Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

It wasnt an easy path for Montblanc to get past the image of the luxury pen maker who tries to make the watch world believe that its watches would be anything else but decorative accessories to accompany its writing instruments. Let me guide you along through this deep dive into Montblancs complete brand history.It could be said that the name Montblanc as a synonym for luxury pens was too deeply established. But the increasing integration of Minervas heritage and craftsmanship finally made the necessary impact. Also, bringing Grande Complication watches to market at very competitive prices caused appropriate attention and recognition to the penmakers horological offerings.In the beginning, t [...]

Two hundred years ago, Nicolas Rieussec invented the worlds first chronograph. It was a clever device that did not only measure time but could also record it with an ink drop on a rotating disc. Rieussec named the device chronograph, a combination of two words taken from the Greek. Chronos stands for time, while graphien meaning writing. The worlds first time writer was born.Montblanc pays tribute to this tremendous horological achievement by releasing the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Limited Edition 200. The watch is a new iteration of the brands already existing model with a new look.Chronograph by RieussecFor a long time, the watch world considered Nicolas Rieussecs creation the [...]

Cant you hear, cant you hear the thunder? You better run, you better take cover. Or so said the Men At Work. Now, before you shake your head, thinking, There goes Brandon again with the song references, lets take a moment to consider that statement. Whether or not you actually have to run and take cover all depends on the storms proximity, doesnt it? Lets be honest here; if its five kilometers away, you could probably just?leisurely stroll and take cover. And sure, with these newfangled phones and radar apps, you could flick some screens and figure that out. But thats no fun, now is it? For us watch lovers, whats an even more satisfying way to determine the distance between you and tempest? [...]

Earlier this year, I had an online talk with Montblanc's new Managing Director Watch Division, Laurent Lecamp (43). Amongst other things, I asked him about his favorite new watch in the collection. That must be the new, bronze 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition 1858, he answered. This new Geopshere is inspired by a 2,000 kilometer solo journey by legendary mountaineer and adventurer Reinhold Messner in 2004 through the Gobi Desert. The watch reads like a logbook of that adventure thanks to the colors used, different details and the laser etching on the back. I had to find out more. And now I want to wear the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition 1858 upside down.I didn't just talk about the l [...]

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Montblanc is releasing a mesmerizing new model today that pays tribute to Minerva's rich heritage in the most sophisticated way. The brand's latest timepiece, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18, comes on a never-before-seen case color with a classy complication.This is an exciting watch. Not only do we have an enticing complication (a manufacture rattrapante, no less) to fawn over, its encased in a very unusual one could?even say unique case material. If you didnt know you needed a bit of Lime Gold in your life, youre welcome. With Watches and Wonders just around the corner (starting April 7th, so get it in your calendars), Im excited enough as it is. Releases like this onl [...]

A watch with a 42+mm case size is considered large even by todays standards. This year Montblanc is reviving one of Minervas vintage models, an astonishing 46mm timepiece. The 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition comes in a bronze case. However, this is not whats so spectacular about this watch.The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition pays tribute to the heritage of Minerva. They do this by taking inspiration from a 1930s timepiece that housed an iconic Minerva caliber: the 19-9CH.?HistoryBefore we take a closer look at the brand-new Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition, lets talk a bit about its inspiration. The original timep [...]

Trust me when I say that a lot of timepieces go through my hands on a weekly basis. And as soon as this watch landed on my desk it had my attention. While saying that, it is worth noting that to me, like many others, Montblanc is a brand of top quality writing instruments. It can be hard for me to see the watches without the pens cropping up in my minds eye. However, the Montblanc Geosphere 1858 did not suffer from the same fate. From the first moment, it had my complete and, for once, undivided attention.As you might expect given the creative aspect of my day job, I also have an interest in design. Actually, before I ended up working in real-estate (back in the day), I spent some time at th [...]

There is something magical about salmon-colored dials. Its not a dial color you see very often, but the love for them amongst enthusiasts is palpable. I also love a beautiful salmon dial. So I was more than happy to see Montblanc add the Heritage Monopusher Chronograph to its collection. With its vintage aesthetic and great salmon dial, this might just be the most stylish piece in the catalog.We have seen a stylistic growth from Montblanc over these last few years. The brand uses the vintage looks of the Minerva watches from the early 20th century to develop its own style. Minerva professional tool watches from the 1920s and 1930 inspired the 1858 collection; the Heritage collection is inspi [...]

For its new introductions for 2020, Montblanc puts a lot of focus on expanding the 1858 collection. The 1858 collection is inspired by the Minerva watches from the 1920s and 1930s. Tool watches that were created mostly for military use and mountain exploration. The all-new Montblanc 1858 Automatic 24H fits perfectly in the 1858 collection and adds its own dose of quirkiness.The first thing that came to mind when I saw the Montblanc 1858 Automatic 24H was the thought of me flipping through the pages of the Grote Bosatlas as a young boy. Its the Dutch equivalent of the British Oxford Atlas of the World and was first published in 1877. The Grote Bosatlas?is a Dutch institution that still captur [...]

