Who is Monbrey? 

Monbrey is a relatively young brand based in Hong Kong, founded by a dynamic duo, Henry Kwong and Austin Lee. Monbrey benefits from owners that understand industrial and modern design. The brand started with a unique and successful model called the MB1 and now, just a few days ago they launched their new model, the MB2. We will cover both in more detail below.

Why Monbrey?

Uniqueness is the first word that comes to our mind when we describe this brand. The fact that there is originality and quality at this price bracket nowadays, means that we as watch enthusiast are enjoying a golden period. Also there aren’t many brands that are doing refined/casual products with tool-like features, as well as Monbrey. Their antimagnetic properties, sharp, defined shapes and precise construction, make these watches stand out. Both collections can look great in the office but it is also a great alternative to a field watch.

What are the key design elements?

This is the part where the Monbrey story gets interesting. The owners of the brand are not only watch enthusiasts, but they also have a passion for industrial design. The inspiration comes from the 60s and 70s when futuristic lines invade almost every aspect of our lives, specially with cars. The so called ‘’wedge-era’’ was a time that made us dream, from Bizarrini to Alfa Romeo everything was driven by design and not so much function, not to say that the Monbrey watches are not functional, but the design dominates the perception every time you look at it. We got hands on with the MB1 and MB2, and when we saw the straight lugs and no curves apart from the case shape, we were intrigued. The watch looks like those Tesla Cybertrucks and we meant that in a good way, they are unique but not gimmicky. 

How do they work?

Monbrey is a watch company that strives to give great communication and customer services, making the owners feels special. As it was founded in 2021, we can say that they are just getting started but even if they are young, they do have a global presence. Their cases are manufactured in Hong Kong, their hands and movements are from Japan and their straps are made in Italy. 

While the supply side of the business is covered, Henry and Austin can focus on design, pre-prototyping, and product assembly, quite an operation that they have mastered in a few years. This also excludes the great effort to deliver the watches worldwide and provide them with 24 months of warranty, giving great confidence on the final product. 

Who are they for?

That is a good question. We wanted to think if Monbrey is made more for watch geeks or design enthusiasts, the main reason is that you need to understand where they are coming from and why the watches look like they do. An enthusiast will appreciate the symmetry and lack of date, those sharp hands and texture dials together with the smaller case. Now a design driven person will appreciate the sharp curves, blocky lugs and striking dials, now that we think about it, both personas are very similar.

That said, many non-watch people can feel attracted without knowing all of the above, the watches are good looking and quite easy to wear, which means that there is a Monbrey for almost anyone. 

The MB1

This is the first iteration from the Hong Kong brand. Again, all the effort was put on the design, the antimagnetic properties, and the dials. The case is a standout at 38.5mm with a thin profile of 10mm. The watches are austere but in a good way, not much writing and similar fonts adorn the dial, and a mixture of sunray and enamel-coated finishing are offered. 

The watch as mentioned, the calibre is enclosed in a Faraday cage providing 4800 A/m of anti-magnetism, this provides a better wear experience on everyday use. The watch is also offered with a full metal bracelet or an Italian Epson strap both with quick release allowing you to change the look of the watch in seconds. 

Coming back to the case design, this is where Monbrey shines, you can clearly see the 60’s inspiration from those amazing prototype cars, futuristic and elegant at the same time. The watch comes equipped with a Miyota 9039 automatic calibre, this is also one of the main reason the watch stays thin and affordable. The MB1 is currently offered at a price of US$519, there are just a few pieces left.

The MB2 Kenkyū

As the name mentions, the MB2 is the second collection from Monbrey Watches, they are the luxury range for the brand and sitting on top of the MB1. The MB2 turns everything to 10 when it comes to design and refinement but keeping the price extremely affordable.

Coming back to the watch and one of the reasons why we like it so much is the size. At 37.5 mm, also is worth mentioning that the 45mm lug to lug blends well with the overall proportions. The case is a great example on how different finishes can coexist, the transitions are very good giving the MB2 a sharp profile. All dials are a showstopper for the MB2 collection, the green with gilt accents looks great and those MOP dials seems like a no brainer, but the pink dial is our favourite. 

The watch is powered by the automatic Miyota 9039 caliber, keeping the watch running well and thin. The MB2 also offers a 100 meters of water resistance via screw down crown and the antimagnetic properties that we expect from Monbrey at 4800 A/m, the watch is not delicate. The full retail price is US$649.

Conclusions

There’s something admirable when it comes to independent watchmaking, the offerings are always different from what we found in big household names. Different dials, colours and designs are the norm in the world of microbrands and that all comes across as exciting.

In the case of Monbrey we are very surprised how a brand with only 2 collections and 5 years on the market can have an established design language, a refined product and a price that is competitive, we are looking forward to see what more comes from the Hong Kong house, we believe that the next collection can solidify their market position, for now, let’s enjoy the beautiful MB2.