Monta Triumph V2 marks a decisive chapter not only for the independent Swiss brand but also for the new generation of field watches that blend heritage design with modern engineering. In a landscape dominated by vintage revivals and look-alike divers, Monta has carved out a niche for serious collectors who want the build quality of big names like Rolex or Tudor - without the corporate price tag. The Triumph V2, launched for 2025, is more than just a follow-up to the 2017 Triumph; it’s a fully realized evolution of Monta’s design philosophy, pairing practicality with precision in a way few microbrands have managed.
From Humble Beginnings to Swiss Credibility
Founded in St.
Louis but producing in Switzerland, Monta emerged from the same minds behind Everest Bands, a company known for crafting premium aftermarket straps for Rolex. This connection to Rolex enthusiasts isn’t accidental - it shaped Monta’s early design language and its commitment to finishing standards well above microbrand norms. When the first Triumph launched in 2017, it was praised for its proportions, sharp dial printing, and crisp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces
. It became a benchmark for what a small brand could achieve with true Swiss manufacturing partners.
Eight years later, the Triumph V2 reflects that maturity. It’s no longer a field watch with luxury aspirations - it’s a luxury-level tool watch that happens to come from a boutique name.
And this distinction matters. The V2 doesn’t just compete with microbrands; it plays in the same league as the Tudor Ranger, Sinn 556, or even the Rolex Explorer itself, offering a balanced mix of functionality, craftsmanship, and price realism.
The Case: Modernized Tool-Watch Perfection
The Triumph V2’s case has grown subtly from 38.5mm to 40mm in diameter, yet it still wears comfortably on wrists of all sizes. The 47mm lug-to-lug ensures proportional balance, while a 10.7mm thickness keeps the watch slim enough to slip under a cuff
. Crown guards - absent on the original Triumph - add a contemporary, rugged touch, offering both protection and sportier aesthetics.
Machined entirely from 316L stainless steel, the case combines satin brushing with diamond-cut polished bevels, creating a level of finishing that rivals watches twice its price. 
The 200-meter water resistance (up from 150m in the original) demonstrates Monta’s technical refinement. Every element - crown threading, gasket integration, even the feel of the bezel edge - reflects an obsessive attention to tactile detail. The watch feels “engineered,” not just assembled.
Dial Design: A Study in Function and Restraint
At first glance, the Triumph V2’s dial may remind enthusiasts of the Rolex Explorer, but closer inspection reveals a character all its own. The deep black Opalin-finished dial avoids unnecessary gloss, maintaining optimal legibility in all conditions. The applied numerals at 3, 6, and 9 glow brightly thanks to thick layers of Super-LumiNova that emit a crisp blue tone in the dark. The white-printed minute track and polished hour markers balance contrast with refinement, and the date window at 6 o’clock - framed and precisely aligned - adds practical utility while preserving symmetry.
Monta’s sword-style hands, a signature design cue, are filled with matching lume and extend confidently across the dial. Unlike many field watches that feel austere, the Triumph V2 delivers depth and subtle play of light through layered indices and beveled chapter rings. It’s an aesthetic equilibrium - sporty, minimal, but unmistakably premium.
Movement: Swiss Precision, Monta Refinement
Powering the Triumph V2 is the Monta Caliber M-22, based on the Sellita SW300-1, one of the most respected third-party Swiss movements available. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing a 56-hour power reserve, the SW300 is thinner than the more common SW200, allowing for the V2’s slim case profile. It’s equipped with a customized rotor and perlage finishing visible through the sapphire caseback. Each movement is regulated in multiple positions to meet Monta’s internal accuracy standards, typically within +5/-5 seconds per day - rivaling COSC performance.
The use of the SW300 is significant: it shows Monta’s commitment to over-spec’ing its watches. Many microbrands would settle for the cheaper SW200; Monta insists on the finer architecture and smoother winding action of the SW300, a decision that places the Triumph V2 a tier above most competitors in the sub-$2,000 segment.
Bracelet and Clasp: The Comfort Benchmark
Monta’s bracelets have become something of legend among enthusiasts, and the Triumph V2 continues that reputation. The three-link bracelet tapers elegantly from 20mm to 16mm, ensuring visual flow and ergonomic balance. Each fully articulating link moves independently - no stiff, hinged construction here. The bracelet is secured with single-sided screws, and Monta includes two half-links for perfect fitment.
The folding clasp integrates a three-step tool-free micro-adjustment system, reminiscent of Tudor’s T-Fit, and is secured using ceramic ball-bearing detents for smooth operation. While there’s no quick-release mechanism, the bracelet feels cohesive, refined, and purpose-built
. It’s easily one of the most comfortable steel bracelets in this price category, offering the kind of wrist experience that keeps collectors wearing the watch daily instead of rotating it out.
Comparisons: Monta vs. the Competition
At $1,850 retail - or $1,550 during launch promotion - the Triumph V2 occupies a unique space. Compared to the Tudor Ranger ($3,050) or Rolex Explorer ($7,500+), Monta delivers comparable finishing and higher everyday practicality for a fraction of the price. Unlike many homage brands, Monta’s design language - its sword hands, dial proportions, and bracelet architecture - has matured into something recognizably its own.
Even against competitors like Sinn, Christopher Ward, or Longines Spirit, the Triumph V2 holds its ground. Its thinness, bracelet refinement, and water resistance combine qualities that often don’t coexist in one watch. In many ways, Monta represents what enthusiasts hoped Tudor would remain before it went fully luxury-focused.
Field Watch Meets Everyday Luxury
The Triumph V2 straddles the fine line between ruggedness and sophistication. It’s suitable for everything from hiking trails to boardrooms, bridging the gap between the Explorer’s adventure spirit and the dressier versatility of a Grand Seiko SBGN003. This hybrid appeal - utility without compromise - has made the Triumph V2 one of the most talked-about releases among collectors who want a ‘one-watch solution.’
FAQs About the Monta Triumph V2
Is the Monta Triumph V2 Swiss Made?
Yes. Although Monta is an American-founded brand, the Triumph V2 is fully assembled and regulated in Switzerland using Swiss components and Sellita movements.
Can the Triumph V2 be used for diving?
With 200 meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown, it can easily handle swimming and shallow diving, though it’s not a dedicated dive watch.
How does it compare to the Rolex Explorer?
The Triumph V2 shares the Explorer’s spirit of minimalist functionality but offers a date window, sword-style hands, and a slightly bolder personality. It’s less of an homage and more of a parallel evolution of the same concept.
Key Takeaways
- Updated 40mm case with crown guards and 200m water resistance.
- Swiss Sellita SW300-based M-22 movement with 56-hour power reserve.
- Superb finishing, rivaling watches twice the price.
- Fully articulating bracelet with ceramic-bearing clasp and micro-adjustment.
- Balanced design - Explorer-inspired but uniquely Monta.
- Launch price of $1,550 for early buyers; $1,850 thereafter.
Final Verdict
The Monta Triumph V2 exemplifies what modern enthusiasts crave: a mechanical watch that respects heritage but embraces modern usability. It’s not just another Explorer alternative - it’s arguably the most compelling field watch under $2,000 today. Between its build quality, proportions, and Swiss movement, Monta proves once again that small doesn’t mean small-minded. The Triumph V2 stands tall as the watch that redefines microbrand excellence for the modern collector.
