Montblanc takes a page out of history
Using inspiration from the incredible voyage of Vasco da Gama, Montblanc has launched a bespoke collection for 2015. Gama navigated the high seas in search of India’s coastline with a fleet of vessels that were devoid of navigational instruments, with only the shining stars in the dark sky to guide them. His spirit, dedication and motivation are the driving force behind Montblanc’s latest collection
Founded in 1906, Montblanc established itself as a leader in high-end writing instruments, identifying themselves as “manufacturers of high-class gold and fountain pens”. Based in Germany, the founders of the brand wanted their products to be instantly recognised and in 1938 the brand adopted the star emblem as its logo and trademark, where the white shape represents the snow-capped peak of Europe’s highest mountain – Mont Blanc. This logo would serve as a reminder of the dedication, commitment and high quality European craftsmanship the brand employs.
With the success of its diversified range of products, Montblanc went international with the opening of its first ever boutique in Hong Kong in 1990. This led to further expansion in Europe and today the Maison consists of around 350 boutiques that trade in 70 countries. However, the brand achieved international fame in 1997, when it took part in the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), which showcased its first line of timepieces. The contemporary 2015 collection boasts many idiosyncratic features that are sure to thrill.
Montblanc Bohème Collection
The highlight of this collection is the Montblanc Bohème Perpetual Calendar Jewellery that embodies the contemporary Bohème spirit. The sophisticated silver guilloché 60-facets dial displays the month and leap year cycle, the date, a Moonphase indicator and day of the week. The self-winding calibre MB 29.15 is housed in a 36mm red gold case encrusted with 60 diamonds. Other timepieces in the Bohème Collection consist of self-winding calibres, date or perpetual calendars with either guilloché, mother-of-pearl or diamond paved dials. The leaf-shaped hands are crafted in blued steel or red gold and these timepieces come in a stainless steel or red gold case with a diameter of 30mm or 36mm.
Montblanc Collection Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama
For 157 years, Montblanc has practiced traditional watchmaking with the same combination of innovation and determination that guided one of history’s greatest explorers, Vasco da Gama on his epic expedition. Years on, the voyage into uncharted territory still continues with the Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama, a timepiece that combines a cylindrical tourbillon and unique triple time zone indication, which consists of two distinctive globes; a northern and southern hemisphere. Around the motionless globes are two 24-hour world-time indicator discs with the day/night symbols that rotate once a day around them. The tourbillon is located on the upper part of the dial with an arcing, convex, polished tourbillon bridge.
Heritage Chronométrie Collection
The Heritage Chronométrie Collection takes its name from the French term “chronométrie”, which interpreted means an accurate measurement of time and consists of several timepieces: the Chronométrie Dual Time and the Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph. The Chronométrie Vasco da Gama limited editions include the Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Vasco da Gama Limited Edition 60, the 15 Chronométrie Quantième Annuel Vasco da Gama and the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Quantième Complet Vasco da Gama. These pieces all have polished surfaces, a low overall height and slim appeal, a stepped bezel with a flat surface, rounded horns with characteristic facets and an alligator leather strap.
Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum
Montblanc introduced a new watch collection to honour its 90th anniversary of creating the legendary Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen. The Heritage Spirit collection features the Latin named Spirit Orbis Terrarum, which means “world” or “globe”. This timepiece is equipped with a “world time” function, telling the time in 24 time zones all over the world. The dial boasts multi-layered construction. At its centre, the main sapphire crystal dial displays the continents as viewed from the North Pole which are encircled by the names of the 24 cities representing the different time zones.
Montblanc Metamorphosis II
Montblanc’s unveiling of the new Metamorphosis II highlights the most complex movements ever developed in Villeret, revealing the timepiece in a completely new aesthetic. The “metamorphosis” concept is driven by a highly complex mechanical movement and overlaid dials that open majestically. The aim of this unique complication is to offer a spectacular change of design and function from classic time to chronograph and back using the same fluid movement. During the metamorphosis stage, two wings fold in on themselves on the upper and lower part of the dial, gradually disappearing on each side, a process which takes just five seconds.
The Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap
Montblanc is the first luxury brand to combine wearable technology with fine watchmaking in the form of the Urban Speed e-Strap. The interchangeable strap features an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions and is connected to any iOS smartphone and Android via Bluetooth Low Energy. The collection extension will introduce three new models , all equipped with mechanical automatic winding movements: a chronograph, a UTC (United Time Coordinated) with a second time zone and a three hands watch with the essential functionality of hours, minutes, seconds and date.
