The Monchard Étape is a Swedish love letter to Art Deco watches
Jamie WeissIs it just me, or are the Nordics becoming something of a horological hotbed? From birthing some of the most respected names in high watchmaking, such as Svend Andersen, Kari Voutilainen or Stepan Sarpaneva, to being home to some of the hottest up-and-coming independent brands like Arcanaut, Micromilspec and Tusenö, it seems there’s a lot of interesting watches coming out of the Scandinavian Peninsula and its surrounds. That brings me neatly to Monchard, the focus of today’s Micro Mondays. A Swedish brand that’s made its name with retro-tastic chronographs like the Skytrain Telemeter Chronograph, Monchard’s latest watch, a dressy, unisex-sized rectangular model called the Étape, represents an interesting change of direction for the brand.
The case
As I alluded to above, the Monchard Étape features a somewhat petite rectangular case that measures 24.9mm wide and 33mm lug-to-lug, which comes in either straight stainless steel or rose gold PVD, and has a design that’s somewhat evocative of the Cartier Tank. That’s by design, Monchard co-founder Jonathan Belvér explains – those measurements are also very close to the large-sized Tank Must, by the way.
“Our thinking for the Étape was that it should be an elegant, unisex watch that works equally well for ladies who want a medium-size, classically styled watch, or for men who are not afraid of a smaller timepiece,” he elaborates. “We wanted to stay relatively close to the formula of the Cartier Tank, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, Oris Rectangular, Longines DolceVita [and so on], but without making an homage or a direct copy… There will be similar elements, and some may say it’s a common design, but we say it’s common for a reason and has become a classic”.
Any rectangular watch is inevitably going to attract comparisons to iconic models like the Tank or Reverso, and it’s not as if Monchard aren’t being up-front about their inspirations. For what it’s worth, I think the Étape resembles a Baume & Mercier Hampton most closely – but I also think it has a flair all of its own, and it would be unfair to label it as totally derivative. Case in point: the Art Deco-like steps on the sides of its case are a unique touch. Indeed, it’s these steps that give the Étape its name (étape being the French word for ‘step’ or ‘stage’).
“The name Étape was chosen as we felt it was a fitting nod to both the elegant nature of the watch and the shape of the case itself,” Belvér says. “Why French, as we’re a Swedish brand? We felt it was an elegant name, and nothing fitting in our native tongue came to mind when we were discussing the naming, hence we went for ‘le style Français’.”
Something that’s worth mentioning: Monchard are also offering customers the option to set their Étape with gems across its flanks – rubies, sapphires, or diamond varieties. Few microbrands of any description offer or even attempt gem-setting, so this is an interesting point of difference.
The dial
At launch, there are 7 different dial options split between 2 main styles and across 12 different model variants. The first dial design is a straightforward sunburst finish: classic and effervescent. The second design combines a subtly matte outer section with an inner clous de Paris-embossed section. Both are quite appealing – it’s a matter of personal taste. Thin Roman numerals framed by a chemin de fer minute track denote the time, which is told via heat-treated blued dauphine hands. It’s all feeling very French.
Colours available include white, salmon, purple, olive green, dark blue and dark pink. My personal favourite Étape dial variation is the “Classic Salmon”, the limited edition salmon clous de Paris variant. Paired with a steel case and dark brown leather strap, it just exudes class.
The straps
Speaking of the strap, the Monchard Étape comes standard with a handmade leather strap – but there’s a wide variety of finishes and colours one can pick from, including Epsom calfskin, goatskin or crocodile-patterned leather. It’s commendable that Monchard offers such a wide range of leather options, and that they’re all priced identically.
The Étape can also be optioned with an additional case-finish-matching 9-link bracelet for a small premium. At this price point, you could hardly ask for a better bracelet: slinky, stylish and well-integrated, it’s evocative of the Cartier Tank Normale’s much-lauded bracelet, and complements the watch well.
The movement
Being a relatively simple time-only piece without a seconds hand, Monchard have elected to power the Étape with a quartz movement: either the Ronda 1032 or Ronda 762, depending on supply. Both movements are robust, known quantities that help keep the Étape nice and slim. For a two-hander, quartz is an ideal choice as you don’t have to worry about a tell-tale ticking hand.
Monchard Étape pricing and availability
The Monchard Étape is available now for pre-ordering from Monchard’s website, with delivery projected for the middle to the end of August 2025. Gem-setting costs an additional US$2,103 for rubies/sapphires or US$2,500 for diamonds over the top of the price of the watch. Gem-set watches will also be upgraded with gold-plated Ronda 1032 movements. Price (pre-order): US$299 (on leather), US$350 (Classic Salmon LE on leather), US$369 (leather + bracelet), US$420 (Classic Salmon LE leather + bracelet)
| Brand | Monchard |
| Model | Étape |
| Case Dimensions | 24.9mm (D) x 6.7mm (T) x 33mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel Stainless steel with gold PVD coating |
| Water Resistance | Not stated |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Sunburst or matte/clou de Paris |
| Strap | Leather strap with steel pin buckle Optional case-finish-matching 9-link bracelet |
| Movement | Ronda 1032 or Ronda 762, quartz |
| Battery Life | <7 years |
| Functions | Hours and minutes |
| Availability | Open to pre-orders |
| Price | Pre-order: US$299 (on leather), US$369 (leather + bracelet) Retail: US$349 (on leather), US$419 (leather + bracelet) Gem-setting: additional US$2,103 (rubies/sapphires)/US$2,500 (diamonds) |
Made in partnership with Monchard Watches. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.