by Vincent Deschamps
Versatile diver
Have you ever heard people say divers are the most popular type of watch? “They” say that, I believe, on account that dive watches are particularly versatile timekeeping devices. Both mechanically and aesthetically, at least when its appearance was created to match its inherent technical chameleon-like nature. But no two divers are created equal and some lean more towards the military/hardcore utilitarian camp while others lean more into the everyday/GADA one. Though it is possible to find dive watches which can look good for everyday use whilst being built sturdily enough to withstand most environments we could put them in. I know you know where I’m going with this. And no, I’m not going to talk about the Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, or Tudor Black Bay 58. That’s not what I’m about. Instead I’m going to tell you about the first model from a new brand called Montoir.
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The model in question is the MWMOD-01 V2, so a second version of their first collection which is in fact a restocking of their first but this time coming in many more colours, seven in total (Mint, Salmon, Green, Cool Grey, Black, Blue and Polar White.) And I thought you might be interested in knowing about the Montoir because it’s currently on Kickstarter until Wednesday, January 29, 2025 with prices ranging from $375-$450, so already something which sounds worth taking a closer look at. And, as I hope it will come across throughout this review, the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 also comes with great specs and a handsome design which makes this model—to go back to my earlier point—a versatile and solid diver.
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Key Features of the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2
Case & strap
Though everything is debatable in this world, maybe we can agree that what follows constitutes a good spec sheet for an elegant tool watch. First things first, the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 has average dimensions for average wrists, with a diameter coming in at 40.5mm, a lug-to-lug of 48mm, a thickness of 11.5mm, and a lug width of 20mm. This watch ships on a FKM tropic strap which tapers towards the buckle and is equipped with quick-release spring-bars. These dimensions can indeed be considered average at least for this type of watch. What is also to be expected is 200 meters of water resistance (screw-down crown and case-back,) good lume (Super-LumiNova BGW9 on the hands, hour markers, and circular pip on the bezel), and a box-shaped sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating.
Lume & bezel
The lume is indeed good and I sound surprised because at first I didn’t think this would be the case given the narrow design of hour and minute hands. But I should have known better not to judge the capacity of thinner hands to boast good applications of lume. I know, the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 is, first and foremost, a diver. Another element which indicates what type of watch we’re dealing with is the unidirectional 120-click bezel, the operation of which is easy and very satisfying as the bezel seems to have a ball-bearing mechanism. Each click falls into place perfectly, there is no backplay, and everything aligns as it should. I found the bezel to have just enough knurling to make it easy to grab and turn. Another element which indicates the nature of the Montoir is the perfectly machined representation of a Jules Verne-esque dive helmet on the case-back.
Of Interest
Thus far we know that the MWMOD-01 V2 is a solid diver. It has the water resistance, scratch resistance, and nighttime legibility required to make it a functional tool watch. What the Montoir also has, and which grabbed my watch nerd attention, is its design which I find to be both elegant and positively standard. I chose to review the Black version, therefore a purely monochromatic option, as it offers the highest level of contrast between the dial and hands + markers to make it very legible. (Though the other color variants also appear to be quite legible.) The dial has a glossy finish which is reflective but the hour and minute hands are fully brushed and the seconds hand is fully painted in white. So one cancels (or balances) the other so that the MWMOD-01 V2 is easy to read.
The hour markers are in fact made up of several layers of BGW9 which appear white in daytime which further aids in creating a contrast with the black background. (This also accounts for a subtle impression of height on the dial–enhanced by the shape of the crystal). And the hour markers come with a classic configuration to guarantee optimum legibility. There are batons at the 3, 6, 9, an inverted triangle at the twelve, and circles everywhere else. The combination of the pencil-style hands with these shapes of markers therefore confer to the Montoir a classic appearance. Furthermore, the fully-graduated count-up dive scale adds extra functionality whilst the fully brushed and slab-designed case reduces this model’s overall wrist presence due to being simple. In my book this is a skin diver case.
Specs
| Case | Titanium /w UltraHex 40.5mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 11.5mm 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Matte Dial Raised Markers Pencil Handset /w Needle Seconds BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 26 jewels 28 800vph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | FKM Rubber Tropic |
Montoir MWMOD-01 V2
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Final Thoughts
Adding it all up, the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 has a somewhat standard, classic appearance which makes it perfect for everyday wear. Especially in the Black version. And though a Mint or Green dial is not what we would typically consider as being standard and classic, paired with this timeless dial layout, you will still find yourself strapping a diver which will most likely fly under the radar. Though its appearance, as we now know, does not preclude it from being built solid and for being a capable tool watch. What I weirdly failed to mention so far is the movement within, a Sellita SW200-1 (4Hz/38 hours of power reserve); a final piece of information which further confirms that we are indeed dealing with a proper diver.
Pricing & Availability
Be sure to take a look at the Kickstarter campaign for the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2. Pre-order prices of $375-$450 are very reasonable ($750 full retail.) Shipping is estimated to be 90 days (three months) from the completion of the campaign.
About the author
Vincent Deschamps is a museum professional, originally from France, with more than 10 years experience as a researcher, producing visitor experiences for national and international organizations. He is also the founder of mainspring.watch. You can follow Vincent on Instagram.
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