The Delma Montego, An Accessible, Ultra-Robust All-Rounder Chronograph (Live Pics & Price)

Since the late 1960s, Delma is known for making strong watches that can do it all. Recently, the brand has demonstrated its expertise in this field, with models such as the Blue Shark III, an accessible dive watch capable of surviving extreme depths. In the same vein, the Cayman collection is a robust all-rounder that can follow you anywhere, again at a very fair price. Today, Delma revives another range, the Montego, a bold and powerful chronograph that once again has an all-terrain vocation. Here’s the new, redefined Delma Montego Chronograph Automatic.

The Montego isn’t an entirely new collection as the name has been used already in the past. Also, this isn’t the only chronograph produced by Delma, which also produces the Commander, a classic pilot’s chronograph, and the Continental, a retro-styled chronograph with a sleek look. The Montego is a classic chronograph watch with, at first, a racing-oriented design based on the use of an external tachymeter scale. Still, there’s more to this watch than just timing sports car and it actually is a highly capable sports watch that will be able to follow you in most of your adventures, including underwater at very decent depths.

Previously available in an oversized 45mm case with a contrasting rotating bezel and 60-minute diving bezel, the brand has rather drastically redefined the concept of the Delma Montego. First of all the case has been reduced to a more wearable 42mm diameter. Don’t expect this watch to be small either, as it is a solid, powerful chronograph with heft and character. The stainless steel case is more streamlined, and sleeker than before and is nicely finished. The surfaces are mostly brushed, with contrasting polished bevels on the sides. A major difference from the previous, now discontinued Montego models, this new version is now equipped with a fixed, brushed steel bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale – giving it a racing vocation at first sight.

Yet, looking at the rest of the specifications, you’ll see that the Delma Montego can do more than just perform next to race tracks. The bezel frames a curved sapphire crystal, and another one can be found on the caseback. The crown screws down and as such, water-resistance is rated at a very comfortable 200 metres, which will also allow for serious underwater action if needed. As such, the Montego is by far the sportier chronograph of the brand. And also one of its boldest watches in terms of design. It certainly isn’t the most restrained chrono, but the equipment and the overall quality and robustness of the watch are rather impressive considering the price.

The dial of the new Delma Montego Chronograph follows the same idea as the case; bold, action-oriented and sporty. This 3-counter chronograph is available in 4 different colours – black, white, blue and green – and features a classic 6-9-12 layout with day-date complication. The hands and hour markers are generously sized and feature large luminous inlays – which glow in green for the markers, in blue for the hands. The multiple contrasting elements bring very good legibility.

Inside the case, no surprises. It’s a movement as utilitarian and robust as the watch, the venerable Valjoux 7750. This automatic chronograph is here presented with striping. It beats at 4Hz and stores up to 48h of power reserve when fully wound. The movement displays the time, a running second at 9 o’clock and a chronograph with central seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters.

The new Montego is available either with a Cordura-effect rubber strap, closed by a steel pin buckle. Also available is a multi-link, brushed and polished steel bracelet with a folding clasp.

The Delma Montego Chronograph Automatic is now available from the brand’s website and soon from retailers. It is priced at CHF 2,200 on rubber strap or CHF 2,300 on steel bracelet. For more details, please visit delma.ch.