Pens? Jewellery? Leather-based? Headphones? If you happen to’re a curious watch collector, it is perhaps powerful to pin down what Montblanc is definitely about.
However since its founding in 1906 as a fountain pen producer in Hamburg, Germany, Montblanc has developed into one of the vital expansive and recognizable luxurious manufacturers we all know right now. And with deep associations spanning properly into a variety of luxurious items, there’s wealthy historical past to be discovered for any watch fanatic that digs deep sufficient to seek out the true, horological story.
Early Years
Simplizissiumus-Füllhalter was based by Berlin designer August Eberstein and a Hamburg banker named Alfred Nehemias, and shortly modified its identify to the a lot simpler to pronounce Simplo Filler Pen Co. GmbH. Extra adjustments of possession and identify would in the end result in it turning into the extra acquainted Montblanc.
Their preliminary success may be credited to the Simplicissiumus pen design, or Simplo, which had a built-in ink properly in 1909. The primary commercially accessible mannequin — the Rouge et Noir — was shortly succeeded by one other mannequin in 1910, merely known as Montblanc. The corporate’s identify change adopted.
Montblanc first began making watches in 1997. Proven right here: the Montblanc 1858 Minerva Monopusher Chronograph Pink Arrow Restricted Version. Montblanc
Arguably, the cornerstone of Montblanc’s model identification is the Meisterstück (German for “masterpiece”) pen. First launched in 1924, the Meisterstück propelled Montblanc into worldwide stardom, with a mannequin ultimately making its technique to the desk of one in all Montblanc’s most well-known prospects a long time later—United States President John F. Kennedy.
Since 1929, the Meisterstück’s nib has been engraved with “4810,” a reference to the 4,810 meter top of the Mont Blanc mountain to which the model additionally nods in its six-pointed snowcap brand. Naturally, references to the mountain figures into Montblanc branding in a number of methods.
Extra acquisitions (by Alfred Dunhill Ltd. in 1977, which later merged with Cartier and have become generally known as Groupe Vendôme) ultimately led to its becoming a member of the Richemont Group in 1998 the place it resides right now. It’s throughout this period when Montblanc’s eye for high quality and craftsmanship merged with the watchmaking world.
So, What Concerning the Watches?
Montblanc’s story can be a story of two firms: the pen maker and the watchmaker Minerva. One other quantity you may discover swirling by way of Montblanc’s catalog is 1858. This refers back to the yr a movement-making firm based by Charles Robert and brother Hyppolite, got here to the Swiss city of Villeret.
The Swiss city of Villeret, house of Minerva and the place Montblanc’s highest-end watches are made. Oren Hartov
With its capability to supply high-end, extremely famend actions (particularly chronographs), the Fabrique d’Horlogerie Minerva SA (because it was later recognized) managed to truly survive the Quartz Disaster that killed off many watchmakers. Its capability to supply stability wheels and hairsprings in-house ultimately Richemont which bought the motion firm in 2006.
Montblanc had added watches to its portfolio of luxurious merchandise in 1997, but it surely entered a brand new period when Richemont entrusted it with Minerva.
In the present day, Montblanc’s watchmaking identification attracts closely on Minerva, which it largely refers to easily as Villeret. A lot of this identification is expressed in design, as solely a fraction of Montblanc watches include higher-end actions produced in Villeret — the remaining are based mostly on widespread sourced calibers from the likes of ETA and Sellita, normally following the naming conference MB 2X.XX.
The model’s halo merchandise include Villeret actions produced in the identical Minerva services that have been established in 1902.
Some Montblanc watches include high-end actions made in Villeret. Montblanc
Pen and Watch Collectors Unite
Except for the watches, the tradition behind gathering Montblanc merchandise focuses closely on pens and even high-end leather-based items right now. In truth, since 1935, Montblanc has produced all in-house leather-based merchandise, together with all of its personal pen instances and watch straps.
This enables the model to resonate strongly with collectors throughout each the watchmaking and EDC communities thinking about fostering expansive collections of watches, leather-based knick-knacks, writing devices, and extra. It is little shock that there is some overlap between pen and watch gathering circles.
