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<\/a>So, if you\u2019re here to confirm your doubts about Montblanc as a watchmaker, the short answer is you\u2019ll be disappointed. A closer look at Montblanc\u2019s collection reveals a dozen sporty, casual, conceptual, and complicated watches at almost unbeatable prices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But first, I\u2019ll hit the ground running with a snippet of how a fountain pen maker became an underappreciated horologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Montblanc Watches: How It Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Montblanc legacy started way back in 1906 when August Eberstein developed a range of fountain pens in Berlin, Germany. While they\u2019re currently based in Hamburg, the German brand is a part of the Swiss conglomerate Richemont Group, which includes brands like Cartier and Baume & Mercier. However, I\u2019ll spare you the unnecessary details and focus on MB\u2019s history as a watchmaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interestingly, Montblanc only recently ventured into watchmaking in 1997 after acquiring Minerva. Now, the techniques and craftsmanship of the Victorian-era Swiss watchmaker live through Montblanc watches. Aside from being respectable watchmakers for the military, they were former official timekeepers of the Olympic Ski Events and leading producers of handmade movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So when you think of Montblanc as a watchmaker, think of the Minerva heritage and the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie. The latter is an institution for \u201cpreserving and cultivating\u201d old precision timekeeping techniques and research for innovative technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Montblanc is a force to reckon with among entry-level and, perhaps, mid-level luxury watch brands. So whether you picture a pen manufacturer when the name comes to mind, they\u2019re not pushovers when it comes to watchmaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s The Status of Montblanc Watches Today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What I said earlier stands; Montblanc isn\u2019t a pushover and is more than a leading pen maker. And anyone who thinks otherwise is either biased, unacquainted, or resourceful enough to easily afford higher-end luxury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Agreed, MB can be inseparable from the crowd when you stick to their entry-level models. But you start to see the excellence in craftsmanship when you go higher up, between $2000 to $15,000 \u2013 considerably still a moderate price to pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll emphasize craftsmanship to back Montblanc as a formidable watchmaker. The German luxury brand has watches, particularly dressy models, that make some popular brands look overpriced. They exude the finishing of a master artisan, in-house movements (mostly Selita-based), and a trademark Sfumato leather making. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some notable mentions are the Vasco da Gama Moonphase and Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum<\/a>, which are excellent watches that would contend with any timepiece, even from the Holy Trinity. Aside from being capable of a side-by-side comparison for engineering prowess, Montblanc watches offer a sizable bang for your buck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, the Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Vasco Da Gama Moonphase in red gold<\/a>, at around $13000, is almost half the price of the JLC Master Calendar. And they are evenly matched in functionality, looks, and craftsmanship. The only edge the JLC offers is brand recognition and, consequently, better resale value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve established that Montblanc watches are high-quality and affordable, here are some of the best models for men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $3,600<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is Montblanc\u2019s first diving watch, and it\u2019s also themed after the Mer de Glace \u201cSea of Ice\u201d, a massive glacier in the Mont-Blanc Massif. It\u2019s interesting to have a Diver\u2019s watch with a cool backstory. Better yet, it\u2019s built with exceptional quality and attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most prominent feature is its glacier pattern in honor of the model name, Iced Sea and Merce de Sea. This glacial texture is achieved using an ancient technique called Gratte Boise. It also has an artistic engraved case back and crown. It\u2019s a good example of Montblanc\u2019s interest in preserving the old ways of watchmaking and infusing them with modern technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Iced Sea is a 40mm stainless steel diving watch that can take a beating for generations. The dial has a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel and 300 meters of water resistance to bring it up to and beyond diving standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This Montblanc is more than any other 43mm chronograph you\u2019ve ever seen. It\u2019s a work of art that\u2019s ridiculously affordable for the level of engineering and artistry that goes into it. And it preserves Montblanc\u2019s legacy of protecting the precious history of watchmaking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you may have deduced from the