Writing instruments
Those that hear the name Montblanc and immediately think pens would not be widely off mark. The house’s heritage after all started with writing instruments - in 1906 to be exact, when the banker Alfred Nehemias and engineer August Eberstein established a company producing simplicissimus pens. The house has since expanded into watches, fine leather goods, accessories and jewellery, and today is one among the more storied brands in the Richemont Group. Sharing the name with the highest mountain in France - indeed all of Europe - Montblanc is today based in Hamburg, Germany (which was the hometown of Alfred Nehemias).
Montblanc Timewalker Chronograph UTC
Three time zones are the crowning achievement in the stainless steel Montblanc Timewalker Chronograph UTC. First up is the normal chronograph minutes and hours, followed by the second time zone that’s read via a luminescent, red-arrow tipped central hand that traces the bezel’s 24-hour scale. Finally the third time zone is found on the unidirectional rotating bezel, with the 24-hour hand as the point of reference. Powered by the calibre MB 25.03, the automatic chronograph comes in DLC-coated stainless steel, for a strong sport look for men, and can be worn with either a leather or rubber strap.
Montblanc pens
The Montblanc writing instruments are another star line and best seller pieces. Rooted in Montblanc’s founding heritage, they appeal to a range of clients today, whether collectors or those that buy for gifts. Among the most collectible is the Meisterstück UNICEF Solitaire Skeleton 149 Fountain Pen, whose 18ct gold nib features a special design inspired by the Rosetta stone. Meanwhile the Montblanc Great Characters edition pays homage to famous individuals, such as the recent The Beatles collection that included a 14ct gold nib tip, piston fountain pen in funky psychedelic colours evoking the era of free love and peace. Moreover, ownership of a Montblanc pen comes with attractive customer services, such as various shipping options, free engraving and free embossing.
High tech
Despite its deep heritage, Montblanc has pioneered new technologies too. Take its StarWalker Extreme stainless steel pen for example, which allows for doodling and writing on touch screens across a range of devices. And when combined with the stylish leather Montblanc Augmented Paper folio, one can write on paper yet access the notes digitally, with options to store, edit and share. And like its pen service, free embossing and free engraving can be had on its leather goods. In 2017, Montblanc debuted the Summit, its first smartwatch that’s equipped with Google Assistant. With its stainless steel or titanium case, the watch has a strong sport look designed initially for men. Even Montblanc’s digital shopping experience is forward-thinking, with various time saving, shipping options and free gift wrapping features.
Montblanc jewellery
Jewellery is another pillar of this famed heritage brand, with a range of accessories designed for both ladies and men, from sport styles to the more classic. Standout women’s fine gold jewellery includes the sculptural me de Star earrings in white gold and pave diamonds, or the more contemporary, pink gold Bohème creoles earrings. The entire Montblanc jewellery line suits women who either buy for a loved one or themselves - like the Montblanc star logo designs that play on the brand heritage, which no doubt is a popular seller. And men are not forgotten: cufflinks include everyday stainless steel knots, while understated woven grey leather bracelets are also available. Men will also find plenty to buy for themselves, such as the cool Spider collection stainless steel money clip. Like the rest of its products, various online shipping options are available.