I like the fact that this watch has unique elements in its design language It seem to be thought out very well, albeit a few small niggles to iron out as its not an in-expensive watch website: monartewatches.com Thanks for watching..
Hey everyone, Big thanks for all your comments. 🙏 And before we dive further, hats off to Peter for this masterpiece of a review. Now - we’ve seen what you said about the clasp and the lugs, and guess what? Changes are coming! - The Clasp: It’s been called out for being too chunky many times. We agree with you guys, and we’re on it. A sleeker, better-looking clasp is already in the works. - The Lugs: Those "gaps" you noticed? It was actually a design feature to have chamfered, mirror polished inner edges of the lugs so the watch would be more legible on any AM strap. But as it backfired, we've decided to change that too. Remember, the watch Peter showed is just a prototype. The final version will have these improvements, thanks to your feedback, not to mention better finishing, better QC and overall feel. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens and we’re here to make watches you love, not just sell them - and we're here for the long run. So if you have more ideas or thoughts, just drop a comment here or shoot us an email at info@monartewatches.com. Thanks for being with us. This is just the start, and with your help, we'll be here for a while. Cheers, The Monarte Team 🦑
Nice to see a microbrand build in such refined and advanced elements that allow them to charge a premium. Despite those gripes I think it’s a worthy contender in its price range. Thanks and God bless.
That’s the most satisfying bezel sounds I’ve heard on a watch I think! Considering the specs, especially the much more regulated ETA movement with it’s accuracy and the ISO certification (plus the detail of the dial) I think the lower price is quite ok but maybe they should reduce the late order price.
Hey! First off, thanks for the comment. We know that understanding the value of a new brand on the market (aside the specifications) is very hard. But Monarte watches bring so much more to the table than just on-paper specifications. For example - our watches are hand assembled, dial indices, date window and logo are all hand applied. Each single watch undergoes 72 hour quality control and is tested in 6 positions to achieve +/-2s/day accuracy. We'll also be offering a unique buy-back option (meaning we'll buy your watch back even after a few years if you decide to part ways with it) and we offer 5-year warranty. Every single part of Monarte (apart from the clasp - which we'll be changing now as well) is made from the scratch and the watch on the video is just a prototype - our production will achieve much much higher and better finishing, QC and more. Not to mention everything is happening in Switzerland. 😅
I just made this comment on Zaltek Reviews (YT Channel ). : Man! What a beauty! I LOVE a well regulated 2824-2. I refuse to buy Swatch anything with those castrated ETA they grift as the AMAZING POWERMATIC 80! Tissot swapped 2 of the 25 jewels to use disposable PLASTIC PART movements and a 3 (not 4) hertz beat rate. They suck. Corporate dudes running the very last of what is made on Earth with care and quality. Superb review! Thanks!
Hello and thanks for this review Peter. I'm not shocked by the price, most by the watch itself. It's usual to see a diver which is also a GMT. But a diver which is also a dress watch ... 🤔
@@PeterKotsa What a big challenge!! And, by the way, are we sure Rolex had this idea at the first time they created the sub? Don't they create at first a really well done tool watch?
Yes I believe you're right... Lets see if the production version is modified accordingly to be compliant..it wont achieve certification without meeting full parameters so it will be interesting to see the changes Thanks for the heads up 👍
Hey, good eye. However, the ISO rating requires the watch to have a lumed triangle at 12 o'clock and markings at every 5 minutes - there's no rule about how the markings should look like or where they need to be. :) Our watches do have 5 minute markings as well as 15min with numerals. On the dial there's minute / seconds markings as well and the readability is good. Good example of this is the new Rado Captain Cook, which has a similar system of the bezel as we do (while having ISO rating as well!)
@@PeterKotsa I did Latin at school… my only use for it has been naming my company. (Novum which means new.) I would like to kid myself that zooming in and deciphering the font I would have some idea… nope. Google translate to the rescue. Alas the photos are beautifully shot, and bokeh is hampering the deciphering of the secret message. As always, thanks for the review.
Time and art is connected? Maybe the nexus between time and skill? If my rough translation is correct-ish that is a good message to be reminded of. More subtle than carpe diem.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
@@monartewatches your website mentions PayPal, but when you are trying to pay there is no such option, only CreditCard, Direct Bank Transfer and Klarna.
It's certainly polarising your comment section Peter haha. Yea, top end will be pricey but, at the opening price, it's really good. Plus it's a good looking watch. Finishing is spot on, dial is beautiful and the hands and parkers are really well done. I noted a comment on the ISO and bezel spec. It will be interesting to see how it changes, if it changes. Would the price drop is it lost the ISO cert?
Nice to see you added your Dormbluth to the opening Peter. It’s a beauty. I ordered a Henry Archer based upon your recent review. Half the price of this watch and far better in many ways.
Great review Peter, lovely watch. Agree for a new brand they are pushing the price, not going to get a big following initially at that price as not many will want to risk it
It's perfect size wise, I agree that the bezel-crown pattern should be uniform, I'm not sure about bezel finish itself, I'd like to see a colour coded bezel but that may detract from the dial which is pretty special. The clasp is easily fixed by recessing the rivet head into the clasp like Ω does. Great review, thank you.
Hey! Thanks for the comment! The bezel is actually very nice in person (although we can hardly argue with Peter's outstanding video quality!) Regarding the clasp, we've decided (after reading so many comments about this) that we'll change the clasp for the better, and we're already working on it.