After absorbing Fabrique d’Horlogerie Minerva SA in 2006, Montblanc curiosity amongst watch collectors has grown, because the model continues to cater to fans thinking about exploring one of the vital enduring producers in all of Swiss watchmaking historical past. So there are a number of causes to be thinking about Montblanc — and a variety of watches to take a look at.
Montblanc Watches Shopping for Information
Montblanc 1858 Assortment
The Montblanc 1858 assortment serves because the model’s most direct, modern connection to the Minerva motion producer. It’s right here the place you’ll discover a vary of sport fashions impressed by each the design and movement-making applied sciences of Fabrique d’Horlogerie Minerva SA.
For the form of sport watches that rival related manufacturers throughout the Richemont household, it’s a very good wager you could begin right here when you’re on the lookout for a sporty dive watch, military-inspired chronograph, or one thing with a deep connection to one of many oldest Swiss movement-making firms round. That is what Montblanc manufacturers because the product line “with right now’s explorers in thoughts.”
Montblanc Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph $5,200.00 SHOP NOW
In search of one of the vital trustworthy, trendy interpretations of Miverva watches from the Twenties and Nineteen Thirties? The 1858 Monopusher Chronograph reveals the spirit of the legendary watches supposed for army use and mountain exploration delivered to us by Minerva.
This particular instance is absolutely satin-finished for a rugged look and options an computerized monopusher chronograph — one of many nerdiest chronograph iterations you could find for round $5k. Accessible on a beads-of-rice bracelet or as a restricted version in bronze with a textile strap, it’s one of many best locations to start out when you’re seeking to break into the Montblanc sport.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: IWC 69370 computerized
Water Resistance: 100m
Worth: $5,200-$6,000
Montblanc Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Computerized Date $2,975.00 SHOP NOW
Launched at Watches & Wonders 2022, the Iced Sea Computerized assortment is Montblanc’s first-ever sports activities diving watch. Whereas it’s a part of the 1858 assortment, these fashions show a number of the most trendy design decisions accessible throughout Montblanc’s total line-up.
There are three dial choices in black, blue, and inexperienced impressed by the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), the primary glacier of the Mont-Blanc Massif. It’s accessible each on a bracelet and a rubber strap.
Diameter: 41mm
Motion: Sellita SW200 computerized
Water Resistance: 300m
Worth: $2,975-$3,190
Montblanc Montblanc 1858 Computerized Chronograph $4,900.00 SHOP NOW
Just like the 1858 Monopusher Chronograph, the 1858 Computerized Chronograph recollects a few of Minerva’s earlier designs, however with a contemporary look applicable for right now’s collectors. This particular mannequin encompasses a clear blue dial with a bi-directional compass bezel and an identical blue leather-based strap.
At 42mm, it serves as a bridge between trendy and classic, whereas exhibiting Montblanc’s need to drive the spirit of exploration and Minerva’s heritage in its trendy traces. To advance its day-to-day practicality, this mannequin options 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal for sturdiness.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: Sellita SW 510 computerized
Water Resistance: 100m
Worth: $4,900
Montblanc Montblanc 1858 Geosphere $6,400.00 SHOP NOW
Montblanc’s Geosphere line of watches is maybe essentially the most emblematic sub-collection Montblanc provides right now. Whereas they do symbolize the identical classic Minerva attraction the opposite fashions search to realize, the Geosphere platform watches are by far essentially the most recognizable. With a number of variations starting from primary metal to titanium, and even restricted variations in bronze, the Geosphere additionally delivers sensible dual-time performance together with a shocking, dual-hemisphere world time show.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: Modified Sellita SW300 computerized
Water Resistance: 100m
Worth: $6,400-$6,800
Montblanc Montblanc 1858 Minerva Monopusher Chronograph Pink Arrow Restricted Version $29,500.00 SHOP NOW
That is it — the one watch within the 1858 line that pulls zero punches and represents the complete scope of Montblanc’s vintage-inspired watchmaking right now. Extremely restricted and with a Villeret motion and splendid appointments like an 18K white gold fluted bezel, the Pink Arrow each performs and appears the a part of ’30s-era Minerva chronographs with military-ready performance. Solely 88 examples can be found, but it surely’s the final word alternative and pinnacle of the present 1858 assortment.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: Montblanc MB 13.21 hand-wound
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $29,500
Montblanc Heritage Assortment
These fashions are impressed by historic Minerva wristwatches. Each bit pairs Montblanc’s trendy watchmaking strategies, luxurious leather-based practices, and a mind for element to ship high-end items that cowl the posh house and merchandise prepared for journey.
