking forward to this review

😂 I love the little Caddy Shack reference at the end (not sure if it was intentional though)

Heisenberg uncertainty principle applies to all levels of size bodies but it is "significantly measurable" at subatomic level only.

You kinda sold me on Monta and convinced me to get a Noble with your older video, even though my wrist is located in Europe and not in the great US of A. I've been loving it ever since, so don't sell yourself short, those watch clicker folk got nothing on you.

This watch is what the submariner would be if the submariner was perfect. How bout those sword hands and that 6 o’clock date window without cyclops. Well done!

I cant wait to buy a Monta. Ocean King or Noble

Is the date frame bigger than the date window?

To be honest I like a lot in this watch. However I would like to see some more colour variations (dial/bezel). A summer combination especially of white dial and orange bezel, is something I would like to see.

I love this Channel, it’s content and the levity you bring to watch collecting 😀 That being said, this model of Monta gives the appearance of a Cheap, Chinese replica made to look like a Submariner No date. The main reason someone would buy this is because they either can’t afford the real thing(Rolex) or are misinformed.

I don't think this looks like a sub other than the bezel. Lots of watches look like subs but this is not one of them. The quality is there. It has classic styling. It's a winner to me.

Monta and Formex are rocking me

Honestly, great review and video! 😉

Looks good I wish the oceanking was Cosc certified just like the Titoni seascooper

So, I got my Submariner-like fix over a year ago with a Ginault Silent Service (with cyclops nonetheless). Now don’t be hating on me. Most of us are aware of their checkered history. But I didn’t care. I checked out the Monta, but I wanted a touch of red on the second hand, but alas. The Ginault looks great, feels like a luxury watch, keeps COS time, cost half as much as the Monta at the time, and looks at a distance like something some thief might want to steal, so ironically I’m finding I don’t wear this relatively cheap watch in places where I might be targeted. Strange. Oh, and the bezel is lumed too

as someone who just heard of this brand, this watch checks a lot of boxes for me. I think the "sub copy" comments are a bit much, as there are many stylistic differences between this watch and that (font, color, hand style, date placement etc...). personally i cant bring myself to overpay for a rolex, so this is very likely the luxury diver ill be buying in the near future. i do think a partially lumed bezel would be very sweet.

I would like this watch but in London, I’d be mugged but then subsequently beat up for wasting the muggers time with a Subby look-alike

I feel that there’s a sort of uncanny valley between “homage” and “in the style of” and this watch sits in it. I really like the watch, and it’s not an homage, as many things are different but it feels almost too close to Submariner, but/and as I said before I like it…. And so it goes around and around. I think picking it up would, as you said, be the requirement to making a decision!

Wow, that's a great-looking and well-made generic-looking diver. Does that make sense? Thumbs up for the review.

Do you think this is too big for a 6.5 inch wrist? They're return policy requires a $150 stocking fee so want to make sure before purchase. Thank you!

Thank you for being maybe the first reviewer in the history of KZfaq to mention fully articulating bracelet links. My most comfortable watches have these. I am pretty sure my Submariner does not. Keep making videos like these. Please clap.

Nice watch Evan.

The truth is that any company that releases a black diver is faced with people claiming that it is a homage and a copy of a Submariner. I even had someone in a forum claim my Sinn 104 was a Sub homage. It gets a bit tiresome TBH. Looking objectively at this it is a great watch, with a very clean design, nice specs, and a price that is fair for an entry level level luxury watch. Also, i feel like a lot of people who are so "disappointed" (cringe) should try it on their wrist and come back with an update. I think a lot will be pleasantly surprised.

Great vid. Love it!

I prefer the less stylized version, this new 3rd gen. Would be cool if it had the lumed bezel though.

Lovely. Prefer the older one

Schrodingers watch. I'm waiting for the Skyquest with a flyer GMT and the Oceanking's clasp.

I've been eying these lately, personally I think the v3 looks the best and definitely isn't a homage

Trying to find a reason to justify that price. No quick release spring bars on the bracelet is wild, when i have a $400 dive watch that does. Also, some steel hardening on here may help get the justification up there but honestly? There are SO MANY divers out there that are 1/3 of the price and just as nice/functional.

This is a very good homage to the Ginault Silent Service, I'll stick with Ginault,love that watch!

Great review. I think they've gone from a fairly original design to a homage, which is a shame. Somewhere between the two would be nice. Perhaps they did it to get more Rolex sales at a cheaper cost? Would love to own or handle one regardless

Gives me heavy Ginault vibes

In my humble opinion the bezel looks way too tall but overall it is a nice looking submariner homage.

I love my Gen 2 ❤ This newest third gen is fabulous but less unique.

So it didn’t always look like a SUBMARINER??? Being more homage is definitely a bad upgrade. 😢

Love the use of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle… I can only imagine how often you would hear people say “nice Rolex”

Enjoyed the review....as usual! The watch is kind of meh...not saying it's bad, just doesn't evoke a desire in me to get one

The designer was definitely “inspired” by the submariner 😉

Heisenberg would be rocking a Tag Heuer Monaco

If this is the 3rd generation of the Oceanking, what generation of the Noble is currently available? Thinking about pulling the trigger on that watch, which feels less like a Rolex homage, and more like it's own thing.