name, it\u2019s a homage to Nicolas Rieussec – a French watchmaker who invented the inking chronograph in 1821 and King Phillipe\u2019s official watchmaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wondering what an inking chronograph is? It\u2019s simply a chronograph that prints elapsed time on the dial with ink. This Star Legacy has an equally well-engineered automatic chronograph movement, the caliber MB R200 with 72 hours of power reserve. It has a column wheel and counters with rotating discs that give off a 3D effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The blue dial also has a unique guilloche pattern that catches the light and turns heads. It\u2019s then coupled with a Sfumato alligator strap that completes its classy look as a dress watch. If you want a dressy Montblanc, Jaeger-LeCouture alternative, or a statement watch, the Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec is a top contender for men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $2,700<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does \u201cthe President\u201d ring a bell? This is the nickname of Rolex\u2019s famed Day Date watch, and the Heritage Automatic Day & Date gives it a run for its money. But the Heritage has a style of its own, and it\u2019s not just some cheap replica. Actually, it\u2019s a tribute to Minerva\u2019s classic dress watches from the \u201940s and \u201950s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The case is consistent with the vintage design of a seamless round frame and teethed crown in a 39mm case. Combined with the fully-polished finish and silvery white dial, this watch will complete a formal look for every man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the combination of the hour marker and minute graduation inside the case and day and date windows give this watch a cool, refined, yet, classy appearance. More specifically, I fancy how the blue syringe seconds hand extends to the five-minute graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s coupled with a grey Sfumato alligator leather strap that gives it a unique look and is comfortable to wear. Additionally, it’s powered by an in-house caliber concealed behind the solid case back with a Minerva Manufacture\u201d engraving. Priced at a little over $2000, you\u2019ll be getting plenty of luxury and comfort for the Heritage Day Date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $2,115<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another masterpiece from Montblanc for men seeking casual luxury and style for occasions. It\u2019s a classic stainless steel watch with a round case and the signature Montblanc straight lugs I\u2019ve come to love. It\u2019s 40mm across the case and has a unique 5-link stainless steel bracelet that exudes a bold and authentic aura. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dial is a beauty. It\u2019s an infusion of matching silver-white with Roman numerals and baton hour markers, and a date window at 3 o\u2019clock. Similar to the Heritage Day Date, it has an internal bezel, except this time, it\u2019s a 15-minute graduation and railway minute design for indexes. And you can\u2019t go wrong with the ultra-slim hands toning down the bold impression of the dial and bracelet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This Tradition Automatic uses an in-house MB 24.17 automatic caliber with a 38-hour reserve. Compared to similar models from name brands, like the Oris Artelier Automatic, Tissot Tradition Automatic, and even the Longines Master L2.357.4.08.6, the MB holds its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And some may say it has a dressy edge with the Roman numerals on the dial. And, of course, it\u2019s a slightly more economical timepiece, also offering a leather option if you want a more corporate style. Or the 36mm case if you\u2019re more reserved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But I\u2019ll admit the 2500-dollar Longines Master is enticing when you consider the diamond indexes and color options. All in all, Montblanc\u2019s Traditional Automatic is a top-rated luxury watch any serious watch lover can appreciate for engineering, value, and beauty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $6,800<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you checked out the MB Vasco Da Gama from earlier, you\u2019d understand Montblanc is a fan of exploratory watches. The type an ordinary fountain pen maker would struggle to idealize, much less perfect in production. Yet, the folks at Montblanc made the 1858 Geosphere as a tribute to mountaineers braving the Seven Summit Challenge \u2013 climbing the tallest mountains across the seven continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a befitting watch for Montblanc\u2019s heritage since the brand\u2019s name means \u201cmassif\u201d or \u201cprincipal mountain mass\u201d. So it was no surprise extra attention was paid to detail, and it was released as a celebration of Minerva\u2019s 160th anniversary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1858 Geosphere dial has two globes with a red dot signifying the location of each summit around the world. It also has a second timezone at 9 o\u2019clock and a knurled ceramic bezel doubling as a compass. Talk about a new world timer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The structure is no less impressive. It\u2019s a 42mm stainless steel case, black dial, and aged Sfumato calf leather for class and comfort. The 1858 