Monta Triumph V2 Hands-On Review

When Monta first introduced the Triumph in 2017, it positioned the watch as a refined reinterpretation of a classic field timepiece – modern, understated, and utilitarian. That early design laid down much of the visual language that has since found its way into many of Monta’s subsequent lines. Now, in 2025, Monta is revisiting and reinventing that foundation with a bold successor: the **Monta Triumph V2**.

This new iteration doesn’t merely refresh the original – it reimagines the Triumph as a more contemporary sports/field hybrid, drawing on lessons learned and feedback voiced over years of microbrand watchmaking.

The original Triumph was subtly military in spirit: a clean, restrained field watch elevated through precision finishing and careful proportions. By contrast, the **Triumph V2** leans harder into modern styling cues – much as Monta did when updating the Skyquest GMT, shifting it toward a more assertive, bold aesthetic than its predecessor. In the same spirit, the Triumph V2 introduces more assertive dial markings, larger proportions, and a sportier overall silhouette.

Design Shift: From Classic to Contemporary

One of the most visible concessions to modern tastes is the leap in case size

. Where the first-generation Triumph measured **38.5 mm**, the V2 grows to **40 mm** in diameter. Rather than feeling bulkier, however, the new model seems flatter and sleeker on wrist – aided by thinner bezel profiles and balanced proportions.

The thickness is now 10.7 mm, but the case design keeps it from feeling top-heavy.

Another structural change is the addition of **crown guards**. These protective shoulders on either side of the winding crown give the watch a more muscular, purposeful look – a shift away from the lean, almost naked case of the original. The lugs remain gently beveled and extend the footprint to a **lug-to-lug of 47 mm**, while lug width is 20 mm

. That broader stance gives the Triumph V2 a more confident presence on wrist.

Dial & Legibility Upgrades

The Triumph V2 retains the monochromatic black-and-white aesthetic that defines so many exploration-style watches.

Currently, only a **black dial** is available (though Monta may introduce variants later). The dial surface has a subdued matte “Opalin” texture, which keeps reflections in check and delivers a satisfying visual depth.

In contrast to the original Triumph – where the 3 and 9 numerals were modestly printed along the inner edge of the baton hour indexes – the new version embraces larger glowing numerals at 3, 6, and 9, replacing the markers themselves. These bold numerals boost readability in low light, especially when paired with generously sized hands treated with Super-LumiNova in white (glowing blue in darkness). The contrast of bright white on deep black is unambiguous, and the broader luminous surfaces enhance legibility in all conditions.

It is impossible to talk about the Triumph V2 without referencing the **Rolex Explorer**. The stylistic lineage is clear: three-hand simplicity, monochrome palette, and purposeful minimalism. Yet Monta diverges in key ways – while the Explorer is famous for its 3-6-9 no-date layout, the Triumph V2 introduces a **date window at 6 o’clock**. That decision may stir debate among purists, but it also gives the V2 a modern touch and everyday practicality absent in its iconic inspiration.

Case Construction & Water Resistance

The Triumph V2’s steel case is built to balance elegance and robustness. Despite being slightly taller than the first generation, its thinner appearance is aided by a flatter sapphire “display” caseback that sits nearly flush with the case. The crown and caseback are both threaded – a legacy Monta design trait – and the flat back helps it wear thin.

Thanks to the upgraded dimensions, Monta was able to boost water resistance from 150 m to **200 meters**. That extra capacity gives the watch added confidence for daily wear and occasional aquatic adventures while preserving a sleek profile on wrist.

Movement: The Heart Inside

Through the sapphire caseback, you’ll see the **Caliber M-22**, Monta’s in-house-branded version of the Sellita SW300. It runs at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with an approximate **power reserve of 56 hours**. The SW300 is generally regarded as a technical upgrade over the more common SW200 – it’s thinner, often more precise, and offers more reserve, making it ideal for refined sport-leaning watches.

Monta leverages that thin architecture so the Triumph V2 feels lean despite its specs. For a watch rated to 200 m, 10.7 mm is especially competitive. In many ways, the movement choice underscores Monta’s status as a brand that marries microbrand agility with Swiss mechanical ambition.

Bracelet & Clasp: Comfort First

The bracelet is the familiar three-link steel design seen across Monta’s portfolio: **20 mm at the lugs tapering to 16 mm under wrist**. But don’t confuse it with a typical “Oyster-style” bracelet. Monta’s variant is fully articulating – each link pivots independently – giving far better conformance to the wrist than bracelets hinged at limited points.

The links are secured via side screws (not pins), and edges are beveled to minimize friction against skin

. Monta also includes a pair of **half-links**, enabling precise clasp centering without losing comfort or flexibility.

The clasp is compact but well-engineered. Its lever-style system is reminiscent of Tudor’s T-fit, offering **three positions of tool-free adjustment**. Inside the folding mechanism, small **ceramic ball bearings** maintain smooth action and robust security. While some may grumble that there’s no quick-release system on the bracelet or that the clasp isn’t button-operated, in practice the design is polished and genuinely best-in-class for this segment.

Where Triumph V2 Fits in Monta’s Evolution

When Monta launched its first-generation models, the Triumph concept was the visual anchor. But that predictability came with a drawback – many models ended up sharing too similar a visual language. As Monta matured, each model began developing stronger visual identities. The **Triumph V2** is a clear statement: it’s not meant to blend in or feel derivative – it should feel distinct, modern, and purposeful.

To be fair, some observers will inevitably compare it to the Explorer. But Monta doesn’t shy away from that. Instead, it leans into difference: the crown guards, the date complication, the numerals, and the modern proportions all reflect a watch that respects tradition without being shackled by it. And from the build quality and ergonomics I’ve experienced, it’s hard to find fault.

Pricing, Value & Market Position

Monta has never been mass-market, and its pricing has always reflected an aspiration toward premium – even among microbrands. The **official retail** for the Triumph V2 (ref. 166BK00SP) lands at **US$1,850**. But for its **launch phase**, Monta is offering the **first 100 buyers** a special rate of **US$1,550**.

That places the V2 just above the original in terms of price – but given the enhancements in design, utility, and finishing, it remains the brand’s **most accessible model** in its current lineup. For buyers seeking an elevated field watch with subtle Explorer DNA (but more practicality), it’s a compelling choice.

Concluding Impressions

The Monta Triumph V2 signals not just a refresh of the Triumph line, but a confident new direction for Monta itself. It speaks to an ambition to push beyond microbrand archetypes: refined but robust, elegant yet rugged, familiar yet distinctive. It offers many of the desirable cues of more expensive icons while retaining a character of its own.

If you’re drawn to Explorer-style watches but chafed at the price of Rolex, or have watched Tudor’s Ranger with interest, the Triumph V2 demands your attention. Monta has balanced utility, design, and mechanical integrity better than most at this tier.

For those wanting to go deeper – comparisons with Tudor and alternatives, long-term wear impressions, or technical tests in real-world conditions – I plan to revisit this model after extended use. In the meantime, if you’re considering a field/sport watch that blends modern touches with a focused purpose, the Triumph V2 is a strong candidate.

Note: Images and hands-on measurements referenced in this review derive from official Monta materials and press sample access – specs are subject to final production tolerances.