Montblanc Watches
From elegant writing instrument to elegant timekeeper
Montblanc wristwatches and Montblanc writing instruments: product lines that, at first glance, seem unrelated. Ultimately, they are two product categories that equally embody the Montblanc philosophy of striving for the highest level of craftsmanship. Incidentally, the word "chronograph" means "time writer." The first of its kind, in 1821, wasn't a wristwatch, but a machine that recorded time on paper using ink (!). Its inventor, Nicolas Rieussec, now lends his name to one of Montblanc's current watch lines.
The only relevant difference between Montblanc Meisterstück writing instruments and Montblanc watches ultimately lies in the fact that Montblanc writing instruments are handcrafted in Germany, while Montblanc's mechanical luxury wristwatches are all based where watch aficionados rightly locate watch expertise: in Switzerland.
No compromises for the masterpieces of timekeeping – SWISS MADE
Both men's and women's watches from Montblanc are manufactured entirely in Switzerland and are therefore entitled to bear the "SWISS MADE" seal of quality on the dial and the case back. This has been the case from the very beginning, since Montblanc Montre SA, with the support of the Richemont Group, began developing and producing high-quality watches in the Swiss Jura in 1997. This remains true without exception for high-quality mechanical watches – only those models that straddle the line between timepiece and smart device, such as the Montblanc Summit 2, are an exception.
At Montre SA, the Meisterstück watch collection was initially created, its DNA immediately apparent in the design, mirroring the writing instruments of the same name: The number 4810 is engraved on the case to the left and right of the crown. On the opposite side of the case, the Meisterstück logo is also artfully engraved. Like the cap of the writing instruments, the watch crown is adorned with a Montblanc star. The first watches, like the classic Meisterstück, featured gold-plated cases combined with deep black dials – the Montblanc Meisterstück 7001 chronograph is a typical example from this early period.
Stainless steel and light-colored dials will soon complement the collection. However, the rounded lines of the Meisterstück watches consistently demonstrate their kinship to the writing masterpiece and make them tangible through touch.
A star is born - The Star Collection
The former Meisterstück watch collection has evolved into the Star collection. While gold and black remain as color options, the collection now also features the full range of materials and colors typical of luxury watches. This commitment to luxury is evident in the guilloché patterns on the dials and the engravings on the rotors, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
As with the Meisterstück collections, the watches from the Star line also have fluted onion-shaped crowns with a Montblanc emblem.
Ladies' watches with smaller 32mm calibers complement the more masculine lines, which are generally 38mm. Particularly in the ladies' watches, materials such as mother-of-pearl are used on dials and crowns, as well as gemstone settings on the bezels. Chronographs are also offered in the 32mm cases.
In addition to stainless steel and platinum-plated or gold-plated cases, 18K gold is also used for the cases, in both "white", "yellow", and "rose" gold. Besides metal bracelets with folding clasps, the Star collection is offered with a variety of leather straps.
Complications range from date displays and GMT to moon phase watches and perpetual calendars. Chronographs with tachymeter scales on the dial are, of course, also included. The high-quality movements are sourced from ETA or ETA/Valjoux.
Blued screws in the movement give the models with glass backs a very special aesthetic. Some of the Star models, for example the Montblanc Meisterstück Star 7236, echo this color accent in the form of blued hour and minute hands.
Do it yourself – for the sake of quality
Montblanc's philosophy in watchmaking has been: to do it themselves and have full control in order to ensure uncompromising quality in the end! In Montblanc's watchmaking manufactory, every movement is individually inspected and the watches are assembled by hand – this remains the case today.
Regardless of the caliber, whether a three-hand watch, chronograph, or moon phase watch, and regardless of whether it's an automatic or hand-wound timepiece with a power reserve: with a Montblanc watch, you always buy masterful quality that is worth preserving and passing on to the next generation. This is made possible by the physical quality of the product and the timeless aesthetics of Montblanc wristwatches. Today's new watch becomes tomorrow's retro watch and, in the truest sense, an investment in the future.
Go swimming with Montblanc - Sports Watches
Montblanc products are companions for life. For many people, this includes sports, including water sports. The Montblanc Sports Collection is the answer to such an active lifestyle. With cases that withstand 20 bar water pressure thanks to screw-down crowns, you can not only swim but also dive deep. Highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, rotating bezels, and a magnifying function for reading the date complete the sporty appeal of these watches.
