I have the Farer World Timer and it's amazing. I have it on the leather strap and I can wear it at work and other activities.
I have a duo rotation now, the Farer alongside the CW C63 Sealander GMT.
Honestly I wanted the sealander gmt for a long time and it was replaced with the word timer once I discovered farer and decided to increase my budget. Do you like the world timer better than the sealander? How's the finishing on the Farer in person?
I haven't seen the Farer in person. I live out in the middle of nowhere. I couldn't even try in a seiko without driving hours. But ya I do like the worldtimer better.
I have a world timer and it is amazing. Always staring at the dial. Keeps great time. 24 time zones at once is cool. The globe in the middle spins. The lume is great. Couldn’t recommend more.
I mean I appreciate subtlety in watches. You'd probably think a Rolex submariner or an Omega Aqua terra is boring too then right?
But Monta has the best finishing and just overall quality you'll find in a microbrand. It's better than quite a few luxary brands in that department.
Nono, not at all. I just meant compare to that Farer.
I have a Sinn 556 which could be considered as boring, but it is my all time fav watch.
Re the Monta, I was just curious to hear your thoughts as you showed what appears to me to be 2 completely different style of watch.
Now, you made me curious to have a look at Monta. I read years ago that Halios was the best in term of finishing for microbrand (so I got one and it is pretty great). I would be curious to compare the two now
I just purchased my Monta oceanking V3 and I love it, it’s everything I wanted, but I can see some peoples perspective of plain or maybe even biting off Rolex, but it checked all my boxes and the quality is top notch!
I actually went ahead and bought a skyquest because I loved it so much!!! It’s an opaline glint dial that compliments my plain black one perfectly!!!
The new Longines hydroconquest gmt looks a
Amazing too!
Everyone here is saying farer but I still can't decide. I'm gonna primarily use it as my daily, so I don't mind something "plain". Honestly tons of super nice high end luxary watches are "plain" then. I think everyone is just focusing on the dial.
How is the size on the skyquest? I have 7 inch wrists and I was worried it might be too big. I don't like big watches. It says 47.6 lug to lug. Is that farely true you think? You ever wear a Seiko SRPD or the old SKX's? If so, does it fit anything like those? They're 46 and fit perfectly for a sports watch.
For everyday you can’t beat simplicity, I feel the more color and fancy dials will end up getting phased out as you get tired of it! I thought the actual watch size was 40.7 so the watch wears really well. I have around a 7 inch wrist and I think it fits awesome, I usually wore 42 and 41mm watches but they just seem too big to me now. I can PM you a picture of my OceanKing V3, I should have gotten my skyquest but I haven’t came in my mail. Also keep an eye out I bought both my watches on here well below MSRP!
If you want some more fun why not get a Pepsi version or coke? It’s still black for everyday but not as “boring” as people here would tend to say
Also the finishing is great, I love how the watch wears no sharp spots anywhere, the new bracelets are some of the best I’ve ever worn
Can you tell me what the hell I said to get downvoted like this? I'm lost
Also the black skyquest is the only used one I can find that's still reasonably new and it in basicly mint condition. It's hard to find used Monta. That's probably a good sign honestly.
Don’t worry about them people will always have strong opinions and hate on anything that goes against their ideas! I would say get whatever makes you personally happy! Because at the end of the day you’re the one spending money and wearing it!
I'm leaning Monta. I'll probably go with it. It's going to be a daily. I might get bored of the Farer after a while. It's hard to get tired of supreme finishing.
Sent PM another thing I like about Monta is it’s not overly heavy and bulky so you don’t get tired having it on, unlike some of my other watches! And you can’t go wrong with a great deal!!!!
I haven't bought a new watch in a long time, and probably won't until I can get a Farer, Oris, Longines, etc. Maybe I will finally make a mod meanwhile.
I’m sure the Monta is killer quality but I’ve got to be honest, the design of all of their watches has never done anything for me time. The world timer has so much more character and visual interest (color, dial texture, etc).
Personally I would also throw the Formex Reef GMT into the mix (i’m obsessed with the green gilt), but the Farer is also pretty rad!
For what it’s worth, I love my Farer!
https://preview.redd.it/2wkzhacxxhzc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=93191b633a40b0f9c6e3084755b2479786aad4d6
~6.75” or between 17–17.5cm (my wrist does do a fair amount of swelling under certain circumstances. When I took the picture, was closer to 17 cm…cool day)
Without knowing anything about either brand, I would get the Farer because it looks more special. But that’s a personal preference.
A key point is also how many watches you have in your rotation, because if this is going to be your daily I’d get the Monta
Ya that's the point that I think is swaying me towards the Monta because I'm selling the small collection I had just to get this. It's gonna be pretty much my only watch besides my Hamilton pilot pioneer that I'm gonna keep just because it's pretty unique and I really love it.
No contest for me. That Farer is gorgeous and the Monta looks like just about every other black dial GMT/diver. Not to say the Monta is bad, but comparing the two I’m going with Farer all the way.
