Montrek Watches

I gotta tell ya, some things are just so simple it belies taking too much time to think about.  I just read an editorial comment in International Watch magazine by Gary Girdvainis, Editor-in-Chief.  In reference to VERY expensive watches he wrote “When a buyer is spending the kind of money these watches demand, it is just unconscionable that they are so poorly designed, tested, and made.”  Gary, I couldn’t agree with you more.  And just for your edification, Gary is not my relative or even an acquaintance.  Gary would never even notice me if I walked by him although I might recognize him from his picture on the editorial page.  The thing is that this is really a non-issue because the solution is just so easy.  Can you imagine paying 4, 5, or 6 figures for a watch and on the 366^th day the manufacturer tells you have a repair bill for hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars ?  That is just obscene !!!  I’m not sayin’ that we at Môntrèk Watches have all the answers BUT we know that WHATEVER you spend on a watch is important money.  That’s why we offer our industry exclusive 10 year warranty.  I really don’t understand why the “big boys” want to tell you how exclusive their components are and how wonderful their timepieces are when, as Gary says, “it is just unconscionable that they are so poorly designed, tested, and made.”  Môntrèk Watches … 10 year warranty … great when you buy AND after the sale … we “warranty” that … need I say more ?  I don’t think so !!!!!

If you like to read about watches, stay up to date on what is happening in the industry, or just present yourself as a watch maven … of course, you MUST read the Môntrèk Watches Blog. Besides that being the truth, if I don’t give us a plug the Boss will be, let’s just say “unhappy” LOL. But other than the Môntrèk Watches Blog, one of the best watch resources on the web is Ariel Adam’saBlogtoRead.com. OK, I am really not here to shill for Ariel Adams but the reason I mentioned him is because I came across this interesting article he helped write that appeared in Men’s Health, “Become a watch expert in seconds”. Now before you go off critiquing the article, if you own several watches with major complications or you have multiple winders or a winder safe built into your walk-in closet (we recommend Underwood (
London) for ANY of your winder needs by the way), this article is NOT for you. Enjoy !!!

There is a catch though. The only way you can see one (at this moment) is by going to ourFacebook Page starting Monday. That’s right … you can’t see it at Barney’s or Bloomingdalesor any of our other Great Retailers (yet) but, as I said, you can check it out on our Facebook Page. And even MORE IMPORATNTLY … the ONLY way you can get one is for FREE … that is not a misprint, for FREE !!!. The contest starts on Monday, February 7, 2011 so be sure to enterhere. When was the last time YOU had a chance to be the first one in the whole WORLD to have a NEW WATCH MODEL of your very own for FREE ?  Starting Monday is just that time … don’t miss out on this opportunity !!!!!

I just finished washing the dishes (I won’t say how may days worth though) so I guess its poetic justice that I stumbled across this watch.  Although the watch is “different” to say the least, the watch is not the focal point here but rather the packaging.  Watch makers have always tried to make attractive packing for their watches … especially more expensive watches (whatever that means to you) have cases that enhance the watch.  For instance (Editor’s Note … shameless plug coming), the Môntrèk Diver Series comes in a box that looks like a deep sea case.  So if you look at the packaging on the watch at the left by Nooka, it looks sort of bland.  Here is the difference … the packaging is deigned to be eaten out of … yea, that’s right and it is even micro-wave safe.  It is pretty obvious that tonight’s steak won’t fit so I will leave it to your imagination.  I promise I will do better on the next post  LOL.

Watch Repair

A friend of mine just sent his “Brand Name” automatic watch in for repair. Waiting to hear back about the cost of a repair or just a “tune up” is a time of dread for experienced watch owners. The phone rings and you are told that you are one day over the traditional one year warranty and when you hear the cost, you now have to make a decision about taking care of your watch or sending your child to college … LOL, just joking, it’s not quite THAT expensive. The fact is, however, there is a cost of ownership of your timepiece BUT there is something YOU can do about it. You take care of your car, snow blower, computer, and more … so how about that watch ? I just read a few articles about caring for your watch here, here, and here. While there is some repetition, I suggest you heed the call. Another way you can potentially reduce your “cost of ownership” is by purchasing a watch from a company that is so confident in their product that they offer an incredible 10 year warranty. Interested ? Click Here.

I am sure most of us have heard someone say that they were so bored or something was taking place soooooooo slowly that it was like “waiting for paint to dry”. So let me introduce you to Andreas Sundelin Wiberg … he also has been waiting for paint to dry. The difference is what he did with the time. So let’s drop back for moment, Andreas sells boats to make a living. In his free time he plays in a band, builds motorcycles and sews. Seems like a fairly full life. Well one day while literally waiting for paint to dry on a car, Andreas decided to recycle some car parts into a wristwatch and as they say, the rest is history. Wiberg came in first among over 300 contestants and won a fashion design scholarship from the Swedish furniture giant IKEA. If you are interested in one of his designs, I have some advice … “while you are waiting for the paint to dry”, “don’t hold your breath”. From his first model in 2001 through November 2010, Wiberg has produced 14 watches. While your dreaming, maybe a Môntrèk Watch instead 

