Saint Louis-based Monta consistently ranks among our favorite microbrand watchmakers for its combination of versatility and value. Sporty tool watches with an added dash of refinement characterized the young brand’s first four collections — but the newest member of the family, the Monta Noble, rebalances the formula, tipping the scales more towards the dressy side but keeping enough sporty specs and flavor to make for a compelling everyday wear.
MontaLike the Triumph field watch and Ocean King dive watch before it, the Noble features simple three-hand time-telling, here courtesy of a Sellita SW300 automatic movement. It retains the brand’s masculine case with mixed brushed and polished finishing, but also introduces a few details that brand fans will notice, including a polished bezel, a new set of hands and indices and a refined logo.
With restrained sizing of 38.5mm, coming in at just 9.7mm thick, and packing a little more shine than other Monta watches before it, the Noble has a formal feel — but it’s also water-resistant to an impressive 150m, and comes on a solid steel bracelet. It debuts with blue or white dial options for a pre-order price of $1,600. Eventual retail will be $1,760, but the initial run is sure to go quickly, as only 100 units in each color will be made over the coming 12 months.