One of the prominent trends we’ve seen across 2025 is the proliferation of stone dials across all areas of the industry. Materials that were once exclusive to ultra high-end brands are now available in watches from independents and microbrands. One such microbrand stone dial watch is the Monovant Rheon Royal Lapis and Imperial Jade, which I have been hands-on with to learn more.
Monovant is a very young brand, having been founded in 2024 in Greece with the aim of exploring how modern technologies can be applied to the world of watch design in order to create quality timepieces. That’s expressed not only in the design of the Rheon but also several peripherals that come with the watch such as the 3D printed watch box (shaped like a ruined Grecian column) and access to some digital assets, for example Rheon’s leather strap features an embedded NFC chip, often used as a tap-to-share digital business card. However, my main focus is the watches in front of me.
Conceptually they aim to marry together some retro and futuristic design elements. That’s most noticeable in the shape of the case, which measures 40mm x 9.7mm in a tonneau shape with broad, curving sides. There’s definitely a sixties-seventies influence in the shape that reminds me of the Rado Diastar, but it manages to remain distinct and individual thanks to the combination of that tonneau shape with a cushion shaped display. Despite being all curves, the slightly squared dial gives the watch the appearance of being much more angular and modern compared to those vintage examples.
On the wrist I do find that the tonneau shape has the effect of exaggerating the lug-to-lug, which is only 47mm but feels longer. It’s not an issue per se but certainly something to keep in mind if you find yourself favouring a shorter lug-to-lug. While it’s not a thick watch the fact that it has no bezel gives it quite tall sides, creating quite an impactful wrist presence balanced by the horizontal width. The bracelet itself is a classic H-link design with rounded centre links, which is nice and comfortable with a butterfly clasp.
For the dial, it’s a minimalist display with central hours and minutes against a backdrop of the titular stone. The Imperial Jade is a rich green tone with a mottled texture that creates a fascinating depth, inviting you to study the dial in detail. The Royal Lapis by contrast has more of a flecked appearance with accents of white in a deep blue. The Lapis also differs from the Imperial Jade in that it features a singular VVS diamond index at 12 o’clock, balancing out the Monovant logo below the central handstack.
Beneath the dial, and protected by a solid steel caseback, is the Sellita SW 200 automatic movement with modified 42-hour power reserve. It’s a classic entry-level mechanical movement popular among a wide breadth of watch brands. One of the great things about it is its value for money, which is translated into the overall price of the Monovant Rheon at €970 pre-order and €1,250 retail (approx. £850/£1,095). Both versions are limited to 99 pieces.
One of the things I love about microbrand watch design is the willingness to be experimental. And Monovant exemplify that to the fullest extent. Unlike so many brands that leech off of and clone famous designs, they’ve created a watch that feels distinct and have presented it in an equally unique fashion.
Price and Specs:
More details at Monovant.
