Press release
Never before in the more than 100 years of their history have wristwatches undergone such dynamic evolution. New technologies, novel materials and innovative functions have given rise to creations and formats that shatter all previous conceptions. To assure that simple, classical elegance isn't forgotten amidst this fascinating burst of innovation, Montblanc has added to its Star collection the Star Classique in a new dimension: classical esthetic in a slim case design.
Classically circular, medium in size and without additional complications, this gold wristwatch is as indispensable to a gentleman's outfit as are cufflinks, a fine necktie with a tastefully understated pattern, an elegant breast-pocket handkerchief and impeccably polished shoes. But classic gold wristwatches have been relegated to the background in recent years and have surrendered their traditional place in the front row of jeweler's display cases. Style-savvy cavaliers who also want their wristwatches to uphold the standards of discreet elegance will surely be delighted to welcome the Montblanc Star Classique Automatic, which will be available in 2012.
Star Classique Automatic © Montblanc
Less Is More
The credo of the new Montblanc Star Classique Automatic is emphatically “less is more.” Hours, minutes and small seconds are all a man needs to arrive punctually at every business meeting or private rendezvous. He already knows the date, and his smartphone can dispatch all the other functions, e.g. stopwatch, calendar or second time zone. It's far more important for him to wear a wristwatch that's attractive yet unostentatious, slim enough not to scrape or snag, legible at a glance – and that radiates an aura of tactful noblesse.
Discreet Elegance
These expectations are superbly fulfilled by the new Star Classique Automatic in its classically round, very slim and elegant gold case. The diameter is a contemporary 39 millimeters; a narrow bezel contributes to the visual appeal; and a moderate height of 8.9 millimeters seems even slimmer thanks to the bold inward rounding on the middle part of the case. The narrow, vertically protruding horns curve slightly downward to give this watch an anatomically correct contour that fits perfectly around its wearer's wrist. The harmonious impression is consummated by a slightly cambered sapphire crystal which has undergone antireflective treatment on both its surfaces so that it guarantees the utmost transparency without glare. This crystal provides the ideal window through which to admire the silver-colored dial, which looks highly appealing and interesting, although its styling is uncompromisingly minimalist. The eight indices and four numerals are plated with gold, as are the leaf-shaped hour-hand and minute-hand, as well as the little second-hand, which turns its circles on a subdial at “6 o'clock.” The dial's bare-bones design accentuates the black MONTBLANC insignia and the finely printed words “AUTOMATIC” and “SWISS MADE.”
Mechanical Purism
A pane of sapphire crystal in the back of the case invites connoisseurs to admire the selfwinding mechanical caliber MB 4810/408 with its ball-borne winding rotor and gleaming golden balance. The latter completes 28,800 hourly semi-oscillations (4 Hz) and thus ranks among the fast-paced oscillators. The view through rear window underscores the fact that a fine mechanical timepiece has charm and elegance that no quartz watch could ever rival. This caliber is the ideal power source for a wristwatch that has been reduced to the barest essentials for owners who appreciate classical elegance and inner values.
But the real importance of the Montblanc Star Classique Automatic wristwatch is that it obviously goes with the understatement of the brand and therefore has all chances for a classical hero among the Montblanc watch assortment. Connoisseurs who keep a close eye on the market will quickly realize that interest has concentrated on extremes: extremely complicated mechanical masterpieces and extremely sleek models that distil the basic functions into the most elegant possible form. This mood of understated elegance is tastefully complemented by a sleekly black alligator-leather strap secured by a simple pronged buckle made of 18 K gold.
The Star Classique is available in 18 K red gold and yellow gold, as well as in a gold-and-steel variant with bezel and crown made of 18 K red gold. Two steel variants with classical black alligator-leather wristbands round out the collection.
The Star Classique watches will be available in Montblanc boutiques and selected jewelers as of June 2012.
Technical details
Movement Montblanc 4810/408
Type of movement Self-winding mechanical movement
Functions Hours and minutes from the center, small seconds at “6 o'clock”
Number of rubies 27
Power reserve Ca. 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz)
Features
Case 18 K red gold
Dimensions Ø 39 mm; height: 8.9 mm
Water resistance To 3 bar (30 m)
Crystal above dial Domed sapphire crystal with double antireflective coating
Case back 18 K red gold with flat sapphire crystal
Crown 18 K red gold with Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl
Dial White Silver-colored dial with gold-plated indices and numerals
Hands Gold-plated leaf-shaped hands
Strap Brown alligator leather strap with pin buckle in18 K red gold
