Introducing: The Monta Oceanking Returns With A Third Generation For 2023
What We Know
Monta is back with the third generation of its original watch, the Oceanking. With a number of functional and aesthetic updates, the new Oceanking continues to be a well-made watch with a focused design for dive watch enthusiasts.
Take a look at our hands-on review of the second-gen Oceanking from 2018, and you’ll see this generation – two years in the making, according to Monta – makes a number of refinements and functional updates to the now-familiar Oceanking. The 316L stainless steel case measures 40.7mm (47.4mm lug-to-lug – by the way, the very fact that Monta gives this info in their press material shows they know what enthusiasts want), and 11.7mm thick. These are similar specs to the second-gen Oceanking, but with the lug-to-lug shrunk by about 2mm. The dial has been refined, with enlarged hour markers that give it a cleaner and more legible look, with the hands also enlarged a tick. Like the previous Oceanking, there’s a date window at six o’clock, and with the enlarged indices, it actually seems a bit more balanced than in previous generations. There’s a screw-down crown and the Oceanking is water-resistant to 1,000 meters.
The bezel is the other big update. It’s a uni-directional ceramic bezel with 120 clicks, featuring a lume pip at 12 o’clock. Monta says it’s suspended using a patent-pending method that employs three ball pushers; there’s a scalloped knurling on the bezel’s edge that should make it functional to use, too. Inside ticks what Monta calls its M-22, its take on the common Selitta SW300, an automatic movement that beats at 4Hz and has 56 hours of power reserve.
Pre-orders for the new Monta Oceanking open on July 10, with a pre-order price of $2,225 and expected delivery in October 2023. After that, full retail will be $2,550.
What We Think
Founded in 2015 in St. Louis, Monta has become one of the leaders in the can’t-we-think-of-a-better-name-than-microbrand space. It produces a focused line of sport watches that emphasize functionality and value. Monta’s story started with the Oceanking, so it’s exciting to see it revisit its original dive watch for the third time, especially since it hasn’t had a diver in its lineup since discontinuing that second-gen more than a year ago. I haven’t experienced this generation of the Oceanking in person yet, but Monta’s fit and finish typically impress in person for the price point, and the specs here are basically an enthusiast’s dream of a diver: 40(ish)mm, steel case, relatively thin, ceramic bezel, a splash of red text that seems to reference certain historical divers but not so overdone as to feel hokey.
To call a spade a spade: The Monta guys are the same folks who bring you the popular line of Everest Straps for Rolex watches, so the inspiration is clear here. But this third-gen of the Oceanking seems to illustrate why Monta continues to stand out among a crop of smaller, enthusiast-focused labels: It makes a number of focused and functionality-oriented improvements that should make enthusiasts happy. A few aesthetic updates and technical refinements show a brand committed to getting things right. At the same time, Monta continues to execute details, while also keeping to the foundation that’s found Monta a core following over the last eight years.
The Basics
Brand: Monta
Model: Oceanking
Reference Number: 165BK60CK
Diameter: 40.7mm (47.4mm lug-to-lug)
Thickness: 11.7mm
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Dial Color: Black lacquer
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Super-LumiNova applied numerals; lumed pip
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap/Bracelet: Brushed stainless steel bracelet with quick-adjust and deployant clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Monta M-22 (modified Selitta SW300)
Functions: Time and date
Diameter: 25.6mm
Thickness: 3.6mm
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 25 jewels
Pricing & Availability
Price: $2,225 (pre-order); $2,550 (full retail)
Availability: For pre-order July 7, 10 AM CT. Pre-order for October 2023 delivery; available at full retail price beginning October 2023.
Limited: No
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For more information, visit Monta online.
Hodinkee
