Montblanc’s History and Legacy in Five Watches

Cillian Murphy in Montblanc’s campaign “What Moves You, Makes You”. Photo: Montblanc

Although Montblanc is best known for producing high-end fountain pens, it is also a well-known watchmaker, distinguished for its intricate mechanics and in-house developed motors. The firm was initially established in 1906, and its snow-capped emblem features 6 tongues that stand in for the glaciers on the well-known mountain. Writing tools and leather products from Montblanc rose to the top as the world’s most exclusive and sought-after luxurious products.

The label’s most well-known writing device, the “Meisterstück” fountain pen, was introduced in 1924. However, it took yet another 70 years until Montblanc decided to team up with Richemont to join the watch industry.

Montblanc Montre S. A. was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, in the year 1997. Before Montblanc moved on to produce various variants, such as a selection of lady’s clocks featuring quartz movements, a few of the initial designs on the market had black dials and golden casings symbolic of the maker’s opulent writing tools.

Montblanc obtained the Villeret-based Minerva watchmaking company in 2006. It was then that the firm set its sights on producing incredibly attractive high-horology timepieces. Moreover, when Montblanc acquired Minerva, it continued to generate the Monopusher and tourbillon styles of Chrono movements that made the company popular.

By 2008, Montblanc had started producing Nicolas Rieussec chronographs at Le Locle. These first chronographs, some of which have two moving discs plus static markers, were designed to provide different ways of telling the time. Currently, the Montblanc brand offers a number of wearable devices.

Here is a brief tour of Montblanc:

1. Montblanc Timewalker

For many years, and notably in the twenty-first century, racing and timepieces have been closely related. The performance, agility, and toughness of racing continue to serve as the inspiration for the Montblanc TimeWalker series.

Montblanc keeps up with the changes in racing technology with the Minerva production. The slightest time variations matter because vehicles move faster, unlike before. Hence, individuals, particularly racers, require a gadget to track intervals down to the second.

Minerva, which has a long history in racetrack technology, influences efficiency timing. The manufacturer first released a movement that spans 1/100th of a second in 1916. Since then, it has had an impact on the reliability and precision of manufacturing as well as racing. Additionally, Minerva is rumored to attend prestigious athletic events.

The TimeWalker Line by Montblanc satisfies the requirements of racing. It still draws its aesthetic cues from Minerva’s earlier years. Besides, it is practically inventive, accurate, and functional.

Certain TimeWalker watches have dials that resemble the dashboards of race cars. On the other hand, a tachymeter scale for timing pace is even present in some more recent pieces.

Montblanc Timewalker

2. Montblanc Star

Since their introduction in 1997, Montblanc’s timepieces have had a brief history. The Montblanc Star series is thus the line’s initial watch range and is its foundation.

The very first series is the “Star” offspring of all the others, just like other prestige labels. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the Star line has undergone numerous redesigns since its debut. This range of timepieces introduced the classy Star Heritage after creating their initial in-house chronograph mechanism.

Montblanc takes pleasure in its inventions. Star Montblanc timepieces combine artistry and history with Minerva as an ongoing source of inspiration. Montblanc’s pens served as another important source of influence for this series. They were the products the brand was best recognized for during the period.

In addition, the Montblanc Star series wristwatches are diverse. Roman numbers have replaced Arabic numerals on these timepieces. Furthermore, there are watches in this line with straightforward dials and others packed with functions and time zones.

Generally, the Star line is united by one thing regardless of its frequent reinvention. They include sophisticated, precise, and iconic finishes.

Montblanc Star

3. Montblanc Heritage

The craftsmanship is not made any more difficult by Montblanc Heritage timepieces. Simply put, these are for people who desire a straightforward, useful watch. Nevertheless, they are also for people who appreciate tradition, accuracy, and boldness. Such principles are timeless and remain significant today.

The Minerva Heritage timepieces from the 1940s and 1950s, notably, served as inspiration for the Montblanc Heritage. These timepieces retain the sophistication of older times without compromising modern technological advancements. Moreover, the line features classic casing and vibrant, contemporary hues.

Montblanc Heritage

4. Montblanc Bohéme

The Montblanc Bohéme series is elegant, unique, straightforward, and feminine. In other words, the Bohéme is a women’s watch collection that is a dynamic and self-assured best companion. The collection doubles on refinement and elegance with gorgeous diamonds plus refined guilloché dials.

In addition, the Bohéme is a practical watch with carved crowns, diamond bezels, as well as a moon feature. Even while it adheres to heritage, its passionate twist on wristwatches sets it apart from the competition.

Montblanc Bohéme

5. Montblanc 1858

The Montblanc 1858 series is influenced by the Minerva factory, just as the TimeWalker. Only that this round, it is a tribute to the company’s mountain exploration-friendly Chronos as well as pocket timepieces. As they sit on the pillars of Minerva’s decades-old precise craftsmanship, these pieces are no easy feat.

The 1858 series makes a triumphant comeback to reality. The watches offer advanced functions that do typical tasks effectively. Also, these Montblanc timepieces are more accurate, reliable, and resistant to harsh environments. Even the polar glaciers’ freezing temperatures are no match for its latest additions.

The majority of 1858 timepieces feature Arabic indicators and railroad minuterie lines, taking a page out of Minerva’s playbook of army pocket clocks. The 1958 line is thus the best choice if you’re looking for a timepiece that embodies watchmaking’s yin and yang aspects.

Montblanc 1858

Bottom Line 

Watches from Montblanc aren’t for the fainthearted. Instead, they are for individuals who have a passion for lifestyle and are eager to push the limits of creativity and exploration. Moreover, Montblanc aims to capture the individual essence in their timepieces.

In addition to withstanding the harshest environments and appreciating the complexity of time, Montblanc timepieces are a reliable tool for sportspeople. These watches also transcend accuracy and precision by having a one-hundredth of a second performance.