Geosphere is also available in Nato and Bund straps for ultimate wearability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $3,300<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By far the dressiest GMT watch you\u2019ll come across, Montblanc gives travelers a timepiece to slay on the road. While I love the attention complicated watches like GMTs bring, I\u2019m a simple man at heart. The MB Heritage GMT ticks all the right boxes with this simple design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let the uncharacteristic round case with straight lugs fool you. It\u2019s durable and just fine without a bezel. The salmon dial has a double entendre appeal (vintage and eye-catching) with three different layers of finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The wood grain finish for the hands (inner layer), guilloche pattern for the 12-hour marker (center), and clear finish for the minute and 24-hour marker (outer ring) make the dial beautiful, readable, and shows thoughtful craftsmanship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This 40mm two-timezone Montblanc is water-resistant to 50 meters and has an automatic MB24.50 caliber with 42 hours of power reserve. Talk about a simple, stylish, yet powerful, GMT watch at an affordable price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $3,300<\/strong> With this \u201cpiece of art,\u201d you\u2019d recognize that the \u201c1858\u201d collection is MB\u2019s dedication to complicated watches. It\u2019s strictly a collector\u2019s watch for enthusiasts who fancy the addition of a conceptual one-handed watch to their collectibles. It\u2019s a beautiful 1858-themed watch with stainless steel case and an attractive patina-like bronze bezel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bezel ages fine even with wear as the patina blooms, giving it the intended 19th-century feel. But that\u2019s not the whole of the 19th-century story with this watch. What\u2019s special about the Automatic 24h is also the unreal fact that it\u2019s unable to keep time accurately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the beautiful compass-like dial is a 24-hour marker with even gradations of 2-24 and a black map background. Interestingly there are compass indicators on the outer bezel, although I\u2019m uncertain about their accuracy. What\u2019s certain, though, is the bright red hand pointing to the rail tracks is the only way to tell the time – albeit accurate to only +\/- 15 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But I like the adventurous side to it; the first 12th hour of the day starts on the west, and the rest of the day is covered within the 24th hour on the east side of the dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So how you tell the time is down to tracking the four minutes within the hour, leaving you accurate to only 15-minute intervals on the hour. Fun fact: the dial comes alive at night to reveal a map of the Northern Hemisphere and the Meridian lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Montblanc wraps the bronze case in their much-hyped vintage textile strap from Julien Faure \u2013 a strap manufacturer that uses the same antique looms his forefathers used 150 years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While this is more of MB\u2019s conceptual timepieces, I find it overpriced for the concept of feeling an alpine adventure and inaccurate timekeeping era. But I can\u2019t deny it\u2019s the perfect watch to pass down generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $2,650<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now we\u2019re back in the present with another Montblanc beautiful dress watch \u2013 the Star Legacy Date 39. This 39mm stainless steel piece is a refresher from the complicated 1858 Automatic 24h, thanks to its easy-to-read Arabic Breguet numerals and uncluttered slate gray dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dial looks clean, but a closer look reveals the attention to detail of a skilled craftsman on the guilloche patterns. It\u2019s the type of watch face that just seems to always get the attention of co-workers and friends. It\u2019s classy and familiar, yet stands out from what you\u2019ll see anywhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coupling it with MB\u2019s sfumato alligator leather strap confirms its ultimate dress appeal. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with the sfumato technique, it\u2019s a technique from way back in Leonardo Da Vinci\u2019s era that basically gives paintings, in this case, the leather strap, a smoky, faded, but stylish appearance like it aged like fine wine. Without a doubt, the Star Legacy 39mm is one timepiece for a businessman or classy professional to start a dress watch collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $3,180<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In support of Montblanc\u2019s intricate support for mountaineers for obvious reasons, I introduce the Date 0 Oxygen. The artisans and engineers constructed this sporty watch \u201cdevoid of oxygen\u201d \u2013 airtight \u2013 to prevent fogging at high altitudes. Not to mention a spectacular dial to brave cold nights in the wild or rock every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 8000 comes with a black glacier-patterned dial with Montblanc\u2019s sfumato technique finishing, giving it a modern and vintage look. The watch face is a true work of art. In addition to the iced-out background, the 