Delma Montego Chronograph

Delma Montego Chronograph Watch Review

The Delma Montego Chronograph upholds the brand’s reputation for making honest timepieces devoid of extravagant claims and marketing jargon. Featuring a tried and tested Valjoux 7750 movement and enriched with a plethora of delightful details, this is yet another no-nonsense creation from the Swiss firm.

Delma, founded in 1924

Based in Lengnau within the canton of Bern, Delma has been crafting watches since 1924. This family-owned firm has primarily focussed on producing sports watches, especially divers’ models.

Having visited the company’s headquarters on several occasions, I have always enjoyed meeting the brand’s personnel and chatting about various aspects of horology. I find these open discussions, free of marketing hyperbole, quite endearing. Indeed, the brand has no delusions of grandeur. Its watches are not advertised as the last word in Haute Horlogerie, the modest pricing would preclude such ideas. However, Delma watches have an innate honesty. They are eminently simple to read, robustly made and remarkably good value for money.

Delma Montego Chronograph

Recently, the brand unveiled the Delma Montego Chronograph, an upstanding watch offered in four dial variants, namely white, black, blue and green options. The watch is presented in a 42 mm stainless steel case, while the dial features three counters as well as day and date indications. In addition, the bezel is marked with a tachymeter scale, ideal for determining the speed of an object over a known distance, eg a car driving a measured mile. 

Luminescent treatment

One of the highly appealing and practical aspects that makes the Delma Montego Chronograph a sensible proposition is the shrewd application of luminescent treatment to the hands and indices. When the lights dim, the hands of this watch emit a vivid blue glow, while the indexes pop with vitality, emitting a bright shade of green. The three counters are snailed, further heightening the overall sumptuous feel of the watch. In isolation, these latter details may sound inconsequential, however, when combined, they augment the pleasure of ownership.

Would-be wearers can specify the watch with a 5-rows stainless steel bracelet or alternatively choose a cordura rubber strap. Personally, I would always favour the bracelet.

At the heart of this watch sits the tried and tested Valjoux 7750, automatic chronograph movement, used by legions of brands over the years. This calibre is known for its reliability and ease of servicing/repair. Once again, no pretensions, just honest and trustworthy components.