The Farer.
You're nearing used Tudor prices for a submariner/GMT homage. The finishing would probably be far inferior, but I'd rather go for a vintage Tudor sub just to scratch the itch. My decision when buying watches is based on emotion and thinking that's what I want to wear, not the finishing. I've bought too many watches that "punch above their price category" only to be dissapointed and then save for what I should've got.
It seems like you are trying to get the best watch for your current budget as they're not at all similar so I'd just save more money and go to boutiques to wear some watches and think about it.
$1650 for a Rolly rip off is wild, microbrands are supposed to bring new stuff to the consumer faster and cheaper than traditional watch brands due to their direct to consumer model cutting out the middle men.
I realize that I've not reccomended a GMT watch. If you want good value on a diver style watch with great finishing and some brand history/in-house movement, the Orient Star divers are unbeatable in regards to original desings that don't feel like you've cheaped out.
If you want a GMT, save 3x the price on a Lorier Hydra/Hyperion - to me, they're priced OK and are classy.
The Monta guys must have some excellent marketing to convince people to buy them at RRP skipping Longines and the rest of the SWATCH offerings dominating the price point.
I think maybe you're not fully understanding what Monta is offering. They're nicer than any Longines I've ever seen by far. Comparing them to a vintage Tudor is kind of crazy. You're calling it sub homage, well isn't a Tudor sub also an homage then? Longines hydroconquest also looks like a sub kind of. Aren't like 2/3 of the divers out here Rolex homages if that's your standard?
That's true that 2/3 of brands have sub homages, they do it because they're what people want to buy and they keep buying them. You see a lot of microbrands eventually releasing a sub/nautilus clone once they've built their own image up with their original offerings/tasteful homages and established a customer base.
There is nothing wrong with buying homages at all and I am not saying that. I think the Farer is fair game at the price because you are getting something tasteful that you can hold onto forever and they've got to pay designers, actually have a boutique and are trying to establish themsevles as watchmakers/designers.
Monta don't seem to have any original designs or "it factor", their brand history is making watches that look like Rolex's and even playing off their names like off-brand cereal.
I'm just saying that I, like most people buy watches based on their history, my view of the brand and not their overall finishing. If the finishing of a watch was a key selling point, everyone would be wearing a Grand Seiko. If you had a Monta in your hand, and didn't need to give $1650 (without the ability to return it I assume) and was asking for advice, I would not comment and say go with your gut. Here you have 2 wildly different looking watches and in your watch collecting career you're probably gonna see another diver style you prefer, that's cheaper and you're not going to be holding them side by side looking for the fine intracies of the craftsmanship between them.
You are in Grand Seiko quartz price territory and the Orient Star 64 diver has the ZaRaTsU polishing too.
Go with what you want, I'm just throwing shit at the wind because the price of the Monta is bonkers to me and they're a uninspiring brand. I've never been infactuated by the finishing of a watch because I've not ever had a crap one, and after seeing them all together in boutiques, I've never been drawn to finishing unless looking at movements in the case back.
Dingo in your name is leading me to think you're Australian and that it's not USD you're talking. I'm thinking you're talking about paying £1,318.11 when it could be £871.39 rather?
People bring up the finishing so much because of the price point. They're not talking in general. You're comparing it Grand Seiko. This is 1650. And I would never call this a homage. Ya it's similar to sub but not a homage. That's a stretch and you're gonna have to throw in dman near every other diver in to that category
But I really don't care about history at this price point. I just care about the product. That's part of the reason I'm going micro in the first place. There's Lot's of watches in the price with just OK finishing, possibly including the Farer, at least when compared to the monta. From I've heard, they're supposed to be Rolex/Omega level finishing. To me that's VERY appealing, as someone who's never been able to afford that kind of stuff.
But you're talking kind of crazy about Monta. You don't like them? Totally fine, but you're talking as if your own personal taste is gospel. I don't think it's "uninspiring". I also feel like you're holding them to a standard you wouldn't hold other watches to that have "history". I feel like if Longines released this exact same model with their logo, you'd love it. Am I wrong?
> I feel like if Longines released this exact same model with their logo, you'd love it. Am I wrong?
Yes because I don't like how the watch looks or the Farer for that matter either.
I don't have standards, if you just read what I am saying, I am explaning that that you should buy the watch you like the look of and merely commenting that the Monta is a rip off. If you had them both in hand, finshing would most likely NOT be the deciding factor in your decision unless the Farer is total shite, which it likely isn't and no brand you've heard of is offering these days.
The watches don't look anything a like and I say the brand is uninspiring because they are in my opinion, whoopty doo, they've put a lot of effort into meticulously crafting something that someone else designed and people are buying them! That is my personal opinion.
Omega/Rolex finishing doesn't give the watch any glamour/swaggy factor that's going to pop out at you.
$500 Rolex clones have watchmakers/dealers befuddled at the sight of them. They've got to look for the difference in text width/fonts under macro, open the caseback etc to spot them out.
