Praesidus Expands Horizons With New Montar Outdoor Watch Collection

For the past seven years, American watch brand Praesidus has been making a name for itself with military-inspired and commemorative watches that tell stories of courage, service and significant moments in history. Now, the young brand is expanding its horizons with the introduction of Montar, its first dedicated collection of watches designed for outdoor adventure and everyday lifestyles.

I first met Praesidus co-founders Remi and Oscar Chabrat about two years ago and was impressed by what they had already accomplished. Their watches aren’t simply military-inspired timepieces. Many pay tribute to War veterans, other pieces incorporate authentic materials connected to the historical events they commemorated, bringing an added dimension of storytelling to the wrist. Among them are watches with sand taken from Iwo Jima and Utah Beach, and a watch with a dial crafted from steel taken from the hood of a World War II-era Willys military vehicle.

I was also intrigued by the brand’s willingness to experiment with artistic dials, collaborate with artists and explore unconventional materials. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the founders and their approach to watchmaking more closely, and I’ve watched the company continue to develop its identity.

Founded in 2019, Praesidus initially established its reputation by recreating a World War II-era A-11 watch for paratrooper Tom Rice, who lost his original timepiece during the D-Day invasion. Since then, the brand has developed an assortment of military-inspired, historical and commemorative watches, often connecting its designs to actual people, places and events.

An Added Chapter: Fom Military To Outdoors

With Montar, however, Praesidus is taking an important step toward broadening its appeal. The collection represents an expansion of the company’s respected “Proven Under Pressure” philosophy. Rather than focusing on military history, these watches are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts and people who embrace an active lifestyle, whether hiking, kayaking, biking, traveling or simply exploring new places.

The idea isn’t to move away from the company’s military roots, but to build on the principles of reliability, functionality and durability that have helped define the brand.

Montar also reflects a broader ambition to reach consumers who may not have a particular connection to military history but appreciate practical, affordable watches that can transition from outdoor pursuits to everyday wear.

The collection makes its debut with two distinctly different models: the Montar Ana-Digi and the Montar GMT. Both are quartz-powered and water resistant to 100 meters.

Praesidus Montar Ana-Digi

The Montar Ana-Digi combines traditional analog timekeeping with a multifunction LCD display, offering an assortment of useful features for outdoor activities and everyday life. The watch features a 44mm stainless steel case with a sandblasted black finish and a bezel engraved with compass points and indications for the watch’s various digital functions. These markings are filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Beneath the analog hands, the LCD display provides access to functions that include a chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, dual time zones and backlighting. Four pushers control the digital functions.

The double-layer dial features luminous markers and hands, while the watch is fitted with interchangeable nylon and canvas straps. Four color combinations are available: black/olive, black/red, green/orange and black/coyote.

Praesidus Montar GMT

The second model, the Montar GMT, takes a more traditional analog approach, with the added benefit of a dedicated GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. Measuring 43mm in diameter, the watch is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, a durable thermoplastic material that helps keep the watch comfortable on the wrist.

Powered by a Swiss Ronda quartz movement, the Montar GMT displays hours, minutes, seconds and the date, along with an independently adjustable 24-hour GMT hand. The GMT function is useful for travelers, but it can also serve as a reference point for timing activities during outdoor excursions.

The watch features a luminous 24-hour bezel and a double-layer black dial with green Super-LumiNova beneath the upper surface. The hands are also luminous for nighttime visibility. Like the Ana-Digi, the GMT comes with interchangeable straps and is offered in four color combinations: black/olive, black/yellow, sand/orange and green/orange.

Both Montar models feature sapphire-coated mineral crystals, stainless steel casebacks engraved with an eagle atop a mountain, and individual numbering. The watches are available now, each retailing for $275.