very interesting.. Formex for me and please do more of these. Ive always liked Formex innovation but im thinking its not a real gada watch for me, its not versatile enough. Maybe its just a matter of personal preference..
I saw formex essence 39 on festival Micro Praha and imediately fell in love with this watch. I had a little chat with Raphael (the owner of Formex) and he is a very nice guy and you can see the love for the watch. I am just waiting for my limited malachite edition but I am more than sure, that this watch will stay with me for my entire life and I will be happy with them.
I couldn't agree more. A couple of things kept me from buying a Monta. They don't seem to care much about customers outside the U.S. The international shipping costs are quite high. Not only would I have to add taxes to the overall costs, but in case I'd decide to return the watch, the tax would be a loss, plus they even charge a restocking fee. Their communication bordered on arrogance. All in all, this scared me away from purchasing a Monta.
I have just ordered a formex reef over the monta skyquest, im in the UK and formex just seemed more straightforward and the whole brand appealed more. Both making lovely watches though.
That’s a great video. I have the Essence (and a Formex field) and love the watch. I am also drawn to Monta though and I’d struggle to pick an overall winner in the comparison.
Great review, dude! Indeed, you did try to be as objective as possible and it shows. I have one remark, however. I do not agree with you on Round 4's conclusion. The Formex' extention is not gimmeky at all, it works like charm and it is an absolute God-sent in the hot summer months.
I've been considering getting this Formex but the fact that I wouldn't be able to use one of my leather straps with it is pretty disappointing. As great as the bracelet looks, sometimes you want to change things up. They go out of their way to make the bracelet easily removable but then make it impossible to use a standard strap. Might as well just make it an integrated bracelet at that point.
Very cool comparison and what a tough choice to make here. Love these kind of dual reviews. Both have their own but different charm and design going for it. My choice would be........ the Monta. Simple, elegant and timeless in design 🤩 Great and informative review 🍿⌚️📸👌
Well, they both have promised to send watches for review... 4-5 months ago, and then radio silence. I guess my channel is too small for their lofty standards...
This is not a political video ;-) It was, however, an enjoyable watch. Perhaps the key revelation for me is not your conclusion or remarks about originality and boldness, but the fact that for me the finish of the Formex visibly lagged behind Monta. That's actually a bit disappointing, even if it is mainly macro lens territory. Because the Formex bold high riding bezel gives so much surface area, the slight streaking and irregularities in the polishing are also simply more noticeable. It's a pity, and no doubt would be easy to remedy. My considerations between these two are ultimately simple, unburdened by having to take an impartial reviewer's perspective. Or, perhaps, doing so unreservedly subjectively. Namely, the dial of this Monta is really not to my taste. Differently sized numerals always face an uphill battle with me, and this Monta falls at that first hurdle. Once fallen over, however, it becomes that much easier to appreciate that I far prefer the Monta's side profile to that of the Formex. I'm not averse to original lines and excentris cases, but the subtle elegance of Monta's lines wins. Despite the importance I personally place on the side profile, I could never choose a watch whose face I dislike. Furthermore, I also find the oyster style bracelet simply a bit of a bore. Sure, it probably suits this style, but just look at the Formex on your wrist! It's a different ballgame and stylistically the Formex wins easily. That carries over to the clasp, because no implementation of micro adjustments would convince me that such a clasp looks and wears better to the elegant butterfly (when sized properly). Formexes also looks especially well put together. This brings me to your rather crucial point at the beginning: this contest should have been played by the Noble. I would have been more curious to see how that would have fared. And while I think the bracelet style of the Noble isn't that much more exciting, the refined take on the stainless steel sports watch might just have pipped the attractiveness comparison to the Formex. The discussion on brand is tricky, but what sticks or most is the focus on the domestic market from Monta, especially at the lofty price tags they demand. In terms of innovation and components it would appear Formex easily could ask more, but often don't, making Monta quite aspirational in their commercial proposition. That, combined with a rather conservative streak in design, is a mark against them. Formex, on the other hand, for me would be a lot better if focusing on fewer model variations. Certainly not all of them work equally well, so the added costs of maintaining such a catalogue I find a regretful element. That money would be better spent on bringing the finishing up with the best.