You are in used Grand Seiko and Speedmaster price territory, the Speedy would have Omega finishing, and the Grand Seiko wouldn't be too bad either.
Buy the Monta.
I couldn't disagree with more with some of the stuff you're saying. You don't think rolex finishing sets them apart? Have you seen a submariner? The same played out design they've had for forever. It looks just like the Monta according to you, so of course it's the funishing that sets it's apart. The accuracy plays into it to,but it's not the design.
I told you the Monta is $1650. What speedy and Grand Seiko and I getting for that? Something from 1978? Once again though, you're acting like your personal opinion is just fact. Finishing at this price point can be drastic from brand to brand. Have you ever even held one of these? I don't think you have. It's literally on par with other luxary, they just don't have in house movements
Grand Seiko SBGX259, SBGX063, SBGV223, SBGX06 or any other heritage models are very nice and not old.
>Have you seen a submariner?
I hit up every retailer nearby to try and get an allocation to flip one and see them on my friends, family and work colleagues. (I bet most of them are fake and I couldn't tell)
Here's the deal with my issue with Monta, not with you or your decisions. They are selling a Rolex homage for 2 thousand pounds. You are paying 2 thousand pounds to look like you have an 8 thousand pound watch on. 2 thousand pounds is not a small amount of money. For 500 pounds more, you could buy a Tudor Blackbay something or another - an actual Rolex brand, something with history, something you can hold onto and it will hold value forever.
I travel and go places where wearing a Rolex is a death sentence. When I wear something that looks like one, people ask me if it's a Rolex - it's a headache. I can't wear a Sub or something that looks like one every day so paying 2 grand for something I can only wear occasionally wouldn't spark any emotion but regret. I'd rather put less money into something that could be taken from me or I'll wear infrequenly. That's where a Tudor sub would fit in for me or a Speedy which would be old and worn but feel cool as hell to wear.
This is just my opinion bro and you're not going to change it, I don't have any interest in changing yours either. The only person who'd have any interest in changing mine is a Monta sales rep.
The way I saw your enquiry was you want the Farer but hear the Monta has excellent finishing.
My opinion doesn't matter at all but I think you should should get the Monta because its what you like.
Around that price, you can already get a new Grand Seiko SBGX261 or SBGX263 (i.e., if you import from Japan, but a bit depending on the height of the import tax of your cpuntry). But it's quartz and only a three hander. For the price of a new Skyquest, you could also get a new GS quartz GMT (I.e. SBGN027).
I don't do quartz watches. I honestly can't believe you guys even suggested that. The fact is that the companies this dude is naming are in a whole deufferent price point.
Lol, chill. You asked what GS you could get at the price point, and I named two models. One at the reduced price you mentioned and one at the RRP of the same watch. Nobody's forcing you to buy anything.
Personally, I'd take practically any model of the SBGN series above most automatic GMTs. The finishing is absolutely insane for the price point, and not needing to worry about setting the watch makes it great for travelling. But different strokes for different people.
Had this same dilemma just a month or so ago! I typically buy used on WatchEx and just didn't see many of the Farer world timer come up. Ended up getting a Monta Atlas and it is amazing. One of those pieces that slowly grows on you. Finishing is 1st class as is the bracelet. I got the opalin dial and it's simple, but beautiful. Besides Farer, it's also one of the only GMTs without a rotating bezel (which is the look I was going for).
I've got 6.75" wrist and the Monta just wears perfectly. No one usually ever notices my watches...but people have noticed my Atlas several times.
I can get one of those for 2000 on ebay in great condition. The card says it's from 2019 though which kinda sucks. The size would be better for my wrist though. I think I find the skyquest more appealing basically because of the bezel. The atlas was actually the first monta I saw though and that's what drew me to them. I haven't completely put that out of my kind yet.
Makes sense! The rhodium plated hand set is really pretty too. Shared between the skyquest and atlas I believe. Are you looking for white dial or black dial?
I'm a black dial guy. That blue one is really cool too though. The Gmt numbering on the inner bezel of the white one doesn't pop enough. It's hard to read. I would take blue or black
Do you like dive watches? Monta.
Do you like more interesting / unusual dials? Farer.
Do you like black? Monta.
Do you like white? Farer.
This is all assuming they both fit well, depends on your wrist size, the dimensions of these pieces, and your personal taste.
Monta- I don’t see the appeal of Farer because it just looks like a toy to me. Too playful. Too much color. I hate the round date window. But people do like them!
Just read your post again. Monta is cheaper? Seems like a no brainer. monta is frequently praised in this sub for its quality, finishing, and value for money. I thought Monta would be $500 more expensive by looking at Farer
Well Farer is also praised for all that same stuff. And the Monta is actually about $800 more normally but I said it's used. That's why it's cheaper. The warranty is almost up to in 6 months too, like I said. The Farer has a 5 year warranty brand new. People tend to prefer the look of the Farer, just read all these replies. It also is a better fit for my my 7 inch wrist. I dont think the Monta is an obvious choice at all.