OK, I’m ranting today. I just read an article in the December 2010 issue of Watch Timeentitled “The Greatest Challenge in Watchmaking” by Joe Thompson. Joe, I don’t know you from a “hill of beans” but I have to give you credit for your restraint. Me … I don’t have that quality on this matter. So what’s the hubbub ? A Swiss watch manufacturer has legally used a Japanese patent in their watches. THAT’S IT !!! No, really … that’s it. Now I might grant you that the Swiss Manufacturer central to this “controversy” could have been a little more forthcoming about the matter … but really, isn’t the objective to get the best made watch ? That’s a rhetoric question in case you are not sure. Come on now “Watch Snobs”, do you really think that your “Swiss Made” watch is entirely made in Switzerland ? If is was, most of us could never afford one and those of you think that would be fine, guess what … you couldn’t buy one either because it is the volume that allows these factories to then make the limited runs of super expensive models that you want … Economics 101. Yea, I know what you are saying … you think because I like my Môntrèk that I have an axe to grind with the Swiss. I don’t think so … I also like wearing my Omega and Jaeger. So one more time … “Watch Snobs” get off your “High Horse” and let’s give credit to companies that are using the best technology to make the finest watches with high build quality at reasonable prices that us regular guys can afford … just like Môntrèk.

You may have noticed that we recently updated the photos on MôntrèkWatches.com to better capture every angle of our Diver Watch collection. We’re very proud of the quality and style our watches possess, and we wanted to give our visitors a clearer picture of each watch so they would be able to best decide which was right for them. But for as pleased as we are with how fantastic each shot came out, we understand that some people simply need to see, feel, and try on a watch before they can be sure it’s the one. The good news is most of you can do just that!

Môntrèk Watches are available at several fine retailers across the country. If you live near one of these retailers, or will be nearby for business or a vacation, we encourage you to stop by and see how unique and impressive our watches are in person!

• Will you be hitting New York City for some Christmas shopping? You can findMôntrèk at Barneys New York on Madison Avenue, Rochester Big & Tall on Avenue of the Americas, and Bloomingdales on 59th & Lexington. Will you be visiting the Big Apple to take in a show? You can find us on Broadway as well at Charles Patrick Jewelers.
• Perhaps it’s The Windy City that’s calling your name? Be sure to save time in your schedule for a stop at Sydel & Sydel Jewelry on West Adams Street.
• Dreamin’ of California? Môntrèk Watches have been spotted at Watch Plus & Jewelry in Laguna Hills, Valencia Time Center at both the Valencia and Santa Ana locations, and About Time on the Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.
• Hitting the slopes in Colorado? Spending some time in beautiful North Carolina? Are Virginia, Florida, Seattle, Ohio or Puerto Rico on your travel itinerary? They’re on Môntrèk’s as well. In fact, we’ve already landed at must-stop shops in each of those locations. Check out our Môntrèk Retailerspage for more information! And if you aren’t able to make it in person but would still like more information before purchasing, please feel free to reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook or by phone at 888-597-8463.

If you own a Môntrèk Watch or have seen them in person, we’d love to know what you think. Please leave a comment below!

Doesn’t that sound easy ? I know, it also sounds a little self serving but if it works, why would you care ? So why do I think it works ? Well, the other day I went into the office and I had worked myself up into a fever pitch over the previous few days to ask for a raise. I marched myself right into the boss’s office … well, let’s say I asked his secretary if she could ask him if he had a minute. So I’m giving him my song and dance on why I deserve a raise and he interrupts me to comment on myMôntrèk Round Watch with PVD Coating. Yea, I know we sell these watches but I think he was surprised that I actually owned one and he commented on how business-like it looked and viola, a raise. Now I know you think that is all probably a crock and I don’t think, by any stretch of the imagination, I got that raise only because of my Môntrèk, but I do know that any edge is an edge. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this article: “Your Body at Work: A Guide to Sight-reading the Body Language of Business, Bosses and Boardrooms” by David Givens. Everything you do means something: the shoulder shrug, the pursed lips, hands on hips, and more. So what about wrist watches you ask ? From the article, “Many young people no longer wear wristwatches, since their cell phones tell the time. Givens says this is a mistake in many workplaces, since a watch is a symbol of respect for time.” So make that wish for a raise come true … work hard, be productive, and for that little extra edge to put you over the top, don’t forget to wear your Môntrèk Watch.

While we can’t help but feel the Dive Watch is the most interesting piece of dive gear out there, we also recognize that there are quite a few other essentials! We’re always on the lookout to see what companies are coming up with, and we wanted to take a minute to give a shout-out to a company that never fails to have affordable diving lifestyle clothes and accessories – Neutral Dive Gear.

Right now we’re nothing short of obsessed with their Darkfin Scuba Diving Gloves. Not only are these gloves an awesomely advanced product, but quite simply, they look really futuristic in a sensational ‘Spider-Man Goes Scuba Diving’ sort of way. (Feel free to run with the idea, Marvel!) We’re also loving the Men’s Crossed Tanks Hooded Sweatshirt, embellished with a cooler-than-cool logo that lets the world know you’re a diver whether you’re warming up on the docks, or waiting in line at Dick’s! The Neutral Dive Gear Logo Hooded Sweatshirt for women is also a fantastic find, especially since it’s just $25 right now.

We hope you’ll love NeutralDiveGear.com as much as we do, and encourage you to also check out their Scuba Diving Blog for great posts about all things scuba. Let us know what your favorite dive sites and blogs are in the comments so we can scope them out and share them with everyone!