As always a pleasure and, man!, do I love reading PARAGRAPHS! 😂 I should add another disclaimer. Well, a two-in-one, actually. First, I had horrible lighting throughout shooting this video. I ended up shooting in three different days, but I'm still not happy with the end product. Then, both watches are worn, Monta slightly more than the Formex. I did my best to stay objective but not to focus on negatives. The clasp/bracelet combo of Monta is very comfortable indeed, but dated and somewhat cumbersome. I believe Formex suspension is a gimmick. Still, Formex wins, hands down. Interesting you believe there's too much variety in Formex catalogue. As stated, I believe it's the other way around and a new model should be a priority.
@@themicrobrandexpert ah, to clarify: I think there are too many variants (most of them unnecessary and some not even very attractive) of the same model in the Formex catalogue. There is space for another model. And yes, the suspension system is unlikely to be a reason for me to buy it. I'm not sure if it exists to increase wearing comfort or shock absorption or both, but it just seems very unlikely to be essential (rather against the idea of the essence, then). But I appreciate the brand is quite committed to introducing innovations. That won't always work, but makes the space more interesting.
$1000? That's either pre-owned or quartz. Also, Hydroconquest is a diver, you might've though of the Conquest which, indeed, is a great watch. An automatic Conquest costs in excess of $2000 and the ETA A31 inside has only the advantage of a superior power reserve.
@@themicrobrandexpert well I previously watched some other video about Monta. And even in your video you confirmed that that they are USA oriented. Not a bad thing in this. I never trusted an all American American brand like Trump would say because they have some shadiness attached to it. Of course, Monta is a revelation on YT, but mostly on the American part. I would choose a Formex any day with 4/1 ratio instead of a Monta. And even comparing to lower brands like Baltic, I'd still go for Baltic instead of Monta as a 3/2 ratio. ☺ Don't make me talk again. I'm one of the sharpest and less nuanced friend of the community. Luv you! 🤗
😆 There are so many American micros that I simply love: Astor & Banks, Traska, Stella, Cincinnati, Nodus to some extent. Also, Americans make up a third of my viewer base and, I’m pretty sure about that, at least a third of global microbrand sales. So it makes sense for an American brand to target domestic customers, but it takes that huge step outside to truly make a name for oneself.
@@themicrobrandexpert for sure Traska is a good and solid microbrand. I am sad you did not mention the Texas based microbrand Trafford, I am having a big fondness for their watches. 🙌 This does not mean that I hate American microbrands. I dislike just a bit the fact that Monta are US oriented (but so are many others); fact that they are praised over the top, most of the time without a real justification, makes me dislike them more. 😁
Unfortunately, by the time we'll meet, the Monta would have returned to its owner. As I stated in the review, their greatest quality is their fit and finish, and one has to handle it to truly appreciate it. I got no skin in this (after all, I don't have any of their contacts, while I have Formex' CEO in my firnds' list on facebook), so you can trust me: any praise you've seen on quality is well deserved.
There’s just no way. Formex’s bracelet and case finishing can’t hold a candle to Monta. I just can’t see a single situation where any Monta would lose against any Formex.
Well there is this thing called "opinion". I have owned both a Noble and a Essence 39, and i preferred the Formex. Honestly, the Monta is priced a bit high for what its offering.
Thank you for watching! Which one's your favorite? Should I do more microband duels?
Formex for me!
Formex...more duels please!
very interesting..
Formex for me and please do more of these.
Ive always liked Formex innovation but im thinking its not a real gada watch for me, its not versatile enough.
Maybe its just a matter of personal preference..
The brands featured are both worthy. However Formex gets my vote, bracelet and all ; ). Please do more showdowns in the future, this one was fun.
Thank you, Fred! I'm planning at least two more, one in the more accessible bracket and one in the microbrand stratosphere.
I saw formex essence 39 on festival Micro Praha and imediately fell in love with this watch. I had a little chat with Raphael (the owner of Formex) and he is a very nice guy and you can see the love for the watch. I am just waiting for my limited malachite edition but I am more than sure, that this watch will stay with me for my entire life and I will be happy with them.