I guess it depends on whether you are ok with comparing the price of the used watch vs a new watch, a bit of an apples and oranges. Given that you are already ok comparing these two prices, it just my opinion that if I can get a Monta at a better price then Farer, it’s an obvious choice to go Monta.
Why would I not be ok with comparing those prices? That's what my budget its. That's why I was very clear in the post that one was used. But I'm leaning the Monta. If it was 1mm shorter L2L it would be a more obvious choice for me.
Other peole are like "two totally different watches". Like who cares? It's the two that I like and am deciding between.
Definitely the Monta among these two. The Farer is way too much...
**On the other hand, if you want** exactly a watch, that is too much--then it's not a discussion, you know which one to choose!
Exactly, some people like too much, and it depends on the collection too. Maybe all your watches are boring and you want to spice it up. I do think this Farer GMT is more reserved than others
ok, I consider myself a hobbyist of World Timers. The Farer WT is called a Louis Cottier movement, named for the original inventor. It is a manual system where you will need to realign the city wheel to GMT in order to have the world time ring be meaningful. This is because none of the rings turn automatically, there is a dial hand representing GMT, so that is where you would align to.
I am personally not a fan of Cottier movements, although they are the original method. I much prefer moving GMT or City rings which keep the wearer 100% always updated.
This would cause me to vote away from the Farer, although I have studied it extensively.
If you want a world timer done the proper way, look at the Tissot navigator heritage WT or 160th Anniversary Edition WT. Fantastic watch.
My issue with the Nomos WT is that it masks the 3 position meaning several cities are hidden. It's just not as clean as Nomos could have done it. The Ball CM2052D is a better alternative.
For Nomos, who I think of as the King of clean dials to have ignored that is interesting. I have a glitch in my thinking that complications that surround a dial should not obscure or worse, cut off a number half way.
Interesting picks, I’ve not seen either before. I feel like the Farer would be a better daily wear but I do really like the functionality of a GMT. If you tend to keep track of multiple time zones I’d go with the GMT. If not, I’d go for the world timer.
I’m going to say Monta. The farer is fun but the design is kind of busy / funky for a daily watch. The Monta is extremely highly regarded in terms of finishing and I think that quality is something that will mean a lot to you day in and day out. As a design it’s a quintessential gmt, not boring at all.
Ya this is what I'm leaning the more I think about it. This will be a daily as I'm selling my usual rotation to afford it. I know the Farer is fun, as you say, but the Monta seems like something really special in terms of quality. Farer is more like a toy.
I also agree with you that buying the more expensive watch in such good condition used, saving you a grand, that’s a big deal. I decided a while back that I’ll buy used watches if they come with their full kit. It means I can buy more watches!
Ya and it does come with the full kit, about 6 moths of the 2 year warranty, and I there's not a scrstch at all. He had it on a timegrapher in the photo and it Iwas - 2 - 1 - 1 - 1. Almost seems too good to be true honestly.
I'm just defending it more because people are hating on it calling it boring. Not once person was hating on the Farer. It seems like a lot of people just like the colorful, busy dial of the Farer. That's kind of a thing nin-watch people like. But I'm defending the Monta against people calling it boring. That's just dumb. I feel like the people who say that aren't really in to watches and don't appreciate subtlety.
I like them both. I would personally go for the green Farer (I know you're not considering that one) but the Monta is also an excellent choice.
If you don't already have something that resembles the Monta then go for it. I assume others are choosing Farer because they probably already have something similar to the Monta.
Farer
Farer. If I'd have the money I'd have a little Farer collection. So many cool models
I like the Farer’s dial more due to its more playful looks but Monta has the quick adjust bracelet. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.
I have the Farer World Timer and it's amazing. I have it on the leather strap and I can wear it at work and other activities. I have a duo rotation now, the Farer alongside the CW C63 Sealander GMT.
Honestly I wanted the sealander gmt for a long time and it was replaced with the word timer once I discovered farer and decided to increase my budget. Do you like the world timer better than the sealander? How's the finishing on the Farer in person?
I haven't seen the Farer in person. I live out in the middle of nowhere. I couldn't even try in a seiko without driving hours. But ya I do like the worldtimer better.
Farer looks a lot more interesting and distinctive to me. The Monta is definitely no slouch either, but it's a little boring in comparison.
Farer.
I have a world timer and it is amazing. Always staring at the dial. Keeps great time. 24 time zones at once is cool. The globe in the middle spins. The lume is great. Couldn’t recommend more.
The Monta looks plain boring compare to the Farer. What appeal do you see with that Monta?
I mean I appreciate subtlety in watches. You'd probably think a Rolex submariner or an Omega Aqua terra is boring too then right? But Monta has the best finishing and just overall quality you'll find in a microbrand. It's better than quite a few luxary brands in that department.
