The BEST Microbrand Watch I Have Ever Reviewed - The Monta Atlas GMT Review (2020)

Today, we look at a timepiece from Monta, their Atlas GMT. A brand that I have recently been seeing getting a considerable amount of attention and hype, with nearly everyone who has experience with this brand saying good things, which made me curious, what is all this talk about. Well, after spending a few weeks with it, I now get why there is a buzz surrounding this brand.

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[alexestrada]

I've been following Monta for a while, and I definitely do my research before jumping into this brand. I have yet to hear anything but positive comments around this brand, especially the finishing. So, I jumped in when the atlas was announced. Let me tell you, the finishing of this watch is bananas. It competes with the brushing and polishing of my Explorer 1 for 1/6th the price. The attention to detail is second to none. Box and presentation is Omega quality, and their customer service is incredible. I called to check how the production was going and Justin, the co-owner answered the phone. It was awesome. You cant appreciate these until you see them in the metal and appreciate the brush to polish contrast on the case and bracelet.

[joshgull]

I used to love microbrands but I’ve gotten very spoiled by the fit and finishing on the half dozen Rolex and Omega watches I’ve owned. I found it very difficult to find the same level of enjoyment in micros because they simply lacked the refinement I had become accustomed to. Then I found Monta. They changed the game for me. I own a Skyquest and very likely will be purchasing an Atlas and/or Oceanking as well. My Skyquest gets just as much wear as my Submariner and Speedmaster, and goes toe to toe with them in every way but the movement (and I’m of the opinion that all a tool watch needs is a reliable and serviceable movement, which these Montas have). Big fan of Monta here. They converted me.

[jazzman]

Kudos Teddy, for having the capacity to “evolve” & coupled with an ability to admit you have changed a position in such a forthright way. This is strength & confidence. So, Sir, . . . Good on you!

[vrglx]

Dude, your videos have been getting better and better. You are in my top 2 for watch channels. This watch is beautiful. I love the hands and indices. The hands almost have a knife edge look to them, very true to the name of "sword hands", as a knife lover... I really appreciate that.

[briancarpenter]

Great review Teddy as usual. I have never looked at Monta because it is out of my price range, but it doesn't mean that I can't admire a beautifully designed and built watch. Keep up the good work Teddy. Thanks, Brian

[MrGrandis]

Monta Atlas blue dial is my all-time favorite watch in my collection, sporty yet classy at the same time. I love it!

[benbot]

I love how the printing sits a touch 3-dimensionally on the dial. I didn’t think I could marvel at the ink used in watchmaking, but that small little detail stands out to me, even when everything else is so good.

[craig]

Btw, really proud of you and the growth in content with your channel, well done!

[wernerjacq]

I would love you to do an interview with the owner of MING watches and a review of their core models... seen nowhere else!

[CheetsNYC]

Great episode I gotta admit this is my second episode I have seen on your channel and I am glad to hear you are not just talking about watches you are sponsored with. This got me to subscribe. I hope to hear more reviews like this in the long term.

[brianwca]

Yeah, I saw Monta, including the Atlas at the Worn & Wound watch show and the quality stood out. Great-looking watches.

[VVTME]

Awesome review :D I love the fact there are so many microbrands around to add so much more choice. The one thing for me that replaces the lack of 'heritage' with microbrands, is the fact you are often dealing with a very small business. I love often dealing with the owners/designers directly in the purchase experience. And for me, heritage doesnt carry as much weight with many of the old legacy brands because of the giant watch conglomerates, like Swatch, behind them. I'm not saying giant watch conglomerates are bad, just that it removes some of the pull of heritage for me. I own Oris, Rolex, a couple of vintage Omegas, and I also own a couple of microbrand watches, a Lorier Hydra and a Straton Syncro. The personal experience I had with these two companies when ordering was great, and the watches are beautiful and extremely well made. I loved getting a signed card by the owners with my Lorier. Right now the Lorier is getting the most wrist time, as it vintage styling is my go love vintage styling. Granted my two microbrand pieces arent in the same price category as this Monta Atlas. After seeing this Im definitely going to put Monta on my attention list.

[SpaghettiKillah]

OMG I was looking for a dressy GMT but was priced out by most offers (Grand Seiko, JLC and such).
This fits the bill *PERFECTLY* !!

[Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

Micro-brands are the reason I got into watches. Still my bread and butter.

[feenanay]

I was torn between the Monta Oceanking and this opaline Atlas when it was first announced in 2019. After I moved up to St. Louis in midsummer and found out that Monta's HQ was about 10 minutes away from my office, I made a beeline down there and checked out all their models the Atlas, the first batch of which hadn't arrived from Switzerland yet. I ended up getting the Oceanking in black/gilt dial and absolutely love it, but I'm still tempted by the Atlas.


Monta's design language and quality just speak to me. The folks over there are terrific and extremely customer focused. So many great watches out there in the <$2K range, and of course there's the whole history and legacy thing that a relatively new company like Monta doesn't have, but I'm sold on their watches. Would love to see them do a chronograph....

[palerider]

Was looking for a GMT to round out my small watch collection (Vintage 50’s Omega Seamaster and 60’s Omega Seamaster, Stowa Flieger Classic 36, Hamilton 38 mm Khaki Field, Seiko SARB-033 AND SARB-035, and a couple of Seiko day/date Seiko 5’s for beater watches for work.

Just picked up the Monta today from FedEx. I purchased the Charcoal model and this is the best piece just passing the Stowa in my collection in my opinion.

Thanks for the great reviews, videos, and what you do for the watch enthusiasts. Even thinking about watch repair because of channels like yours.

[horologywatchmaking]

This is probably the only microbrand that has a proper name and a nice brand logo both on the dial . One thing that i always considered to be important . But that price though .

[mitchd]

I bought a triumph couple months ago and absolutely love it you get so much for your money to me its perfect

[TheOnlyShanzz]

Keep doing what you do Teddy, you’re crushing it bro!!!

[SM-wijs]

Good video Teddy. I have JLC, Omega, GS and several Rolex but also enjoy brands such as Sin. One micro brand I would like you to review is Brellum especially the sports chrono with ETA mechanism.