Montblanc Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph $5,200.00 SHOP NOW
With the identical need to advertise Minerva’s basic wristwatches from the Forties and Nineteen Fifties, this classic-looking chronograph combines Montblanc’s trendy watchmaking tech with a coveted salmon dial and the identical monopusher performance you could find within the 1858 assortment.
If you happen to aren’t a fan of the Instagrammable salmon dial, Montblanc provides this similar mannequin with a clear white dial with blue and purple accents all through, paired with a black alligator strap. At 42mm, it’s excellent for these looking for a mix between trendy and classic.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: IWC 69370 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $5,200
Montblanc Montblanc Heritage GMT $2,975.00 SHOP NOW
At simply 40mm, the Montblanc Heritage GMT distills the Heritage Assortment’s look right down to a easy, travel-ready GMT on a leather-based strap. You’ll be able to rating this one with a clear white dial or a salmon dial with blue accents on a black strap. At just below $3,000, it’s one of the vital enticing choices from Montblanc when you’re on the lookout for a heritage-inspired piece with a travel-ready motion and configuration.
Diameter: 40mm
Motion: ETA 2893 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $2,975
Montblanc Montblanc Heritage Computerized Chronograph $4,300.00 SHOP NOW
Maybe the cleanest three-register chronograph accessible from Montblanc, the Heritage Computerized Chronograph brings much more selection to the Heritage lineup. If you happen to aren’t a fan of the monopusher design, it is a nice possibility with related particulars and performance. Plus, it is available in at just below $5k and you will get it with a white or burnt caramel-colored dial on an identical leather-based strap.
Diameter: 41mm
Motion: IWC 69370 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $4,300
Montblanc Montblanc Heritage Computerized $2,435.00 SHOP NOW
Possibly you do not want all these issues and the costs they entail. In that case, you may discover the simplicity you search within the Heritage Computerized. These can be found with or with out date and day issues and there’s even a model in 18 Okay rose gold. Sizing can also be nice at round 40mm with a variety of dial colours and strap choices to selected from — the cleanest being the silvery-white dial that includes rhodium-coated indexes.
Diameter: 40mm
Motion: Sellita SW240 computerized, Sellita SW200 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $2,435-$9,600
Montblanc Star Legacy Assortment
Just like the Heritage and 1858 collections, Montblanc’s Star Legacy watches reference key Minerva designs from the previous. However right here, Montblanc combines a wealth of Minerva lineage with modern-looking configurations and supplies for a extra modern really feel. General, you’ll see sporty day-to-day fashions and costume watches, all the best way to an extremely-limited high-horology piece.
Montblanc Montblanc Star Legacy Computerized Chronograph $4,300.00 SHOP NOW
Like a lot of Montblanc’s different chronograph fashions, the Star Legacy Computerized provides a no-frills, dressy look. This mannequin takes it up a notch with Breguet-style numerals, curved lugs and an onion crown. To match the elegant blued arms, Montblanc additionally pairs it with a blue Sfumato alligator leather-based strap the model makes in-house.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: ETA 7753 computerized
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $4,300
Montblanc Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar $4,900.00 SHOP NOW
There are few watch designs that seize complexity and wonder the best way a full calendar does. Having the day, date and month outlined clearly on a dial is simply plain sensible, and sometimes leaves you with visible curiosity much like one thing extra complicated like an annual calendar. The Star Legacy Full Calendar takes the true property of a 42mm case (we’d be so throughout a 40mm model) and packs in a purposeful “triple calendar” format along with a moon part show.
