Since debuting in 2016, MONTA has become one of the most popular and meticulous watch micro brands in the world. Paying homage to the heyday of dive and pilot watches, the St. Louis-based watchmaker’s range is constantly changing and improving to further evolve the art of horology when it comes to blending function and aesthetics.
From its launch back in 2017, MONTA’s Skyquest has noticeably started to stray away from the ‘50s- and ‘60s-inspired streamlined utility that served as its foundation and more towards dress watch territory. So, the company used this new 2022 generation of the model as an opportunity to reestablish the Skyquest (along with the Oceanking diver that was unveiled the same day) as an old-school tool watch. It ditched the ceramic bezel, which could never accurately match the watchmaker’s desired colorways, in favor of a highly durable and attractive, state-of-the-art aluminum material for which three patents have been filed.
Optimized for clarity and usability, the GMT received subtle changes such as a more defined date window, more visible (and sporty) indices, seven layers of anti-reflective coating, and a new flat GMT hand. Boasting 300m of water resistance, the 40.7mm 316L stainless steel case holds a Swiss-made Selitta self-winding mechanical movement that’s been made exclusively for MONTA with 56 hours of power reserve and a bidirectional rotor.
Available in three bezel colors — red and blue with silver inserts, red and blue with gold inserts, and black with silver inserts — over a black gilt dial, the 2022 Skyquest is currently up for pre-order for $2,190 on MONTA’s website, with deliveries expected for this November.