Besides the classic material stainless steel, titanium and tantalum are used for the watch cases, which range in size from 41.5 to 44 mm. The Montblanc Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic can even withstand pressures of 30 bar; that's equivalent to a water depth of 300 meters!
Bridging the gap to the 21st century – Timewalker
Timewalker watches by Montblanc: Nowhere else does traditional craftsmanship meet so vehemently and obviously The Timewalker series features modern aesthetics and a design that can rightly be called architectural. Avant-garde lines and skeletonized lugs for the straps are hallmarks of the series, most of which are housed in 43mm cases, some in 42mm calibers.
Complications begin with the date display, go through chronographs and GMT functions to the Large Retrograde Automatic with power reserve indicator.
The range of materials extends from stainless steel to precious metals: yellow, rose, and white gold, each in 18K. In addition to metal bracelets with ceramic inlays and folding clasps, there are high-quality leather straps with pin buckles. Water resistance is guaranteed up to 30 meters. Highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystals with an anti-reflective coating ensure easy readability of the large, clear dials in all lighting conditions.
Inspiration from Swiss watchmaking – Heritage Collection
Montblanc's Heritage Collection is nothing more and nothing less than a tribute to the finest Swiss watchmaking. Complications such as those found in the Montblanc Heritage Exotourbillon Minute Chronométrie represent the pinnacle of fine watchmaking. A Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Dual Time automatic watch also rightfully belongs in this collection, where the highest technical standards meet perfectly formed design.
Haute Horlogerie at its finest – 1858 Villeret
Just a decade after entering the watchmaking industry, Montblanc definitively rose to the forefront of the highest-quality manufacturers of mechanical watches. From 2007 onwards, the "Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie" (Minerva Institute for Research in Haute Horlogerie) began developing and producing exquisite timepieces, including the development of its own movements.
The Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 is undoubtedly one of the milestones of Swiss watchmaking. Only a few hundred of these completely handcrafted timepieces in platinum, yellow or white gold leave the manufacture each year, each individually numbered.
What makes the Minerva calibers so unique is the unusually large balance wheel. With only 18,000 oscillations per second, it operates with unparalleled regularity. The real innovation, however, lies in the mainspring, that proverbial unrest that sets the balance wheel in motion. The correct length of this spring is of paramount importance for the watch's precise timekeeping. In the case of the "Villeret," this length is not determined by a machine, but rather measured and calibrated by highly experienced watchmakers. The fact that the bridges and plates receive their finish by hand – without exception – is, by comparison, almost a minor detail, albeit an important one.
Tradition means carrying the fire forward, not preserving the embers - Rieussec
The term "craftsmanship" might conjure up images of clinging to the tried and tested, of routinely and ever more meticulously perfecting established practices. This applies to Montblanc only insofar as they have always, in a decidedly "old-fashioned" way, placed great emphasis on the meticulous, handcrafted execution of ideas. These ideas, however, can certainly be new. And it is precisely within this heritage spirit that perfectly crafted innovations are born.
The Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec collection is a prime example. It features a completely new type of caliber. The chronographs are equipped with a vertical clutch, which enables continuous chronograph operation with minimal friction loss in the movement. Another unique feature of the Nicolas Rieussec watches is the design with its movable chronograph totalizers, which appear as discs beneath a fixed hand. These discs are a nod to Nicolas Rieussec's first timekeeper, mentioned earlier, who "wrote" time in the same way.
The monopusher design for operating the chronograph function completes the innovative product concept. All watches in the series are equipped with two mainspring barrels, providing a power reserve of 72 hours. With the MB R100, MB R110, and MB R120 calibers introduced over time, the collection has been continuously refined both technically and aesthetically.
Montblanc goes digital - Summit 2 Smart Watches
Despite its commitment to perfection and craftsmanship, Montblanc embraces digitalization. This is reflected in Montblanc's only non-Swiss watch line: smartwatches such as the Montblanc Summit 2. With features like GPS, compass, barometer, Google integration, and much more, they meet the needs of Generation Y. All of this is packaged in a quality that allows these watches to be passed down to Generation Z one day. In this sense, Montblanc smartwatches are true companions for life.