Diameter: 42mm
Motion: Sellita SW200 computerized
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $4,900
Montblanc Montblanc Star Legacy Computerized Date 43 mm $3,560.00 SHOP NOW
Whereas a lot of what we’ve talked about thus far lives properly throughout the “costume watch” house, the Star Legacy lineup additionally provides just a few easy, all-steel fashions with a sportier vibe. By making use of a bigger 43mm case, the Computerized Date pays tribute to Minerva pocket watches of the previous and pairs the look with a stainless-steel case and bracelet. And this time-only variant is simply the beginning: Montblanc additionally expands on the platform with moonphases, chronographs, day-dates and smaller choices measuring right down to 32mm.
Diameter: 43mm
Motion: Sellita SW200 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $3,560
Montblanc Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Day & Date $5,300.00 SHOP NOW
The Star Legacy Chronograph Day & Date may symbolize essentially the most feature-packed mannequin on this lineup. This mannequin offers you a distinct chronograph format with registers at 12, 6, and 9 plus a conventional day-date readout at 3 o’clock. It’s a daring take a look at 43mm. However for many who can pull it off, it makes for a pleasant, modern-looking sport chronograph that contrasts with Montblanc’s different heritage-inspired items.
Diameter: 43mm
Motion: Sellita SW500 computerized
Water Resistance: 50m
Worth: $5,300
Montblanc Custom Assortment
For an much more minimalist and, properly, conventional tackle wristwatches from Montblanc, look no additional than the Custom line. This assortment provides a pair extra accessible choices, each with quartz and computerized actions. All fashions on this lineup are time-only and for essentially the most half, present a dressier and extra elegant look than that the beforehand talked about sophisticated and sporty collections.
Montblanc Montblanc Custom Computerized Date 40 mm $2,155.00 SHOP NOW
You’ll be able to’t beat the Custom Computerized Date when you’re on the lookout for an entry-level computerized watch from Montblanc. With a variety of sizes together with leather-based and bracelet choices, you’ll discover what you’re on the lookout for simply. Each comes with a sexy time-only dial with a date funtion at 3 o’ clock.
Diameter: 32mm – 40mm
Motion: Sellita SW200 computerized
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $1,830 – $2,155
Montblanc Montblanc Custom Quartz Date 40 mm $1,290.00 SHOP NOW
With a a silver-white dial and rhodium-coated Roman numerals, this can be one of many classiest quartz costume watches you could find. At 40mm, it makes for extra of a contemporary piece and can probably go properly with a go well with or a t-shirt and denims. Like pricier fashions in Montblanc’s lineup, you continue to get an in-house crafted leather-based strap that ties collectively the entire package deal.
Diameter: 40mm
Motion: ETA 955.112 quartz
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $1,290
Montblanc Bohème Assortment
Montblanc’s devoted ladies’s lineup, the Bohème Assortment provides designs not seen in different sections of the Montblanc catalog. Every mannequin provides a distinct tackle Montblanc magnificence and there’s an particularly enticing day/evening mannequin Montblanc ought to undoubtedly discover as a bigger unisex mannequin sooner or later.
Montblanc Montblanc Bohème Day & Evening 34 mm $3,990.00 SHOP NOW
Accessible in 30mm and 34mm case sizes, the Bohème Day & Evening serves because the flagship mannequin throughout the Bohème assortment. All fashions characteristic diamond indexes and rose gold arms and may be bought on leather-based or with an identical bracelet. And when you go for the blue dial model, simply know that it’s solely accessible with the 18k rose gold case.
Diameter: 30mm & 34mm
Motion: Sellita SW300 computerized
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: 3,560 – $7,500
Montblanc Montblanc Bohème Computerized Date 30 mm $3,180.00 SHOP NOW
For essentially the most primary time-only Bohème mannequin, go for the Computerized Date. Whereas it might seem restrained in comparison with another Montblanc items, this one nonetheless provides a cool, elliptical opening at 6 o’clock for the date with a a sculpted onion crown and guilloché dial.
Diameter: 30mm
Motion: MB 24.14
Water Resistance: 30m
Worth: $2,910