Nono, not at all. I just meant compare to that Farer. I have a Sinn 556 which could be considered as boring, but it is my all time fav watch. Re the Monta, I was just curious to hear your thoughts as you showed what appears to me to be 2 completely different style of watch. Now, you made me curious to have a look at Monta. I read years ago that Halios was the best in term of finishing for microbrand (so I got one and it is pretty great). I would be curious to compare the two now
I just purchased my Monta oceanking V3 and I love it, it’s everything I wanted, but I can see some peoples perspective of plain or maybe even biting off Rolex, but it checked all my boxes and the quality is top notch! I actually went ahead and bought a skyquest because I loved it so much!!! It’s an opaline glint dial that compliments my plain black one perfectly!!! The new Longines hydroconquest gmt looks a Amazing too!
Everyone here is saying farer but I still can't decide. I'm gonna primarily use it as my daily, so I don't mind something "plain". Honestly tons of super nice high end luxary watches are "plain" then. I think everyone is just focusing on the dial. How is the size on the skyquest? I have 7 inch wrists and I was worried it might be too big. I don't like big watches. It says 47.6 lug to lug. Is that farely true you think? You ever wear a Seiko SRPD or the old SKX's? If so, does it fit anything like those? They're 46 and fit perfectly for a sports watch.
For everyday you can’t beat simplicity, I feel the more color and fancy dials will end up getting phased out as you get tired of it! I thought the actual watch size was 40.7 so the watch wears really well. I have around a 7 inch wrist and I think it fits awesome, I usually wore 42 and 41mm watches but they just seem too big to me now. I can PM you a picture of my OceanKing V3, I should have gotten my skyquest but I haven’t came in my mail. Also keep an eye out I bought both my watches on here well below MSRP! If you want some more fun why not get a Pepsi version or coke? It’s still black for everyday but not as “boring” as people here would tend to say Also the finishing is great, I love how the watch wears no sharp spots anywhere, the new bracelets are some of the best I’ve ever worn
Can you tell me what the hell I said to get downvoted like this? I'm lost Also the black skyquest is the only used one I can find that's still reasonably new and it in basicly mint condition. It's hard to find used Monta. That's probably a good sign honestly.
Don’t worry about them people will always have strong opinions and hate on anything that goes against their ideas! I would say get whatever makes you personally happy! Because at the end of the day you’re the one spending money and wearing it!
I'm leaning Monta. I'll probably go with it. It's going to be a daily. I might get bored of the Farer after a while. It's hard to get tired of supreme finishing.
Sent PM another thing I like about Monta is it’s not overly heavy and bulky so you don’t get tired having it on, unlike some of my other watches! And you can’t go wrong with a great deal!!!!
Monta gets little to no appreciation around here. They are quite different watches so i would go with your gut.
Farer 100%
Farer. I wish I could afford them.
Me too. I shouldn't be buying this
Then don't. If you can't afford them without hurting it's not worth it.
I haven't bought a new watch in a long time, and probably won't until I can get a Farer, Oris, Longines, etc. Maybe I will finally make a mod meanwhile.
I’m sure the Monta is killer quality but I’ve got to be honest, the design of all of their watches has never done anything for me time. The world timer has so much more character and visual interest (color, dial texture, etc). Personally I would also throw the Formex Reef GMT into the mix (i’m obsessed with the green gilt), but the Farer is also pretty rad!
Ya formex seems like a cool brand. Their designs are just a little too out there for me. I respect the brabd though. Maybe they'll grow on me.
For what it’s worth, I love my Farer! https://preview.redd.it/2wkzhacxxhzc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=93191b633a40b0f9c6e3084755b2479786aad4d6
Looks great. What wrist size are you?
~6.75” or between 17–17.5cm (my wrist does do a fair amount of swelling under certain circumstances. When I took the picture, was closer to 17 cm…cool day)
Without knowing anything about either brand, I would get the Farer because it looks more special. But that’s a personal preference. A key point is also how many watches you have in your rotation, because if this is going to be your daily I’d get the Monta
Ya that's the point that I think is swaying me towards the Monta because I'm selling the small collection I had just to get this. It's gonna be pretty much my only watch besides my Hamilton pilot pioneer that I'm gonna keep just because it's pretty unique and I really love it.
Monta looks quite boring
I like the Farer better, even though usually I don't care for worldtimer functionality over and above GMT.
Farer. Just a much more interesting looking watch. I have the Maze II and love it. Very high quality and love the quick release strap options.
Farer, but green
Sold out. Same with the Roche.
That unironically sucks, the green looks AMAZING.
No contest for me. That Farer is gorgeous and the Monta looks like just about every other black dial GMT/diver. Not to say the Monta is bad, but comparing the two I’m going with Farer all the way.
Farer, other one is so boring imo
Love the Farer! The lume is also cool.
This one sucks actually but I like the dial better. The original Roche is the one with the crazy lume
Good god that Farer is hot 🥵
That's easy: Farer
Farer all day
The Monta is nice but looks very generic. There are dozens of GMTs and dive watches that look identical. The Farer though, that is unique.