I couldn't agree more. A couple of things kept me from buying a Monta. They don't seem to care much about customers outside the U.S. The international shipping costs are quite high. Not only would I have to add taxes to the overall costs, but in case I'd decide to return the watch, the tax would be a loss, plus they even charge a restocking fee. Their communication bordered on arrogance. All in all, this scared me away from purchasing a Monta.
I have just ordered a formex reef over the monta skyquest, im in the UK and formex just seemed more straightforward and the whole brand appealed more. Both making lovely watches though.
Here from the FB group. I've been cross-shopping both of these models for so long.
Thank you for watching, hope you'll return for future videos!
That’s a great video. I have the Essence (and a Formex field) and love the watch. I am also drawn to Monta though and I’d struggle to pick an overall winner in the comparison.
Thank you for watching! In the end, if aesthetics are equally appealing, it should come down to technical considerents, and I believe Formex edges it.
Great review, dude! Indeed, you did try to be as objective as possible and it shows. I have one remark, however. I do not agree with you on Round 4's conclusion. The Formex' extention is not gimmeky at all, it works like charm and it is an absolute God-sent in the hot summer months.
Thank you!
I might’ve been a bit harsh on the extension, but it’s long ways from being as convenient as Monta’s. clasp.
I've been considering getting this Formex but the fact that I wouldn't be able to use one of my leather straps with it is pretty disappointing. As great as the bracelet looks, sometimes you want to change things up. They go out of their way to make the bracelet easily removable but then make it impossible to use a standard strap. Might as well just make it an integrated bracelet at that point.
For what is worth, their straps are said to be of exceptional quality. That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Very cool comparison and what a tough choice to make here. Love these kind of dual reviews. Both have their own but different charm and design going for it. My choice would be........ the Monta. Simple, elegant and timeless in design 🤩 Great and informative review 🍿⌚️📸👌
Thank you, Dick!
Yep! Henry Archer Vesterhav vs NMI Sövaern
Well, they both have promised to send watches for review... 4-5 months ago, and then radio silence. I guess my channel is too small for their lofty standards...
None of them is worth reviewing
Is Monta kidding with those prices ??? 😂
😞
MONTA
Formex
This is not a political video ;-)
It was, however, an enjoyable watch. Perhaps the key revelation for me is not your conclusion or remarks about originality and boldness, but the fact that for me the finish of the Formex visibly lagged behind Monta. That's actually a bit disappointing, even if it is mainly macro lens territory. Because the Formex bold high riding bezel gives so much surface area, the slight streaking and irregularities in the polishing are also simply more noticeable. It's a pity, and no doubt would be easy to remedy.
My considerations between these two are ultimately simple, unburdened by having to take an impartial reviewer's perspective. Or, perhaps, doing so unreservedly subjectively. Namely, the dial of this Monta is really not to my taste. Differently sized numerals always face an uphill battle with me, and this Monta falls at that first hurdle. Once fallen over, however, it becomes that much easier to appreciate that I far prefer the Monta's side profile to that of the Formex. I'm not averse to original lines and excentris cases, but the subtle elegance of Monta's lines wins. Despite the importance I personally place on the side profile, I could never choose a watch whose face I dislike. Furthermore, I also find the oyster style bracelet simply a bit of a bore. Sure, it probably suits this style, but just look at the Formex on your wrist! It's a different ballgame and stylistically the Formex wins easily. That carries over to the clasp, because no implementation of micro adjustments would convince me that such a clasp looks and wears better to the elegant butterfly (when sized properly). Formexes also looks especially well put together.
This brings me to your rather crucial point at the beginning: this contest should have been played by the Noble. I would have been more curious to see how that would have fared. And while I think the bracelet style of the Noble isn't that much more exciting, the refined take on the stainless steel sports watch might just have pipped the attractiveness comparison to the Formex.