Had the same style of clasp on my Helson Shark Diver until recently and swapped it out for another clasp from the same brand without quick adjust. I'm saying that I'd pick a clasp without quick adjust over this blocky and uncomfortable clasp that also looks a bit awkward when expanded.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
I agree, Pete. I think there is a misstep with the bracelet's clasp. Instead of using what the old Doxas use, they should have gone with the new San Martin style... slimmer and elegant. Best of all, they could have lowered the price by $20!!! :))
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
The dial and case yup lovely. Their website makes it sound like you're gonna get a sw200. For less you can get a steinhart with a 2892 in it or an sw300 both elaboree grade. And you get to see it. This is over priced. Looks nice though! The clasp is not milled. They're blanked. They might add a chamfer after but none of that is milled Peter.
Hey! What made you think we're using SW200? If there's anything unclear, we'd love to know where we made a mistake :) We have an in-house regulated Top grade ETA 2824, blue screws, perlage, regulated in 6 positions and 72 QC for each single watch. And regarding clasp - we'll be changing the clasp after reading so many comments about it, so a big thanks to you guys for pushing us in the right direction.
At its post early bird pricing its competing in a very tough section of the market where you can pick up some really nice entry level swiss and higher end microbrand. Its different so at least it stands out. Wouldnt be for me though.
Did they? If you have almost 4000chf maybe, but not at 1100. The watch itself seems original, not a copy of some other brand. This watch looks way more interesting than the BB.
I do appreciate, yes the clasp is too big - I had a Plongeur n1 PP with same thing, it was not a good thing - but it's nice, and top movement for microbrand. For this reason, in case I'd buy the limited version, for sure.
Hey! Thanks for thenice comment! Regarding the clasp - we think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
Will European customers still have to pay import tax or 21% VAT (Netherlands) on top of the 900 euro pre-order price (in the shopping cart it shows €0 VAT)? I also noticed that the website mentions PayPal, but that is not an option when trying to actually pay for the product.
Hello, good eye! The endlinks fit is what you're probably aiming at - this was a design feature that many didn't like (chamfered, mirror polished edges) and it made the watch look like there's a gap between the endlinks and the case. We've decided to change this because of the community, the same as we've decided to change the clasp now :)
Reminds me of the Singapore microbrand Reverie diver with the machine guilloche dial and sword handset. That one uses a Miyota 9 series and is priced at around 350 USD iirc.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
That clasp is not good for a micro adjusting clasp. It looks awkward if you slide it out and the 4 corners that are exposed when you do can dig into your wrist. San martin style clasp would be much better.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
Take away the dial and it just looks like any other microbrand, for me though, 2 things, it's trying to hard, it's over styled, especially don't like the clasp, and the elephant in the room, price 🤦 my Scurfa treasure seeker is a far better watch, for a fraction of the price and it's water resistant to 1000ft....
are you brain dead? take away any dial of any watch brand and it’ll look like every other brand 😂 stop pretending to be critical when you’re just a hater
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
@@monartewatchesThe transition between the lugs and the sides just looks too harsh and idk if it us because of this, rhe top bevel looks very out of place.
Again and again, “Swiss Made” comes at a high price. I prefer Miyota 90** which are just as precise and reliable. And which lowers the call price. Original watch otherwise. 👋😉
Thank you! We think choosing Miyota 90xx movement is definitely a great choice, but not really a great comparison between the two. It would make a great everyday duo!
Thats a fair call.. Admittedly the macro shows up the density of the design, but the natural eyes see a really nice uncluttered layout..if that makes sense👍
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
Thanks for the comment. We actually read all of the comments, critiques and of course reviews of the Squid we're about to launch. We think of Monarte as a brand that listens to the community and after receiving so many comments about the clasp we've decided to take a step in the right direction - we'll be changing the clasp for a new one, and we've started with the designing already.
A little meh for me. The lugs make it look outdated, too thick/wide and chunky looking. The bezel is overdone. Dial isn't that nice. Back engraving octopus isn't original. Ahhh I just don't likee.
Don’t understand why made such effort with the dial but the bezel is bulky & ugly...pretty brave to price their first watch at that price. LOT of quality (& of course brands with heritage) options in that price rage
We made so much effort with almost all of the parts on the watch - the dial was actually the most complicated one, you're right! The bezel is actually very thin and elegant - the watch is 11.4mm thick, which makes it very "dressy-like". The competition is hard, we can all agree there.
@@monartewatches fair enough, the bezel just isn’t to my taste, but it IS a striking looking design( & seemingly high quality) watch, I wish you all the success with it.
This watch reminds me of some Persian guy where cheap jewelry that’s gold plated. It’s so over the top it’s rediculous and the clasp gives it away for being garbage. The worst divers clasp ever
Haha, where did you find Persian hints in here? The clasp is being changed as we speak :) It was the only off-the-shelf part of the watch, and after hearing opinion from you guys, we've decided to change it. The design idea was already confirmed and is now being made into reality. Best, Domen Monarte Watches
Hmm I always knew that ISO 6425 required, aside from the clear indication every 5 minutes, a full hour marked at a resolution of 1 minute around the bezel. 6425 also requires each unit produced to be pressure tested, which may justify part of that price, but the issue with the bezel still stands.
We've replied to a message above about this already! We'll just copy the reply here as well; "However, the ISO rating requires the watch to have a lumed triangle at 12 o'clock and markings at every 5 minutes - there's no rule about how the markings should look like or where they need to be. :) Our watches do have 5 minute markings as well as 15min with numerals. On the dial there's minute / seconds markings as well and the readability is good. Good example of this is the new Rado Captain Cook, which has a similar system of the bezel as we do (while having ISO rating as well!)"
- Nice video. - Watch quite interesting. - Price ridiculous. - They just started, so NO HISTORY. - They have ONE model with 3 colour variations. - Movement standard ETA 2824. - And all ready LIMITED EDITION for almost AUD 2500. - Regular model almost AUD 1900. I very much think this is another case of " MUST BE THE MONEY ".
