As you have no doubt deduced from my photos, the Monovant Rheon I am reviewing today features a natural stone dial, either the Imperial Jade shown here or Lapis Lazuli. Unusual dial materials always pique my interest as I enjoy some color on my dials and the natural variations in stone make each piece unique. It’s a feature that’s easy to like. Maybe too easy, as it is all to common for a watchmaker to relay on a novelty to perk up an otherwise underwheming design. When I encounter such a watch, I ask myself, “Would I still like this watch if it didn’t have the gimmick?” If the answer is yes, then I have found a winner. Such is the case with the Rheon.
In light of that obersvation, I will discuss the dial later and instead start with a review of its case, a polished stainless steel tonneau that is 40mm wide, 47mm long, and 9.7mm thick. Those measurments may sound mid-sized, but remember that the squarer the case, the larger it will appear. The Rheon’s broad flanks and large, TV-style dial lend it a presence that belies what the calipers report. I think it filled out my 6.75″ wrist quite nicely.
Before you think they have created a brick, just have a look at that smooth case profile that falls away to the slimmest brushed edge at the flat case back. It’s a dramatic effect that makes the Rheon’s size sleek and stylish in a way that harkens back to early 1970’s sport watches like the Certina DS. It is an effect hightened by end links that match the case’s angle and fit so precicely that I could barely feel the transition between the two components. It is greatly satisfying. It’s a good thing Monovant treats the surface with an anti-fingerprint coating, because I could not resist the urge to touch it.
A signed, fluted, screw-down crown sprouts from the 3 o’clock position. I shouldn’t complain about it because it is modestly-sized and easily operated, but I do wich it had been recessed so it did not disrupt the Rheon’s space-age lines. I also question why a watch with a 50m water resistance rating needs anything more complicated than a push-pull.
As mentioned above, the supplied 20mm H-link bracelet flows seamlessly from the barrel. Brushed links with polished centers provide a measure of contrast while still tying the bracelet design to the case. I appreciated it’s low profile, which is maintained all the way around by the use of a butterfly deployant clasp. This makes perfect sense given the Rheon’s overall baering. It is not a tool watch, nor the sort of sport watch you would knock about, but rather, it is more of a statement piece for civilized weekend activities that might require a bit of dressing up. After all, you do want to show off that dial, don’t you?
Yes, that finally brings me to the Monovant Rheon’s most striking feature: its dial. Below a flat AR-coated sapphire crystal the Imperial Jade presents a marvelous assortmant of green shades in its mottled surface. Monovant has chosen to display it to its fullest, eschewing markers and identifying it only with an applied logo in the bottom half. The semi-skeletonized hands are flat, polished, and filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The stone is lovely and the white lume goes far to prevent the hands from getting lost against the surface in daylight, in additiopn to its service providing useful visibility at night.
Still, I must nit-pick (I have no choice—it is literally my job as a critic) and say that I would have prefered hour markers. Not big ones, mind you, but maybe subtle batons or pips, something to fill in the expansive dial and provide a touch more readability.
Flip the watch over and you’ll find a neatly engraved logo surrounded by the Rheon’s vital specs including its serial number. Note that only 99 of each variant will be produced. Behind the lid beats a Swiss Sellita SW200, a reliable, 26-jewel, 28.8k bph automatic based on 2824 architecture. Monovant has modified the unit to squeeze out 42-hours of power.
The watch arrives in a 3d-printed case that pays homage to its homeland with a fluted column box. Monovant reports that its pearl white filiment is a sustainable material. I’m not one for fancy boxes, but I do appreciate its light weight and classic style.
You can pre-order the Rheon for 970€ or wait to buy at the 1250€ full retail price. Current pricing in USD is $1,192.70, which includes FedEx shipping and a 4% conversion fee. Each watch comes with the stainless steel bracelet and your choice of a leather or rubber strap in addition to a jadite bracelet that matches the dial. Before you get too worked up, understand that the jadite is jewelry, not a watch bracelet. My review sample arrived with the blue rubber, which seemed perfectly fine but clashed with the green dial. I suspect it was intended for the Lapis.
The Monovant Rheon is not for everyone, and indeed, that is the point. This a striking watch that is unlikely to find a twin in your collection or at your next watch meetup. If you are ready to order a Rheon of your own, head over to monovant.com.
