Monta Caliber M-22

The Monta caliber M-22 is an automatic movement found in the microbrand’s Noble, Triumph and Oceanking models – basically in all current Monta watches with 3 hands and a date (original Oceanking models were powered by an Eterna 39 (3909A)).

Base Caliber:

Technically, the M-22 is a Forrest Gump movement since it can be based on an ETA 2892-A2 or Sellita SW300-1. The ETAs will likely be found in earlier models, but it appears that newer Monta watches feature the Sellita.

“One thing to note here is that if you have bought a MONTA in the last few years you should know that it could have either a 2892 or a SW300 because we have used them both.” –Source

With that said, it is safe to assume that current Monta M-22 examples are basically the Sellita calibre SW300-1 with a custom rotor.

Monta is transparent about this by stating the M-22 is a “Sellita SW300 made to our specific specifications by Sellita” (although, Caliber Corner thinks Monta should specify that it is an SW300-1 to avoid any potential caliber confusion in the future).

“From a technical point of view the Sellita SW300 is a tank that happens to look like a ballerina. It is quite thin at 3.6mm compared to the more common SW200 or ETA 2824 that is 4.6mm thick. Frankly the finishing done by Sellita is gorgeous. The movement is also incredibly precise from a time keeping perspective.” –Source (same as above)

Grade / Accuracy:

While Caliber Corner couldn’t find where Monta lists the grade of Sellita used for the M-22, they do talk about the accuracy:

“Commonly, other movements range “out of the box” at about plus 10 seconds to minus 15 seconds a day. We guarantee that our accuracy is plus to minus 5 seconds a day.” –Source (same as above)

The regulation to +/-5 seconds per day, plus the Incabloc anti-shock device, places the M-22 in the range of Sellita’s Premium grade (aka Top grade).

Finishing:

Unlike grades of ETA which also largely determine the finishing of the movement, Sellita finishing is separate from the grading and can be customized based on the customer.

Monta describes the finishing of the M-22 below:

“We have always had the movement finished in a fantastic Rhodium (platinum). Our rotor or weight is finished in the classic Geneve wave finish and plated in Rhodium with only the MONTA crest on the center. What is not easily seen is the advanced work done by Sellita on each gear and screw. The painstaking work that is done to their flagship product that is hidden by the layers of plates that cover the inner workings.” –Source (same as above)

Additional Resources:

• Monta caliber M-23
• More Monta mentions