Montoir adds more colour to its dive watch range with the MWMOD-01 V2
Nina Scally
If you think the minimalist dive watch is a lazy cop-out that requires practically zero effort to conceptualise, you can think again. Affordable dive watches with a no-frills display and a case size that won’t swamp the wrist (a sweet spot between 39mm and 41mm) have to be among the most practical and popular. Montoir, a microbrand that initially launched its MWMOD-01 model through Kickstarter a couple of years ago, builds on these principles with the new MWMOD-01 V2, a refined version of their inaugural watch.
The case
I mentioned that the former Montoir MWMOD-01 was pretty simple in design, and the MWMOD-01 V2 is similarly restrained. A sturdy skin diver with a moderate 40.5mm diameter, it’s reasonably slim at 11.95mm thick. Lug to lug, it measures 48mm, so it’s not a watch that will overhang the wrist. Moreover, its compact size is truer to 1950s dive watch proportions than some modern behemoths, and even though Montoir follows through with several of these archetypal design codes, it’s the pulling out of the lugs that remedies that all too familiar clunkiness of a dive watch.
Meanwhile, you have the flatness of the bezel counteracting the height afforded by the domed sapphire. A sapphire crystal is a nice touch for a sub-$1k watch, especially when you consider that some brands sitting in the same price bracket are still offering cheaper mineral crystals. The MWMOD-01 V2 also features a nice engraving on the caseback depicting a diving helmet and an unguarded, screw-down crown bearing the brand’s logo, which has been redesigned since the V1 of this watch.
The dial
Montoir offers a good range of dial colours with this latest slew of MWMOD-01 V2s, which represent the most substantial update to the watch. The more conventional colours are the black, blue and polar white iterations with black aluminium 60-minute bezel scales. In contrast, the more unusual colour combinations are the mint green, salmon, and cool grey options, framed by black bezels, as well as a richer green colour with a colour-matching bezel, which we reckon is the standout.
All seven colourways are no-date formats with generously Super-LumiNova-coated hands that stretch right out to the markings on the minute tracks. Faithful to the diver-style dial, the 12 o’clock location has the familiar triangular marker, while the other cardinal points on the display feature luminous rectangles. The remainder of the hour track features circular markers, and all models feature a black seconds hand, apart from the navy blue option, which receives a vibrant shot of orange instead. Orange is a colour we see frequently in the dive watch realm and despite some common misconceptions about dive watches and their visibility, it does serve a practical purpose underwater.
The strap
Montoir mentions that the new MWMOD-01 V2 watch now offers an improved FKM rubber strap. While it’s not entirely clear what modifications these are, FKM straps (made from fluoro-elastomer) are known for their durability and resistance to chemicals, saltwater, and temperature fluctuations, making them great for most outdoor and aquatic pursuits. All the new releases feature a black FKM strap, apart from the blue version, which features a matching blue band. The straps all feature quick-release spring bars, so there’s plenty of scope for creating cool and colourful configurations.
The movement
Montoir packs a customised version of the Sellita SW200-1 into the MWMOD-01 V2. It removes the ghost date, so no cutting corners here! The movement also promises 38 hours of power reserve once fully wound. This is not an extravagant movement, so the fact that Montoir chooses to conceal it behind an engraved caseback is no biggy.
Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 pricing and availability
The Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 is now available to order on Kickstarter. Price: US$375 (Super Early Bird, first 24 hours, 50 pieces), US$399 (Early Bird, first seven days, 150 pieces), US$450 (standard Kickstarter pre-order), US$750 (retail)
| Brand | Montoir |
| Model | Dive Watch |
| Reference Number | MWMOD-01 V2 |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm (D) x 11.95mm (T) x 48mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black, blue, polar white, green, mint green, salmon, cool grey |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | FKM rubber Tropic-style strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, unidirectional diving bezel |
| Availability | On Kickstarter from 21/1/2025 |
| Price | US$375 (Super Early Bird, first 24 hours, 50 pieces) US$399 (Early Bird, first seven days, 150 pieces) US$450 (standard Kickstarter pre-order) US$750 (retail) |
Made in partnership with Montoir. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.