What do you make of montblanc watches?

From what I’ve gathered over the years, people love their pens, not their watches. There are however a small fan base of Montblanc watches. I rarely see them being discussed or reviewed. Their relatively new diver seems okay, though probably too big for most wrists.

I like Montblanc as a brand that flies under the radar, nice choice.

I think Montblanc is a classy, very underrated brand.

I love their pens, have been using them for the longest time.

They have some nice, interesting watch designs too.

I have one of their pen but I prefer writing with my Kaweco. IMO, Montblanc watches are both blessed and cursed by their brand name.

One one hand it's a well known brand with a famous name that has a lot of respect. On the other hand it's known for their pens and their watches are often overlooked as fashion accessories or optional add-ons when buying a pen.

The story of how Montblanc became (also) a watch company is interesting because they bought Minerva, a watch manufacturing company that's been around since 1858, and they completed the purchase in 2007. So their watches have some serious heritage behind them and Montblanc aren't exactly completely new on the watch scene.

I met a fella who is a retired partner from a major accounting firm here in Toronto, man will be paid as if he is still working till his final hours on earth, does not lack disposal dollars but was wearing a knock off Omega Seamaster that might have cost $18usd when he bought it in Turkey. I popped the back when it stopped working to find an inexpensive Chinese automatic movement, suggested he find a decent watch instead of repairing the bogus Seamaster. One Monday after he went shopping with his partner walked into a Montblanc boutique, came out with a Nicolas Rieussec watch that set him back over 10k cad not a penny discount offered. Montblanc produces some lovely timepieces that do not retain value, ideally suited to the individual who likes nice things, not concerned about about the opinion of other enthusiasts who will say loudly that you are buying a watch from a company famous for pens, as well as some beautiful leather goods.

I absolutely love their fountain pens, been using them since 2004! A great pen and leather brand (from my personal experience) but I haven't had an opportunity to get some experience with their watches! 😅

Really a very underrated watch brand. I guess because of the pens heritage. 😂

I am a big fan of their pens.

That said , I didn't pay attention to their watches until I saw their 1858 Automatic 25H. Needless to say I bought it and it's a really fun watch.

Mont Blanc watches are cool and fun and something you will enjoy.

I’m a Montblanc watch fan. Just don’t own any yet 😀

Yours looks very nice

I have one. It is a good looking, very well made watch.

I don’t remember exactly how long I have had it, but I think MB subsequently made a substantial push upmarket (and changed the branding with a new mountain peak logo).

While I think some of the newer models look nice, they are in a very competitive space. They are trying to convert pen customers to watch customers. I think other brands in that segment of the watch market can more effectively compete on history and horological significance than MB despite the Minerva purchase that they really don’t seem to leverage much in their advertising, probably because they cannot effectively do so. (If they could, they would.)

MB are probably doing well enough with the general public who see them as they would any other luxury brand that sells watches to be profitable, but I think they need a breakout watch to make themselves relevant to the watch enthusiast and the luxury watchmaker market.

Killer pieces. What is the name of the second one from bottom? I was thinking of grabbing a Rudyard Kipling, but that piece is stunning.

Are you talking from the left? That is Rudyard Kipling limited edition piece 😅

They make some gorgeous watches that would fit in any collection. With their acquisition of Minerva, they have some legit horological chops and I imagine we will be speaking more and more about them. I’ve come close to adding something from the heritage collection, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

Makes all the more sense then! I was looking at the green one, so no surprise the clip seemed familiar. Cheers!

A bit pricey but nice designs.

Lovely looking timepiece. I have no first-hand knowledge of Montblanc watches, but have heard good things.

It's an interesting brand, insofar as people are like, "Oh, the pen maker is doing watches? That's cute..." and there's a general perception that they're fashion watches. Like when you see Ferrari or Giorgio Armani on a watch dial. But they are actually serious timepieces for "people in the know". But the perception it has to fight against is indeed massive.

I find them very difficult to write with. They won't even fit in the Quink jar.

Mont Blanc is one of those companies who is looking to venture out of their comfort zone with pens. A lot of their watches are incredible to be honest. But yes it's true many people associate their brand with pens. You need to own one of their watches to know that they were made quite well.

Your Mont Blanc watch is quite nice and pretty much does the job!

My GP had one on today. I have never seen one in the flesh before and they look nice!

Nice.

I have two Montblanc’s though I am waiting on links for my Geosphere.

BTW, there are two levels of Montblanc. The consumer level and the high complication antlier, ie, Minerva.

I agree, the watches with Minerva movements are truly the most impressive of Montblanc's releases.

Next up for me would be the 1858 collection which has some interesting pieces housing Sellita movements, like this chronographs.

Montblanc is gradually developing an aesthetic of its own, which is refreshing.

So wish this was a 3 hander instead of 2

I actually like it better. Bit like the Panerai base, just 2 hands, I love the simplicity

I have 3 Montblanc pieces in my collection and I wear them all the time. I love everything about them.

Oh lovely, is the 1858 47mm? How does it wear for you

Wears like a 44 to be honest.

I am VERY happy with my Montblanc. I would buy it again. I like what they are doing and I think they will continue to do well.