Review
Pingtsai offers a thoughtful review of the Montblanc Star Roman, highlighting its approachable design and balanced aesthetic. The article explores how this collection, launched in 2004, appeals to those who appreciate traditional watchmaking with a modern twist. Pingtsai delves into the watch's case dimensions, lug design, and overall wrist presence, inviting readers to consider what makes a watch truly "likable."
One thing that always strikes me about Montblanc watches is just how "likable" they are. Whether it's a prestigious Villeret, Classic Star, or sporty Timewalker, circulating among the tables at a watch event, a Montblanc timepiece is like the known "good guy" at the party that everyone likes and doesn't mind having around. Montblanc watches are not overly flashy and seem to exhibit classic design elements that are balanced and user-friendly. The aesthetic may follow popular sentiments but in a personalized way incorporating subtle unassuming details that are indicative of the brand's DNA.
The Montblanc Star Roman follows this same formula. First launched back in 2004 and named rather obviously for its Roman numeral hour markers, Montblanc’s Star Roman collection will appeal to the watch goer who enjoys hints of traditionalism but isn’t necessarily a full-blown traditionalist. Employing a simple, sleek rounded case framing a classic dial layout, the watch strikes a balance between modern understatement and just enough old-school aura cool to give it charisma and character.
Case
When initially observed through photos alone, all of the Montblanc Star Roman watches can be slightly deceiving in size and weight, including the Star Roman Small Second Automatic. The stainless steel watch feels heavier and bigger than one would guess simply judging by the pictures.
In person, the Star Roman has significant heft and wears larger than its measured diameter of 39mm. It feels closer to 41 or even 42mm due to the extra long lugs. The lugs don’t necessarily look oversized for the watch case but when on the wrist, the extra few millimeters they add can definitely be felt, especially for those with smaller wrists.
Whether or not this design detail is successful could be a matter of personal preference. Those with smaller wrist sizes may have a harder time wearing the longer lugs. The watch may “feel” too big even if the case doesn’t necessarily “look” too big on the wrist. The upside to the longer lugs is that the thickness of the bezel balances out the look and overall, gives the watch more of a modern appearance.
Other features that contribute to the modern side of the watch’s character are the curved and rounded case shape and the moderately-sized spherical onion crown. This type of crown is always a welcomed detail since it is much easier to grasp and turn compared to smaller cylindrically-shaped crowns. It’s capped off with the signature Montblanc star logo molded in a precious resin insert, an unobtrusive but prominent placement.
“Meisterstück (German for “masterpiece”) is etched on the side of the case with “Montblanc” on the opposite side hugging the crown. How you feel about these engravings is also a matter of personal preference. They also add a touch of modernism to a classic themed watch and the word “Meisterstück” does sound interesting and gives non-German speaking folk a new word to learn and reason to feel smarter when others ask.
However, there isn’t much room on the side of watch cases and crowding it with lettering could be design overkill in some cases. It could give something to look at from the side view but may be unnecessary next to the crown since there is already a prominent design element present.
Caseback
The Montblanc Star Roman comes with a sapphire crystal caseback, which seems like a bonus at this price point. It reveals the watch’s automatic winding MB 24.16 movement. The rotor and movement are basic but reliable and functional. It would have been nice to have slightly more finishing on the rotor. The functions include central hours and minutes, decentralized seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and the date presented through a window display at 3 o’clock. The small seconds hand, also in blue, is detailed nicely with a mini Montblanc star at one end.
Dial
The simple circular case not only complements the lugs and crown from a sizing standpoint, but also the dial in terms of detailing. Dials with more detail always pair well with simple shaped cases. The ivory colored dial of the Star Roman isn’t overly busy by any means but it’s quite obvious that a good amount of thought was put into its styling. Consider the balancing act of all these elements in creating a well-balanced design for the dial and watch as a whole:
Other features like the date display window and guilloché center also add to the dial’s dynamic character. Dials are essentially flat surfaces in most watches. Finding a way to make a dial look less flat while still keeping it functional and tasteful can’t be an easy task. The Montblanc designers found a successful approach.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Star Roman dial are the numerous ridges and varying surface textures which add three-dimensional character to what would otherwise be a flat surface. The creative treatment of the guilloché pattern in a monochromatic tone significantly boosts the elegance of the entire watch but keeps it understated at the same time.
