Monchard Étape | MICRO MONDAYS

Jamie Weiss

Is it simply me, or are the Nordics changing into one thing of a horological hotbed? From birthing a number of the most revered names in excessive watchmaking, reminiscent of Svend Andersen, Kari Voutilainen or Stepan Sarpaneva, to being dwelling to a number of the hottest up-and-coming impartial manufacturers like Arcanaut, Micromilspec and Tusenö, it appears there’s quite a lot of fascinating watches popping out of the Scandinavian Peninsula and its surrounds. That brings me neatly to Monchard, the main target of at this time’s Micro Mondays. A Swedish model that’s made its identify with retro-tastic chronographs just like the Skytrain Telemeter Chronograph, Monchard’s newest watch, a dressy, unisex-sized rectangular mannequin referred to as the Étape, represents an fascinating change of path for the model.

The case

As I alluded to above, the Monchard Étape contains a considerably petite rectangular case that measures 24.9mm vast and 33mm lug-to-lug, which is available in both straight chrome steel or rose gold PVD, and has a design that’s considerably evocative of the Cartier Tank. That’s by design, Monchard co-founder Jonathan Belvér explains – these measurements are additionally very near the large-sized Tank Should, by the way in which.

“Our considering for the Étape was that it must be a chic, unisex watch that works equally effectively for women who need a medium-size, classically styled watch, or for males who should not afraid of a smaller timepiece,” he elaborates. “We needed to remain comparatively near the system of the Cartier Tank, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, Oris Rectangular, Longines DolceVita [and so on], however with out making an homage or a direct copy… There will probably be related parts, and a few might say it’s a typical design, however we are saying it’s widespread for a motive and has turn out to be a basic”.

Any rectangular watch is inevitably going to draw comparisons to iconic fashions just like the Tank or Reverso, and it’s not as if Monchard aren’t being up-front about their inspirations. For what it’s price, I believe the Étape resembles a Baume & Mercier Hampton most carefully – however I additionally suppose it has a aptitude all of its personal, and it might be unfair to label it as completely by-product. Living proof: the Artwork Deco-like steps on the edges of its case are a novel contact. Certainly, it’s these steps that give the Étape its identify (étape being the French phrase for ‘step’ or ‘stage’).

“The identify Étape was chosen as we felt it was a becoming nod to each the elegant nature of the watch and the form of the case itself,” Belvér says. “Why French, as we’re a Swedish model? We felt it was a chic identify, and nothing becoming in our native tongue got here to thoughts after we had been discussing the naming, therefore we went for ‘le type Français’.”

One thing that’s price mentioning: Monchard are additionally providing clients the choice to set their Étape with gems throughout its flanks – rubies, sapphires, or diamond varieties. Few microbrands of any description supply and even try gem-setting, so that is an fascinating level of distinction.

The dial

At launch, there are 7 completely different dial choices break up between 2 major kinds and throughout 12 completely different mannequin variants. The primary dial design is an easy sunburst end: basic and effervescent. The second design combines a subtly matte outer part with an internal clous de Paris-embossed part. Each are fairly interesting – it’s a matter of non-public style. Skinny Roman numerals framed by a chemin de fer minute observe denote the time, which is advised by way of heat-treated blued dauphine palms. It’s all feeling very French.

Colors out there embody white, salmon, purple, olive inexperienced, darkish blue and darkish pink. My private favorite Étape dial variation is the “Basic Salmon”, the restricted version salmon clous de Paris variant. Paired with a metal case and darkish brown leather-based strap, it simply exudes class.

The straps

Talking of the strap, the Monchard Étape comes customary with a home made leather-based strap – however there’s all kinds of finishes and hues one can choose from, together with Epsom calfskin, goatskin or crocodile-patterned leather-based. It’s commendable that Monchard gives such a variety of leather-based choices, and that they’re all priced identically.

The Étape can be optioned with an extra case-finish-matching 9-link bracelet for a small premium. At this worth level, you can hardly ask for a greater bracelet: slinky, fashionable and well-integrated, it’s evocative of the Cartier Tank Normale’s much-lauded bracelet, and enhances the watch effectively.

The motion

Being a comparatively easy time-only piece with out a seconds hand, Monchard have elected to energy the Étape with a quartz motion: both the Ronda 1032 or Ronda 762, relying on provide. Each actions are sturdy, identified portions that assist hold the Étape good and slim. For a two-hander, quartz is a perfect alternative as you don’t have to fret a couple of tell-tale ticking hand.

Monchard Étape pricing and availability

The Monchard Étape is on the market now for pre-ordering from Monchard’s web site, with supply projected for the center to the top of August 2025. Gem-setting prices an extra US$2,103 for rubies/sapphires or US$2,500 for diamonds excessive of the worth of the watch. Gem-set watches may even be upgraded with gold-plated Ronda 1032 actions. Value (pre-order): US$299 (on leather-based), US$350 (Basic Salmon LE on leather-based), US$369 (leather-based + bracelet), US$420 (Basic Salmon LE leather-based + bracelet)

Made in partnership with Monchard Watches. Nevertheless, the opinions expressed on this article are our personal in accordance with our Editorial Coverage.