I kinda agree. Monta has lost some of its original design cues in favor of a more standard (or generic) dive style which may be heavily Rolex derived. I feel this may show even more in their Skyquest GMT redesign... I much preferred the original design with the bent GMT hand and less bold numerals on the bezel. I think one of their last original Monta-esque design was the Triumph..but, didn't, or aren't they going to, end production on the Triumph? No doubt this OK3 is solid built and a quality timepiece. I just wished they kept their original design concepts rather than integrating in more Rolex looking design cues.

I kinda have to agree with others. The initial designs were more original. This is like a homage to a sub, but a few things were changed to not be a straight up clomage. And are people that bought the V1 and V2 going to be able to get replacement parts for this discontinued designs? Probably not.

I have a Monta Noble and Triumph. These are high quality watches and I love them. But for some reason the Ocean King did not call to me. I just bought a Longines Hydroconquest GMT from an AD at a price cheaper than the Ocean King.

It's uncertain as to whether Heisenberg has a KZfaq Channel.

Thanks for the great review and humor as always. However, I’m beyond tired of the sub clones. Be original Monta!

Looks like the ginault ocean rover which is not good for a third gen

There are homage watches and then there is the Monta Ocean King. 😂😂😂

Is there Ar on the crystal? If yes top or under ?

Looks a little too much like a sub but seems to be a good value option

Hey! I'm people too! What a small world

That is a bit too expensive for a Sellita movement…for that price, i would go with the new Longine Hydroconquest GMT

The real question with all these Heisenberg remarks is how is your cat doing? Great watch, personally I prefer the Nobel and they preferred Heisenberg in 1932.

Dude the commentary is so funny

A Gump and a Caddyshack ref in one vid. More than this ‘meh’ watch deserves. That said, I’ve never held one, so there’s that. Also, compressed air is your friend for that dust.

It’s fantastic. The only problem is what everybody is going to say, however, it is almost as good apart from that movement which is still a fantastic movement. in terms of design, branding everything else, let’s be honest it’s pretty much there because a lot of people who know about watches will say ultimately Rolex makes steel sports watches and they are wildly wildly overpriced.

Those who have never had a Monta in their hands find it too expensive. Those who have had a Monta in their hands find that it is quite a deal.

I can solve Monta's problem. 1) lose the minute markers, the hour markers are too pretty to be overrun with minute markers. 2) Change the hand set. Someone at Monta has got to be creative enough to come up with a unique set. 3) keep everything else. It's perfect.

I came for the puns. i leave happy.

Looks good but I prefer the previous version. The lugs on the new one are too beefy for my taste.

the quality is there … the movement is spot on with 55 HPR … but it looks too much as a submariner… anyway it’s a beautiful watch with a fair price

Pitchforks!

Good option for the price of 2.5k, really nothing in the way of a submariner look that will also have that kind of finish. The bigger, 43mm, Tag Heuer Aquaracer comes to mind and the even bigger, well built Ball engineer may also be worth considering. I would probably try to save and find a used Omega seamaster 300 in the 3.5-4k range, but that shows you what a value Monta is bringing if its competing with watches double in price.

Not a fan of the direction they’re heading. Seems to be moving more towards Rolex homages and away from original, interesting designs. I purchased a Pepsi Skyquest from them about a year ago and the first one they sent had a malfunctioning crown that wouldn’t push back into the case after time setting. I sent it back and they sent me a replacement that had ridiculous rotor noise and feel and ran at over +20 seconds a day. It’s a shame because I really enjoyed a the Triumph that I owned for a few years and was excited to see where they took the brand next. Sadly, it was backwards instead of forwards.

Looks like the Ginault SS

At 'Pop it out' I wanted to shout, 'That's what she said!' But I'm at work and this hospital frowns on such behavior.

yea I like the old design better

High quality Submariner homage. They make an amazing watch from a build quality standpoint but design is lacking

Calling a spade a spade, it's a Sub homage. I like Monta, and felt they had their own style language but this V3 is in the wrong direction. V2 was great, its own style, and very much not an homage to the crown. But too many people will ask if this is a Rolex.

If an original Monta Ocean King spent an illicit night with a Submariner, then this would be their lovechild.....

Looks good. But a little bit to much submariner homage for me.

It's fine. I think I would rather have a Ginault Silent Service than the new gen 3 Oceanking, awful as that might sound.

I am so rooting for monta. I really want them to succeed. However, this fell so flat on me. I don't like what they have been pumping out as of late, as it seems they are doing that horrid thing all companies go through: copying Rolex. Monta had things that made it quirky. That were so signature Monta. 60 click bezel, but they made it so high quality you couldn't help but love it. 304 Meter rating over 300. Why 304? Cause Monta. For the Skyquest, why raise the GMT hand over the indices that way? Cause Monta. Now, it's just another Rolex homage, and for me, Monta is in timeout.

This watch is perfeft for me except 2 things. the large edge of the bezel they should make the bezel thinner imo, and i don't like monta crowns, the "onion" shape is just not for me, i like normal crowns like rolex or tudor.. everything else is just spot on.

Didn’t know you were interested in quantum mechanics.

King of wristshots