Montblanc

For most, the name Montblanc conjures images of exquisitely beautiful writing instruments — glossy lacquered pens with ornately engraved tips and other jewels for the well-appointed desk. But watch connoisseurs know that legendary craftsmanship extends to timepieces of equal refinement. Established in Germany in 1906, Montblanc rose to fame with artfully-made pens that remain a necessity for titans of any industry. It wasn’t until 1997 that the brand made their foray into the world of horology.

After establishing its own manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland, Montblanc debuted its first watch: the Meisterstück, named after and inspired by the brand’s most iconic pen. The dial’s deep black sheen recalls the pen’s body, the typeface references archival promotional materials, the snow-white star logo emblazons the crown. Another best-selling Montblanc watch collection, the sporty TimeWalker range, drew inspiration from the brand’s Starwalker pens. After the success of these initial models, Montblanc absorbed Minerva, a movement manufacturer based in the historic watchmaking town of Villeret.

Bolstered by Minerva’s technical prowess, Montblanc debuted its Fine Watch collection in 2008. This included the brand’s first in-house movement, caliber MB R100, which powered the Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph. Other notable models followed including the Metamorphosis, with its two transformable dials, and the Meisterstück Heritage Perpetual Calendar, the ultimate marriage of Montblanc’s sophisticated aesthetics and complex horology. In recent years, the brand has expanded upon its heritage with the retro-styled 1858 Chronograph as well as look to the future with Summit series of smartwatches.