8000 has an easy-to-read dial with large-font Arabic numerals and illuminated cardinal points on the bezel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It has a black bezel and boxy lugs that are sporty compared to the straight lugs of a typical Montblanc. But don\u2019t write it off as a dress watch just yet; it’s leaf hour hands. Plus, it has an interchangeable bracelet so you can swap it for a leather strap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Date 0 Oxygen 8000 runs on the powerful MB21.17 we\u2019ve seen in the previous Montblanc models so far. It\u2019s concealed in the closed case back with a \u201cSpirit of Explorations\u201d engraving as an honor to the brave who explore in this watch. Just remember, it may be 0 Oxygen, but it\u2019s only water resistant to 100 meters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price estimate: $6,110<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar is one of the more complicated models from the German luxury brand. But it keeps its tradition of making simple, round, and dressy watches with a nod to Minerva\u2019s heritage from the 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can probably tell, the Star Legacy has a calendar function or moon phase, but also day, date, month, and hour running on the MB 29.12 caliber. I can\u2019t help but fantasize about how it holds up against heavyweights like the Breguet Classique Calendrier 7337<\/a> and Blancpain Quantieme Complet<\/a> because they share some similarities in style. The Star Legacy has the round pocket watch shape not only for its Minerva heritage and like top competitors with the moon phase complication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its dial is a stunning work of artistry despite having a seemingly simple white background. But the masterful artisans at Le Locle made some magic drilling the Montblanc exploding star guilloche front and center. And it\u2019s encircled by the days of the week and the day and month window below the Montblanc logo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, black Roman numerals and dotted minute markers on the silvery-white dial give the Star Legacy a crisp and readable profile. The red crescent moon and blue hour and minute hands contrast so perfectly that it\u2019s even easy for a horology newbie to get the concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Couple this beautiful dial with a 42mm polished stainless steel case and Sfumato alligator leather; you get a casual and formal timepiece. Despite being one of the more pricey models, the Star Legacy calendar strikes a pretty good bargain for design and functionality at its price. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Best Montblanc Watches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date (ref. MB129371)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph (ref. MB126098<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"2.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2.-Montblanc-Star-Legacy-Nicolas-Rieussec-Chronograph-ref.-MB126098-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Montblanc Heritage Automatic Day & Date (ref. MB119947)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"3.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3.-Montblanc-Heritage-Automatic-Day-Date-ref.-MB119947-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Montblanc Tradition Automatic Date (ref. MB127770)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"4.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4.-Montblanc-Tradition-Automatic-Date-ref.-MB127770-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere (ref. MB119286)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Montblanc Heritage GMT (ref. MB119950)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"6.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/6.-Montblanc-Heritage-GMT-ref.-MB119950-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Montblanc 1858 Automatic 24H (ref. MB126007)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"7.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/7.-Montblanc-1858-Automatic-24H-ref.-MB126007-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Date 39 (ref. MB118517)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"8.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/8.-Montblanc-Star-Legacy-Automatic-Date-39-ref.-MB118517-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n9. Montblanc 1858 Automatic Date 0 Oxygen The 8000 (ref. MB130984)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"9.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/9.-Montblanc-1858-Automatic-Date-0-Oxygen-The-8000-ref.-MB130984-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n10. Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar (ref. MB119955)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"10.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/10.-Montblanc-Star-Legacy-Full-Calendar-ref.-MB119955-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n11. Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph (ref. MB117836)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"11.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11.-Montblanc-1858-Automatic-Chronograph-ref.-MB117836-1024x469.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"12.](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/12.-Montblanc-Heritage-Perpetual-Calendar-ref.-MB119925-1024x469.jpg\")
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