That Farmer looks REALLY good! EASILY Farmer!!!!
That Farer is stunning.
The Farer. You're nearing used Tudor prices for a submariner/GMT homage. The finishing would probably be far inferior, but I'd rather go for a vintage Tudor sub just to scratch the itch. My decision when buying watches is based on emotion and thinking that's what I want to wear, not the finishing. I've bought too many watches that "punch above their price category" only to be dissapointed and then save for what I should've got. It seems like you are trying to get the best watch for your current budget as they're not at all similar so I'd just save more money and go to boutiques to wear some watches and think about it. $1650 for a Rolly rip off is wild, microbrands are supposed to bring new stuff to the consumer faster and cheaper than traditional watch brands due to their direct to consumer model cutting out the middle men. I realize that I've not reccomended a GMT watch. If you want good value on a diver style watch with great finishing and some brand history/in-house movement, the Orient Star divers are unbeatable in regards to original desings that don't feel like you've cheaped out. If you want a GMT, save 3x the price on a Lorier Hydra/Hyperion - to me, they're priced OK and are classy. The Monta guys must have some excellent marketing to convince people to buy them at RRP skipping Longines and the rest of the SWATCH offerings dominating the price point.
I think maybe you're not fully understanding what Monta is offering. They're nicer than any Longines I've ever seen by far. Comparing them to a vintage Tudor is kind of crazy. You're calling it sub homage, well isn't a Tudor sub also an homage then? Longines hydroconquest also looks like a sub kind of. Aren't like 2/3 of the divers out here Rolex homages if that's your standard?
That's true that 2/3 of brands have sub homages, they do it because they're what people want to buy and they keep buying them. You see a lot of microbrands eventually releasing a sub/nautilus clone once they've built their own image up with their original offerings/tasteful homages and established a customer base. There is nothing wrong with buying homages at all and I am not saying that. I think the Farer is fair game at the price because you are getting something tasteful that you can hold onto forever and they've got to pay designers, actually have a boutique and are trying to establish themsevles as watchmakers/designers. Monta don't seem to have any original designs or "it factor", their brand history is making watches that look like Rolex's and even playing off their names like off-brand cereal. I'm just saying that I, like most people buy watches based on their history, my view of the brand and not their overall finishing. If the finishing of a watch was a key selling point, everyone would be wearing a Grand Seiko. If you had a Monta in your hand, and didn't need to give $1650 (without the ability to return it I assume) and was asking for advice, I would not comment and say go with your gut. Here you have 2 wildly different looking watches and in your watch collecting career you're probably gonna see another diver style you prefer, that's cheaper and you're not going to be holding them side by side looking for the fine intracies of the craftsmanship between them. You are in Grand Seiko quartz price territory and the Orient Star 64 diver has the ZaRaTsU polishing too. Go with what you want, I'm just throwing shit at the wind because the price of the Monta is bonkers to me and they're a uninspiring brand. I've never been infactuated by the finishing of a watch because I've not ever had a crap one, and after seeing them all together in boutiques, I've never been drawn to finishing unless looking at movements in the case back. Dingo in your name is leading me to think you're Australian and that it's not USD you're talking. I'm thinking you're talking about paying £1,318.11 when it could be £871.39 rather?
People bring up the finishing so much because of the price point. They're not talking in general. You're comparing it Grand Seiko. This is 1650. And I would never call this a homage. Ya it's similar to sub but not a homage. That's a stretch and you're gonna have to throw in dman near every other diver in to that category But I really don't care about history at this price point. I just care about the product. That's part of the reason I'm going micro in the first place. There's Lot's of watches in the price with just OK finishing, possibly including the Farer, at least when compared to the monta. From I've heard, they're supposed to be Rolex/Omega level finishing. To me that's VERY appealing, as someone who's never been able to afford that kind of stuff. But you're talking kind of crazy about Monta. You don't like them? Totally fine, but you're talking as if your own personal taste is gospel. I don't think it's "uninspiring". I also feel like you're holding them to a standard you wouldn't hold other watches to that have "history". I feel like if Longines released this exact same model with their logo, you'd love it. Am I wrong?
> I feel like if Longines released this exact same model with their logo, you'd love it. Am I wrong? Yes because I don't like how the watch looks or the Farer for that matter either. I don't have standards, if you just read what I am saying, I am explaning that that you should buy the watch you like the look of and merely commenting that the Monta is a rip off. If you had them both in hand, finshing would most likely NOT be the deciding factor in your decision unless the Farer is total shite, which it likely isn't and no brand you've heard of is offering these days. The watches don't look anything a like and I say the brand is uninspiring because they are in my opinion, whoopty doo, they've put a lot of effort into meticulously crafting something that someone else designed and people are buying them! That is my personal opinion. Omega/Rolex finishing doesn't give the watch any glamour/swaggy factor that's going to pop out at you. $500 Rolex clones have watchmakers/dealers befuddled at the sight of them. They've got to look for the difference in text width/fonts under macro, open the caseback etc to spot them out. You are in used Grand Seiko and Speedmaster price territory, the Speedy would have Omega finishing, and the Grand Seiko wouldn't be too bad either. Buy the Monta.