Feuille Hands
The polished blue hands steal the show in the Star Roman’s dial display and may possibly be the single most dramatic draw of the entire watch. Effortlessly elegant and mysterious in their color expression, the leaf-shaped hands provide a pop of color on the dial, transcending the white face like the first rays of morning light cutting across a neutral landscape at the break of dawn. Depending on the angle that you tilt the watch, the surface of the hands catches the light and will emit varying shades of blue, giving the dial even more vibrancy and life.
Strap, Clasp & Fit
The Montblanc Star Roman Small Second Automatic is fitted with a black alligator strap with a double-deployant clasp. The clasp is easy to operate and, like the caseback, feels like another bonus feature of the watch. One would expect an entry point automatic watch with hour, minutes and seconds to come with a simple tang buckle. The double-deployant clasp is extremely comfortable, much more so than a single and surprisingly easy to operate with one hand once you get the hang of it. The curved shape of the case also helps to give the Star Roman a high comfort rating.
Summary
The Montblanc Star Roman is one of those entry-level models that has the ability to raise awareness for a brand among mainstream watch buyers and usher in new fans. Some may be steered toward other models in a similar pricing arena and others may find themselves enamored in the discovery of Montblanc’s in more exclusive lines like the Villerets and Rieussecs.
If you’re looking for an everyday watch that doesn’t break the bank but can hold face in a business setting as well as hold up during active or casual outings, then the Montblanc Star Roman is an ideal choice as a wrist mate. By now, most of you have undoubtedly reached a level of watch knowledge, absorbed through this rich love of horology, a so-called side effect of your personal mayhem with mechanical timepieces. With that, you are often a sought after resource for watch related inquiries, opinions and most certainly, personal recommendations. A familiar one that you’ve probably heard is, “What’s a good watch for around $2000?” The Montblanc Star Roman is one watch that fits this bill nicely.
If you’re an attorney or VP from Wall Street, Beverly Hills or Newport trying to flash a big name to big clients then the Star Roman may not be your calling. However if you’ve been working a few years, want an upgrade from your quartz “fashion label” watch, a respectable showing among your peers or just starting out on the path to WISdom, then the Montblanc Star Roman is a great choice. For those on the hunt, it requires only a friendly nudge on the finances and provides an endearing embrace for the watch-weary soul.
You managed to sum up the character of Montblanc watches in one word. That\'s as great as the watches themselves.
There was not this date which kills the 3 Roman number... I know, I know, marketing rule... But... Still... For the rest, the movement decoration is coherent with the price of the watch, the case is not bad, and the dial, with the above mentioned reserve, is quite nice looking. Serious, dressy, why not. Even for an attorney! Best, Ping. Nicolas
And I feel the likable comment sums it up extremely well. While I would have preferred it without a date, too, 99% of the actual buyers of the watch probably see it as a feature, so it\'s an understandable decision An excellent starter watch for those on a budget but not yet secure or knowledgeable enough to delve into vintage...
Thank you pingtsai! Some solid work you presented to us. I was surprised to see how the words \'Swiss\' \'Made\' was given room by minimising the minutes ring. Cheers, Kolosstt
Thanks for the review Ping! As far as the date window, I like how the date window isn't just a simple plain cut out of the dial. This MB date window has a 3-D cut so the date window looks integrated smoothly. I wish more brands did this same thing because I feel the date window on this Montblanc Star Roman Small Seconds isn't a distraction but actually is complimentary to the overall watch design. Cheers, Anthony
Is actually quite popular in Singapore! I have 2 friends/colleagues who bought it last year (the central sweeping hands version). What they love about their Star Roman watches are the blued hands, guilloche dial (you are right Ping, the dial has more depth than usual due to the design) and the classical yet modern look with the Roman indices. For us WIS, we mostly prefer no dates on our dial but these 2 friends of mine like the date feature (although one of them prefers a more traditional rectan
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