Montblanc has embraced the retro-styled looks well for a lot of their watches over the last few years. With the Minerva archives as a legit and extensive source of inspiration for both design and movements. The latest introduction to the Minerva inspired 1858 collection is the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph. A smart addition that comes in a regular steel version and a limited edition bronze version.Over the last couple of years, Montblanc has increasingly invested in giving the Minerva name prominent place in their collection. What seemed like an odd couple at first, has quickly drawn the interest of many watch enthusiasts. I have to say I was wary at first because the names didnt see [...]

At last year's SIHH Montblanc presented the 1858 Split Second Chronograph, providing a complication that is also known as a Rattrapante. This watch comes in a vintage design and with a movement in a typical traditional layout. The finishing of this movement is breathtaking. The actual sensation about this watch is its price.If you lurk around watch forums you frequently read about grail watches or even exit watches. Some unfortunate watch addicts try to make you believe that if they were able to obtain that one specific (and only) watch, they would be happy for the rest of their life without needing any other watch. Unfortunately, the nature of addiction is a different one. You know what I m [...]

The creations that come out of the design department of Davide Cerrato (Managing Director of Montblanc Watches) are spread out on a very wide scale. Some are affordable and modest. Others are complicated both in terms of watchmaking. All I'm saying is, that we should not jump to a conclusion when judging Montblanc and categorize them in one way or the other. Having said that, today we will have a closer look at the simplest SIHH 2019 release, the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Limited Edition. Simple in terms of complications, nothing else.1858 CollectionBefore we talk about the watch itself let's first position the 1858?pieces, into the Montblanc collection. Basically, the brand has two main desi [...]

The 2019 SIHH Montblanc Heritage novelties probably have the widest selection of timepieces in the brands current lineup. 6 models from an elegant 3-hand version to a sophisticated limited edition pulsograph. It is a very thought-out collection that offers a watch in every price segment. Let's look at the crown jewel of the line; the Montblanc Heritage Pulsograph. A watch that is a limited edition of only 100 pieces.Montblanc Heritage PulsographWhile I don't fancy fish (on my plate) I really like this salmon dial (color) steel amazingness from Montblanc. It is not only a super cool watch on the wrist but one that packs a lot of punches overall. We'll run through the basics, shall we? The Mon [...]

Moonphase watches are among the most elegant timepieces with complications that are available for a relatively affordable price. A simple classic three-hand watch is perfect for most occasions when you need to dress smartly. A moonphase, however, adds a touch of elegance even to that, elevating the watch to another level. At least this is how I look at it. I've had my fair share of moonphase watches in the past from Leonidas to Omega Cosmic and beyond. Certain sporty pieces, like a Speedmaster Pro, also bear this complication. Lastly, watch icons such as Patek Philippe's 5970, my exit watch, has a moonphase indicator too. I associate the name Montblanc with such elegance. This is why I reall [...]

Montblanc has some interesting watches for you in store this year. One of them is the Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph. In this article, we will give you a first look and some of our thoughts. Starting at just below 5000 Euro for an in-house chronograph (up to 5290 depending on the strap / bracelet combination), it could become a very serious option for those who love chronos with a manufacture movement.TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph Panda DialDuring the presentation, Montblanc actually referred to this watch as Paul Newman style themselves (sigh), but if you can look past that statement, theres actually a cool watch being offered here. It is powered by a three register chronograph mov [...]

1858 refers to the founding year of Minerva, a watch company that was located in Villeret, Switzerland. A brand that struggled through its last years of existence, but also a brand with a lot of watchmaking history. If you put some effort into it, you will find for example ? the most beautiful chronograph watches that were made by Minerva.About 10 years ago,?the Minerva brand was sold to Richemont Group, who also owns Montblanc. Montblanc, well-known for their writing instruments, was ready for the next step in horologie as well. Haute horlogerie, to be precise. What better way to have an awesome kickstart if you can depend on movements and watchmaking knowledge from a company like Minerva? [...]

You probably have read it by now, but Montblanc seems to be the big surprise of the SIHH show in Geneva. Again, as the brand from Hamburg could really enjoy some positive and overwhelming responses during the SIHH in 2014 as well.Let us add some words on Montblanc and its position in the Richemont group or the watch universe in general at the end of this article. First, we speak about this Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum, their world timer watch with an in-house developed complication.Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis TerrarumMontblanc surprised everyone this year. Not only with this Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum (euh, World Timer) but actually with their entire range of [...]

Just recently, Montblanc held a watch event in The Hague, The Netherlands. Just a week after the SIHH2011 exhibition in Geneva, Montblanc showed us some of their new models. As established as this company from Hamburg is with regards to writing instruments, their timepieces did not get much attention from collectors until Montblanc took over the Minerva factory. With Montblancs Villeret and Rieussec collection, they stole the hearts of many collectors of haute horlogerie timepieces. I examined their collection carefully, and picked a favorite that I could see myself wearing at some point in the future. The new Vintage Pulsographe.The Vintage Pulsographe with its black dial and rose gold case [...]

Watch design is without a doubt one of the hardest forms of design to master. Watches are small objects and come with a long list of aesthetic and technical requirements. In its essence, the watchs design always has to be serving the wrist of the wearer and the movement that powers the watch. That combination of aesthetics and technique makes watches fascinating, to begin with. But what happens when industry outsiders get involved in the art of watch design? Time to check out some of the creations from renowned architects and find out if we can learn from them.For me, watches are about aesthetics first and foremost. No matter how impressive the movement is, if the watchs design does not move [...]