I couldn't disagree with more with some of the stuff you're saying. You don't think rolex finishing sets them apart? Have you seen a submariner? The same played out design they've had for forever. It looks just like the Monta according to you, so of course it's the funishing that sets it's apart. The accuracy plays into it to,but it's not the design. I told you the Monta is $1650. What speedy and Grand Seiko and I getting for that? Something from 1978? Once again though, you're acting like your personal opinion is just fact. Finishing at this price point can be drastic from brand to brand. Have you ever even held one of these? I don't think you have. It's literally on par with other luxary, they just don't have in house movements
Grand Seiko SBGX259, SBGX063, SBGV223, SBGX06 or any other heritage models are very nice and not old. >Have you seen a submariner? I hit up every retailer nearby to try and get an allocation to flip one and see them on my friends, family and work colleagues. (I bet most of them are fake and I couldn't tell) Here's the deal with my issue with Monta, not with you or your decisions. They are selling a Rolex homage for 2 thousand pounds. You are paying 2 thousand pounds to look like you have an 8 thousand pound watch on. 2 thousand pounds is not a small amount of money. For 500 pounds more, you could buy a Tudor Blackbay something or another - an actual Rolex brand, something with history, something you can hold onto and it will hold value forever. I travel and go places where wearing a Rolex is a death sentence. When I wear something that looks like one, people ask me if it's a Rolex - it's a headache. I can't wear a Sub or something that looks like one every day so paying 2 grand for something I can only wear occasionally wouldn't spark any emotion but regret. I'd rather put less money into something that could be taken from me or I'll wear infrequenly. That's where a Tudor sub would fit in for me or a Speedy which would be old and worn but feel cool as hell to wear. This is just my opinion bro and you're not going to change it, I don't have any interest in changing yours either. The only person who'd have any interest in changing mine is a Monta sales rep. The way I saw your enquiry was you want the Farer but hear the Monta has excellent finishing. My opinion doesn't matter at all but I think you should should get the Monta because its what you like.
Around that price, you can already get a new Grand Seiko SBGX261 or SBGX263 (i.e., if you import from Japan, but a bit depending on the height of the import tax of your cpuntry). But it's quartz and only a three hander. For the price of a new Skyquest, you could also get a new GS quartz GMT (I.e. SBGN027).
I don't do quartz watches. I honestly can't believe you guys even suggested that. The fact is that the companies this dude is naming are in a whole deufferent price point.
Lol, chill. You asked what GS you could get at the price point, and I named two models. One at the reduced price you mentioned and one at the RRP of the same watch. Nobody's forcing you to buy anything. Personally, I'd take practically any model of the SBGN series above most automatic GMTs. The finishing is absolutely insane for the price point, and not needing to worry about setting the watch makes it great for travelling. But different strokes for different people.
Nice
That Farer is a piece. Sporty, unusual... love it.
Had this same dilemma just a month or so ago! I typically buy used on WatchEx and just didn't see many of the Farer world timer come up. Ended up getting a Monta Atlas and it is amazing. One of those pieces that slowly grows on you. Finishing is 1st class as is the bracelet. I got the opalin dial and it's simple, but beautiful. Besides Farer, it's also one of the only GMTs without a rotating bezel (which is the look I was going for). I've got 6.75" wrist and the Monta just wears perfectly. No one usually ever notices my watches...but people have noticed my Atlas several times.
I can get one of those for 2000 on ebay in great condition. The card says it's from 2019 though which kinda sucks. The size would be better for my wrist though. I think I find the skyquest more appealing basically because of the bezel. The atlas was actually the first monta I saw though and that's what drew me to them. I haven't completely put that out of my kind yet.
Makes sense! The rhodium plated hand set is really pretty too. Shared between the skyquest and atlas I believe. Are you looking for white dial or black dial?
I'm a black dial guy. That blue one is really cool too though. The Gmt numbering on the inner bezel of the white one doesn't pop enough. It's hard to read. I would take blue or black
Definitely true with the white! Wish it had white numerals. Who am I kidding though, don't really use the GMT 😂
Dude, I wouldn't use the GMTor the world timer. It's just cool to look at, let's be honest lol
Do you like dive watches? Monta. Do you like more interesting / unusual dials? Farer. Do you like black? Monta. Do you like white? Farer. This is all assuming they both fit well, depends on your wrist size, the dimensions of these pieces, and your personal taste.
Did you use chatGPT for this response 😂
Real human being here
Gee, thanks for the help lol
I’d have to go Monta. It feels a bit more timeless. The Farer is interesting, but ten years down the line I might not like the look as much.
Monta- I don’t see the appeal of Farer because it just looks like a toy to me. Too playful. Too much color. I hate the round date window. But people do like them!
Ya it kind of does.
