![]() Montblanc’s famous black and white star logo, representing the snow-covered peak of Mont Blanc (originating with its pens), sits at the crown’s end. The polished case features a nicely machined step on the outer edges of the lugs with a rounded bezel and large onion crown. Although it’s a bit larger at 43mm in diameter and 13.84mm in height (51mm lug-to-lug), it still wears well without overwhelming the wrist, although you do feel the weight of the 18k rose gold case (replacing stainless steel). The 2014 world timer was well proportioned at 41mm in diameter and 12mm in height, and the new Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum doesn’t stray far from that formula. Following the original Orbis Terrarum in 2014 and slight refresh in 2016, the 2020 Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum in 18k rose gold is the brand’s most luxurious world timer to date. Now a subsidiary of Richemont, Montblanc’s watch division has benefited from the conglomerate’s resources and acquisition of movement manufacturer Minerva for in-house calibres. Founded in 1906, Montblanc became world-famous for its fountain pens like the iconic Meisterstück 149 launched in the 1950s. The new Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum (left) – the discontinued Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum (right)Īlthough we celebrate Montblanc’s timepieces here at Monochrome, the brand is arguably best known for its luxury pens. The quartz revolution in the 1980s brought this function to the masses, particularly with digital offerings, but mechanical watches still hold that desirable and unique blend of form and function. It has traditionally been a luxury complication for the most prestigious brands, but in recent years has become a more accessible option for business travellers. Swiss watchmaker Louis Cottier created the first mechanism to display world time in 1930 and Vacheron Constantin capitalised on this in 1932 with a pocket watch. World time was established in 1884 (24 time zones) and it took some time for watchmakers to develop a complication to accommodate world travellers. Larger than before and with a monochromatic colour palette, Montblanc’s latest limited piece is a solid entry into luxury world timers. The new Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum heads north on the price with a limited edition 18k rose gold case and accents but offers a stunning overall package without an astronomical price. World timers are often the darlings of Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and the like, but Montblanc helped usher in more affordable options along with Frederique Constant and a handful of others. Back in 2014, Montblanc introduced the Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum Worldtimer, which brought an accessible price to a traditionally expensive complication.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |