Are you interested in the Momentum Atlas model? In this review, we take a detailed look at the features and characteristics of these watches.
Let's proceed to the analysis…
About the Momentum Brand and the Atlas Model
Momentum is a brand from Vancouver, owned by St. Moritz Watch Corp. Founded in 1980, the company offers a wide range of affordable quartz dive watches, chronographs, and field models. St. Moritz has also produced custom watches for law enforcement and fire services.
This brand often goes unnoticed in the online watch community, but the release of the Atlas model with an automatic movement might increase its popularity among enthusiasts.
Many Momentum models are inspired by iconic watches, reimagining recognizable design elements. Some of them fall closer to the homage category.
Dimensions and Measurements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 38.75 mm |
| Diameter with Crown | 41.8 mm |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Lug to Lug Distance | 44.3 mm |
| Case Thickness with Crystal | 11.75 mm |
| Case Weight | 42 g |
| Weight on Rubber Strap | 63 g |
| Weight on Bracelet | 85 g (for my 16.5 cm wrist) |
| Weight of Bracelet (all links) | 50 g |
Case
The titanium case is lightweight and comfortable to wear. The matte satin finish prevents unwanted reflections. The most noticeable feature is the bezel with a high rounded profile, slightly reminiscent of a "bulbous" shape.
The middle section of the case curves downwards, including the crown guard, which is worth discussing separately. The recessed lugs and compact lug-to-lug length make the watch visually smaller, which is important for those with slender wrists.
The matte shade resembles "bullet metal" color - darker than stainless steel, giving the model a unique look, especially on the bracelet.
Besides being lightweight, titanium is hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant, making it an optimal choice for reliable tool watches.
The main disadvantage of titanium is that it is more prone to scratches compared to stainless steel. With daily wear, small scuffs appear, which, on the other hand, give the watch character.
Water resistance of 100 m and a screw-down crown with a logo ensure reliability. However, due to the curved protective elements, the crown is somewhat inconvenient to use - it can touch your fingers when turning. It's not critical but reduces the comfort of interacting with the watch.
Dial
Although Atlas is positioned as a reliable field watch, the dial design is more reminiscent of pilot models. The design origins trace back to the Type A flieger - watches produced for German pilots during World War II.
Key features of such watches are the triangle at the 12 o'clock mark and large Arabic numerals.
The radial gradient smoothly guides the eye from the black edges of the dial to the light center, adding a twist without compromising readability. The numbers, minute markers, and text are clear and neat. The date window at 3 o'clock is framed with a beveled edge, around a white date disk.
The hour and minute hands are satin-finished, the second hand is white with a red tip. The square hour hand improves readability and does not block the date.
The red accent on the second hand and the "Atlas" inscription add extra style to the dial. Only three lines of text maintain the design's minimalism and cleanliness.
Crystal
The watch is equipped with a domed sapphire crystal with a blue anti-reflective coating on the inside. Despite the AR coating, reflections are noticeable, which is typical for domed crystals.
At an acute viewing angle, there is slight distortion, but readability remains high.
Lume (Luminescence)
The lume uses Super-LumiNova C3, which glows on the hour and minute hands, hour markers, and every 5-minute mark.
Luminescence is absent only on the tip of the second hand. The brightness of the lume is moderate - not like dive watches, but after a good charge from sunlight, it's sufficient for reading in the dark for several hours.
Movement
The back features a transparent case back with twelve notches, giving it an industrial look. Around the perimeter, the phrase "DO NOT OPEN" is engraved - a warning that is, however, difficult to read without additional lighting due to shallow engraving.
Inside is the Miyota 9015 - a 24-jewel automatic movement with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement supports hacking (stopping the second hand), manual winding, and date display.
For the Atlas model, an exclusive gold-plated version is used, giving the movement a golden hue. However, the contrast of gold with matte titanium seems somewhat disharmonious. From the perspective of field watch style, a solid case back would be more appropriate.
Bracelet and Strap
Positive aspects of the bracelet - it is also titanium, lightweight, and comfortable.
The bracelet tapers to 18 mm at the clasp, which features a reliable flip-lock and push-button mechanism with three micro-adjustment points.
The fitting of the solid end links is precise, without play. However, the protruding "male" end links increase the watch's width to 51.3 mm, making the model appear larger on the bracelet.
Negatives - the clasp is stamped, and the "oyster" style links are used. Instead of the classic three-link construction, a solid link with a middle imitation is used. Up close, the bracelet looks somewhat budget-friendly.
The adjustment system uses "pin and collar," and on the non-adjustable links, there is a noticeable color difference in the areas filling the holes.
Momentum also offers a goma rubber strap with a unique design - it is completely free of holes except for those the user makes themselves.
On the inside of the strap is a half-model guide that helps to precisely adjust the size.
To secure the strap, simply push the clasp tongue through the desired hole, obtaining a minimalist and convenient option.
Thanks to the monochrome color scheme and short lugs, the watch looks great on any strap, including two-layer ones, which is especially important for smaller wrists.
Conclusion
During the review, I noticed a few quality control issues. Upon receipt, one of the case lugs had a slight dent in the corner. The crystal was not quite level - on one side it protrudes more than on the other.
These points should be considered when purchasing. However, Momentum is known for good customer service, and any defects are likely to be promptly addressed.
Atlas is a reliable companion for any adventure. It is almost imperceptible on the wrist until needed. Water resistance, a robust movement, and classic design make these watches an excellent choice for everyday wear.
The price of around $535 offers good value for money. My main drawback is the bracelet, which looks outdated compared to counterparts in this price segment.
Field Watch Alternatives
Also consider the following models:
- Seiko SRPG and SRPH series
- Marathon GPM
- Hamilton Khaki
These watches differ in price, functionality, and design.
If You're Looking for a Titanium Automatic Field Option, Choices Are Limited. Among Them:
- Boldr Venture
- RZE Resolute
- Swiss Watch Company Bunker
All of them feature titanium cases and comparable pricing.
In October 2022, RZE released a new field watch model. If you're unsure about choosing the Atlas, I recommend checking out these options.
Have questions or comments? Leave them below!