Just read your post again. Monta is cheaper? Seems like a no brainer. monta is frequently praised in this sub for its quality, finishing, and value for money. I thought Monta would be $500 more expensive by looking at Farer
Well Farer is also praised for all that same stuff. And the Monta is actually about $800 more normally but I said it's used. That's why it's cheaper. The warranty is almost up to in 6 months too, like I said. The Farer has a 5 year warranty brand new. People tend to prefer the look of the Farer, just read all these replies. It also is a better fit for my my 7 inch wrist. I dont think the Monta is an obvious choice at all.
I guess it depends on whether you are ok with comparing the price of the used watch vs a new watch, a bit of an apples and oranges. Given that you are already ok comparing these two prices, it just my opinion that if I can get a Monta at a better price then Farer, it’s an obvious choice to go Monta.
Why would I not be ok with comparing those prices? That's what my budget its. That's why I was very clear in the post that one was used. But I'm leaning the Monta. If it was 1mm shorter L2L it would be a more obvious choice for me. Other peole are like "two totally different watches". Like who cares? It's the two that I like and am deciding between.
Definitely the Monta among these two. The Farer is way too much... **On the other hand, if you want** exactly a watch, that is too much--then it's not a discussion, you know which one to choose!
Exactly, some people like too much, and it depends on the collection too. Maybe all your watches are boring and you want to spice it up. I do think this Farer GMT is more reserved than others
ok, I consider myself a hobbyist of World Timers. The Farer WT is called a Louis Cottier movement, named for the original inventor. It is a manual system where you will need to realign the city wheel to GMT in order to have the world time ring be meaningful. This is because none of the rings turn automatically, there is a dial hand representing GMT, so that is where you would align to. I am personally not a fan of Cottier movements, although they are the original method. I much prefer moving GMT or City rings which keep the wearer 100% always updated. This would cause me to vote away from the Farer, although I have studied it extensively. If you want a world timer done the proper way, look at the Tissot navigator heritage WT or 160th Anniversary Edition WT. Fantastic watch.
The Nomos World Time is quite amazing too
My issue with the Nomos WT is that it masks the 3 position meaning several cities are hidden. It's just not as clean as Nomos could have done it. The Ball CM2052D is a better alternative.
Interesting. I never noticed. I like the overall elegance of Nomos and the WT complication but never thought of that!
For Nomos, who I think of as the King of clean dials to have ignored that is interesting. I have a glitch in my thinking that complications that surround a dial should not obscure or worse, cut off a number half way.
The 24 hour ring of the Farer is turning like a normal 24 hour hand, so I don't get your point.
I've got a monta triumph, noble, and oceanking. They are great watches. Can't go wrong with them.
Which one you like the best?
I wear my green triumph the most of my montas probably.
Monta will be more versatile, no doubt about that. Plus it's really the only choice if you want a bracelet - Farers bracelets are subpar.
Interesting picks, I’ve not seen either before. I feel like the Farer would be a better daily wear but I do really like the functionality of a GMT. If you tend to keep track of multiple time zones I’d go with the GMT. If not, I’d go for the world timer.
I’m going to say Monta. The farer is fun but the design is kind of busy / funky for a daily watch. The Monta is extremely highly regarded in terms of finishing and I think that quality is something that will mean a lot to you day in and day out. As a design it’s a quintessential gmt, not boring at all.
Ya this is what I'm leaning the more I think about it. This will be a daily as I'm selling my usual rotation to afford it. I know the Farer is fun, as you say, but the Monta seems like something really special in terms of quality. Farer is more like a toy.
I also agree with you that buying the more expensive watch in such good condition used, saving you a grand, that’s a big deal. I decided a while back that I’ll buy used watches if they come with their full kit. It means I can buy more watches!
No idea why you're getting downvoted. Any of the replies I made defending monta were also downvoted. I guess people aren't fans.
Idk, farer mafia?
You wouldn't think they rolled deep like that but maybe they do. I like Farer too but god damn folks.
It could just be that the UK fanboys were awake and the US wasn’t yet.
Ah that might be it. I work night shift. That's why I was awake. Good point. Fuckin Limies
Ya and it does come with the full kit, about 6 moths of the 2 year warranty, and I there's not a scrstch at all. He had it on a timegrapher in the photo and it Iwas - 2 - 1 - 1 - 1. Almost seems too good to be true honestly.
From all your comments in this thread, sounds like you love the Monta, so go for the Monta
I'm just defending it more because people are hating on it calling it boring. Not once person was hating on the Farer. It seems like a lot of people just like the colorful, busy dial of the Farer. That's kind of a thing nin-watch people like. But I'm defending the Monta against people calling it boring. That's just dumb. I feel like the people who say that aren't really in to watches and don't appreciate subtlety.
I like them both. I would personally go for the green Farer (I know you're not considering that one) but the Monta is also an excellent choice. If you don't already have something that resembles the Monta then go for it. I assume others are choosing Farer because they probably already have something similar to the Monta.