The discussion on brand is tricky, but what sticks or most is the focus on the domestic market from Monta, especially at the lofty price tags they demand. In terms of innovation and components it would appear Formex easily could ask more, but often don't, making Monta quite aspirational in their commercial proposition. That, combined with a rather conservative streak in design, is a mark against them. Formex, on the other hand, for me would be a lot better if focusing on fewer model variations. Certainly not all of them work equally well, so the added costs of maintaining such a catalogue I find a regretful element. That money would be better spent on bringing the finishing up with the best.
As always a pleasure and, man!, do I love reading PARAGRAPHS! 😂
I should add another disclaimer. Well, a two-in-one, actually. First, I had horrible lighting throughout shooting this video. I ended up shooting in three different days, but I'm still not happy with the end product. Then, both watches are worn, Monta slightly more than the Formex.
I did my best to stay objective but not to focus on negatives. The clasp/bracelet combo of Monta is very comfortable indeed, but dated and somewhat cumbersome. I believe Formex suspension is a gimmick. Still, Formex wins, hands down.
Interesting you believe there's too much variety in Formex catalogue. As stated, I believe it's the other way around and a new model should be a priority.
@@themicrobrandexpert ah, to clarify: I think there are too many variants (most of them unnecessary and some not even very attractive) of the same model in the Formex catalogue. There is space for another model. And yes, the suspension system is unlikely to be a reason for me to buy it. I'm not sure if it exists to increase wearing comfort or shock absorption or both, but it just seems very unlikely to be essential (rather against the idea of the essence, then). But I appreciate the brand is quite committed to introducing innovations. That won't always work, but makes the space more interesting.
A Longines Hydroconquest with better build quality and better movement costs $1000. I wouldn't buy neither Monta nor Formex.
$1000? That's either pre-owned or quartz. Also, Hydroconquest is a diver, you might've though of the Conquest which, indeed, is a great watch. An automatic Conquest costs in excess of $2000 and the ETA A31 inside has only the advantage of a superior power reserve.
People are Russian to get these Ukraine watches.
Formex by far. Monta is too American for me. 😂
Interesting take... Care to ellaborate? What makes an American watch?
@@themicrobrandexpert well I previously watched some other video about Monta. And even in your video you confirmed that that they are USA oriented. Not a bad thing in this.
I never trusted an all American American brand like Trump would say because they have some shadiness attached to it. Of course, Monta is a revelation on YT, but mostly on the American part.
I would choose a Formex any day with 4/1 ratio instead of a Monta. And even comparing to lower brands like Baltic, I'd still go for Baltic instead of Monta as a 3/2 ratio. ☺
Don't make me talk again. I'm one of the sharpest and less nuanced friend of the community. Luv you! 🤗
😆 There are so many American micros that I simply love: Astor & Banks, Traska, Stella, Cincinnati, Nodus to some extent. Also, Americans make up a third of my viewer base and, I’m pretty sure about that, at least a third of global microbrand sales. So it makes sense for an American brand to target domestic customers, but it takes that huge step outside to truly make a name for oneself.
@@themicrobrandexpert for sure Traska is a good and solid microbrand. I am sad you did not mention the Texas based microbrand Trafford, I am having a big fondness for their watches. 🙌 This does not mean that I hate American microbrands. I dislike just a bit the fact that Monta are US oriented (but so are many others); fact that they are praised over the top, most of the time without a real justification, makes me dislike them more. 😁
Unfortunately, by the time we'll meet, the Monta would have returned to its owner. As I stated in the review, their greatest quality is their fit and finish, and one has to handle it to truly appreciate it. I got no skin in this (after all, I don't have any of their contacts, while I have Formex' CEO in my firnds' list on facebook), so you can trust me: any praise you've seen on quality is well deserved.
There’s just no way. Formex’s bracelet and case finishing can’t hold a candle to Monta. I just can’t see a single situation where any Monta would lose against any Formex.
That’s why Monta won the Fit & Finish and the Wearability & Versatility rounds 🙂
Well there is this thing called "opinion". I have owned both a Noble and a Essence 39, and i preferred the Formex. Honestly, the Monta is priced a bit high for what its offering.
@@jaer.6540 I could not believe how junky the 39 Essence I bought was. I returned it almost immediately.
Did you watch the vid? I'd still take the Formex...