Many watch collectors will be more familiar with Montblanc as a leading name in pens, but they will perhaps be less experienced with their horological offerings. Nonetheless, Montblanc has an extensive portfolio of models that includes anything from humble three hand dress watches all the way to tourbillon chronographs. Their watches are the result of Montblanc design combined with Minerva know-how. Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Automatic
The best way to use this guide is for you to scroll down through the watches, stopping at models you find interesting. I’ve written brief descriptions of each model, but much more information is available by clicking the link at the start of each collection. Remember that, because it would be prohibitively long, I’ve only included one or two examples of each model of watch, where there might be four or five total to look at, so make sure to visit those links if you find a watch interesting. There may be versions of it you like even more.
The Montblanc TimeWalker Collection is a line of watches designed to invoke the feeling of racing. They tend to have very bold bezels with highly legible dials, and they make a good collection for someone looking for a chronograph. Make sure to see every TimeWalker model, with more information, including pricing, here.
We’ll start with the TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic, which I view as probably the core of the line. As you can see, it uses very high contrast numerals against both their dial and bezel, aiding legibility. Despite their sporty and large 43mm design, the dial itself is actually somewhat refined, with a very pronounced sunburst. Obviously, all of these are equipped with a chronograph, a complication almost synonymous with racing watches A variation on the TimeWalker Chronograph is the TimeWalker Chronograph UTC, which, in addition to including a GMT hand, also has a rotating 24 hour bezel, so you can track up to 3 time zones with it. There is an additional chronograph available, however, the TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph. As the name indicates, this uses an in-house chronograph movement, one of the more difficult kinds of movements to produce. Like the other chronographs so far, it remains 43mm, but it has a slightly vintage look to it, compared to the more modern members of the collection. A similar model is also available with the limited edition “Cappuccino” dial.
But the TimeWalker collection isn’t restricted to chronographs. You can also get some very clean 41mm 3-handers like these TimeWalker Date Automatics. Most of the collection is like the black dial, with a more contemporary look, while the beige dial on the right, when combined with its brown leather strap, has a touch of vintage to it. Although not a chronograph, the 60-unit applied numerals evoke the appearance of a stopwatch.
Probably the most popular model within 1858, and in my opinion, likely the single coolest watch Montblanc makes, is the Geosphere. This 42mm vintage watch, available in steel or bronze, features two functional, and luminescent, rotating hemispheres. Each turns with the passage of time, and the red dots show the locations of the Seven Summits Challenge. Models like this show that Montblanc is taking its watch business quite seriously and intends on making a mark. If you like Montblanc’s 1858 vintage looks, but would prefer a chronograph, you might try one of these models. The 1858 Automatic Chronograph is available in either a 42mm steel or bronze case.
Sparkling timepiece with the light of the moon
Diamonds are also the focus of the new Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic, which lights up the stars in the watch sky. Since time immemorial, moon and stars have defined the cycle of life and once even constituted the first units of time. The Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic collection is dedicated to these, and Montblanc has added two precious new models to mark the occasion of the SIHH 2008.
A total of 104 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds with a baguette cut decorate the bezel and lugs of the 36 mm automatic watch of 18 carat red or white gold. Mysteriously dark as the night or light as moonshine, the shimmering mother-of-pearl dial displays the heavenly bodies in a curved moon phase indicator, and shows their current position between 9 and 12 O’clock.
As the most striking star in the firmament of the Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Automatic, the unmistakable Montblanc Diamond works its magic here too, accompanied by 80 diamonds setted flange and 24 more diamonds that circle the round date indication at 6 O’clock in the form of a sparkling band. Designed to match the coloured models, a beige satin strap with 18 carat pin buckle harmonises with the white gold watch, whilst a brown satin strap complements the red gold model.