Monchardétape|Micro Monday

Jamie Weiss

Is it just me, or is Scandinavia a hotbed of clocks? From some of the most respected names for high-grade watchmaking, including Svend Andersen, Kari Voutilainen and Stepan Sarpaneva, to being home to some of the hot and comming independent brands such as Arcanaut, Micromilspec and Tusenö, there appears to be plenty of Scandinavian Peninsula and its encircling watches. It’s neat to Monchard, the focus of today’s micro Monday. Skytrain Telemeter Chronograph, Monchard’s latest watch, named with a retro chronograph like a dressy, unisex sized rectangular model called the Etape, represents an interesting change in the brand’s direction.

case

As mentioned above, the Monchardétape features a slightly petite rectangular case measuring lagtoo lugs of 24.9mm and 33mm widths. explained Jonathan Belvér, co-founder of Monchard. These measurements should also be very close to large tanks.

“Our ETAPE idea was that it should be an elegant, unisex watch that works just as well for women who want a medium-sized classic watch or for men who aren’t afraid of smaller watches,” he elaborates. “We wanted to stay relatively close to the Cartier Tank, the jaeger-lecoultre ruverso, oris rectangular formula equations, but the Dolcevita is a Roncevita (such as), but without making homage or direct copying… there are similar elements.

Rectangular clocks inevitably attract comparisons with iconic models such as Tank and Reverso. It’s not that Monchard isn’t positive about inspiration. As for its value, I think étape is most similar to Baume & Mercier Hampton, but I think it all has its own talent. Suitable Case: The Art Deco-like steps on the side of the case are unique touches. Certainly, these steps give étape their name (étape is the French word for “step” or “stage”).

“The name Etape was chosen because it felt suitable for both the elegant nature of the watch and the shape of the case itself,” says Belvér. “Why are we Swedish brands or French? It’s an elegant name and I never thought of it as a native language when we were discussing naming.

What is worth mentioning: Monchard offers customers the option to set up gems with gems on the sides, such as ruby, sapphire, or diamond varieties. This is an interesting point of difference as few microbrands in any description can even be tried with gem setting.

Dial

At boot, there are seven different dialing options split into two main styles and 12 different model variants. The first dial design is a simple sunburst finish. Classic and foamable. The second design subtly combines the outer section of the mat with the crossed Paris embossed section on the inside. Both are very appealing – it’s a matter of personal preference. The thin Roman figures surrounded by Chemin de Fer Minute tracks indicate the time passed through the hands of the blue dauphin, heat treated. It all feels very French.

Available colors include white, salmon, purple, olive green, dark blue and dark pink. My personal favorite étape dial variation is the “Classic Salmon”, the limited edition Salmon Crude Paris variant. It is paired with a steel case and dark brown leather strap to give it a classy look.

strap

Speaking of straps, Monchardétape comes standard with handmade leather straps, but comes in a variety of finishes and colors, including Epsom Calfskin, Goatskin and Crocodile patterned leather. Monchard offers such a wide range of leather options, and it’s admirable that they all cost the same price.

The étape can also be added with an additional case finish matching 9 link bracelet for a small premium. At this price, I hardly ever wanted a better bracelet. Slinky and stylish and well integrated, evokes the highly lauded bracelet of Cartier Tank No Mart, and complements the watch well.

Movement

A relatively simple thyme-only piece with no seconds of hand, Monchard chooses to power the etape with the quartz movement of the Ronda 1032 or Ronda 762, depending on the supply. Both movements are robust and known amounts, which help to keep your étape fine and slim. For two martial arts, Quartz is the ideal choice. This is because you don’t have to worry about chatty hands.

Monchardétape Pricing and Availability

Monchardétape is currently available for pre-orders from the Monthard website. Delivery is forecast from mid- to the end of August 2025. The cost of the gem setting is USD 2,103 for ruby/sapphire and USD 2,500 for the diamond at the top of the watch. The GEM set watches will also be upgraded with the gold-plated Ronda 1032 movement. Price (pre-order): USD 299 (Leather), USD 350 (Leather Classic Salmon Le), USD 369 (Leather + Bracelet), USD 420 (Classic Salmon Le Leather + Bracelet)

Brand Monchard Model Etape Case Dimensions 24.9mm(d) x 6.7mm

It was created in collaboration with Monchard Watches. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with the editorial policy.