Montblanc TimeWalker Collection Review

Montblanc unveiled this year the new TimeWalker collection inspired by the classic cars racing world. If the collection has kept a very well known Montblanc name (and a strong one!), it embodies a totally new approach for the brand. The price segment field on which it plays is a very competitive one and the sportive watches represent its main market share. It is the reason why Montblanc had to reinforce its presence in this strategic segment to find a new dynamic of growth.

As you know, 2017 is a very busy year for Montblanc. The main news, beyond the launch of this collection is the full achievement of the integration Montblanc/Minerva. The Rally Timer, one of the key pieces of the year is the proof of this integration. The Montblanc collection structure is based on one hand on classic and elegant watches (4810, Star, Héritage, Tradition, Bohème) and on the other hand on Professional & Sport watches (1858 and of course, TimeWalker). The release of the Rally Timer reminds us that Minerva was the specialist of the short times measure and of chronometric counters. Do you remember that Minerva created mechanical counters for water-polo, football or horse racing?

The criteria which define the TimeWalker style are:
- legibility
- functional design
- reliability
- performance

The legibility is underlined by the luminescent hands, the contrast of the colors and the domed sapphire glass with anti reflection coating.
The functional design features the thin Dauphine hands, the peripheral scale, the crown with a specific finish in order to improve the feeling when we handle it, the new folding clasp and a hollowed shape of the lugs
The reliability comes from the use of  stainless steel 316L cases, ceramic bezels, satin finishes and metal bracelet for various models.
The performance is supported by the 100 meter waterproofness, the rubber strap for various models and the 500 hour test.

Actually, the full TimeWalker collection does the 500 hour test which aims is to simulate real conditions and so to improve the overall reliability.

The TimeWalker collection is based on the following models:
- Automatic Date (with the MB 24.17 movement which is a Sellita SW200). It is obviously the strategic piece of the collection since it is its entry level. Prices in France start at 2.715 euros (rubber strap) to 3.015 euros (metal bracelet).
- Chronograph (with the MB 25.07 movement which is a Sellita SW500). Another key piece of the collection. Its price range goes from 4.000 euros (rubber strap) to 4.300 euros (metal bracelet). The price gap with the automatic piece is quite low and so I consider that this model offers more value for money.
- Chronograph UTC: this watch offers an additional complication and is powered by an ETA 7754 movement. Price is 5.000 euros with a rubber strap.

Then the collection is completed by the high-end watches: the Rally Timer (37.300 euros) and the Chronograph 1/1000th which reaches a price of 176.500 euros due to its specific bi-frequency movement.

You can feel it with this description: the collection offers at the same time high volume watches and high-end pieces for collectors. A way for Montblanc to be present on both ends of the market with the hope that the high-end watches will contribute a lot to the overall positive image of the collection.

Montblanc had a very good idea in order to celebrate the official lauch of the TimeWalker collection in France: the brand invited several journalists and retailers to discover the full collection... in action! And it means that at the beginning of the week we went on a circuit, not far from Paris to discover the watches, to wear them... while being on classic racing cars! To be honest with you, we were not the drivers because pilots were behind the steering wheels. At least, I could safely take pictures while being inside the car...

This day was full of surprises. Davide Cerrato was with us to deeply explain the role and features of the collection. But also two car racing legends joined us: Jacques Laffite (F1 pilot) and Ari Vatanen (Rally pilot). I could lunch with Jacques Laffite and it was for me a great moment to listen to his anecdotes. Then Jacques and Ari, together on stage, told us their best souvenirs, feelings about their racing lives. A superb and moving experience.

Let's browse the pictures of this eventful day!


One of our cars at the Circuit des Ecuyers:




Each car was decorated with the TimeWalker and Montblanc ambassador: Hugh Jackman.



Beautiful weather... perfect conditions for a ride!



Which car shall I choose?



Davide Cerrato introduces the key features of the collection:



This TimeWalker chronograph is on my pilot's wrist... logic for a watch inspired by the motor racing world!



I think that I don't need to explain why the helmet is mandatory!



This TimeWalker Chronograph looks very good on Davide Cerrato's wrist:



Jacques Laffite and Ari Vatanen on stage!



This is the new version of the ExoTourbillon Chronograph. The ExoTourbillon concept makes the dial animation very original due to the specific location of the balance wheel.



The gorgeous Rally Timer:



And its spectacular movement:



With Jacques Laffite:



The TimeWalker Chronograph on the wrist. Its case diameter is 43mm. The black dial and the black ceramic bezel reduce the feeling of size. I like the touches of red and the shy second hand.



The 41mm Automatic Date. Applied numerals give character to the dial. Of course, the arrow at the end of the second hand is a homage to Minerva.



The Chronograph UTC has the same diameter than the Chronograph (43mm). I find it a bit confusing and it is the reason why I prefer the Chronograph without the additional complication.



Another picture of the Chronograph:



Wearing the Chronograph... with stunning leather gloves! I look exhausted... but happy!



The most beautiful car of the day was, for me, this Jaguar E-Type lightweight:




This picture is a fair summary of the day: a TimeWalker watch in a race context with racing gloves... Montblanc has a lot of expectations with this collection which is stategic for the watchmaking pillar of the brand. So let's hope it will meet the success it deserves.



Thanks a lot to the Montblanc France team for the perfect organization, to Davide Cerrato for his deep explanations and availability and to Jacques Laffite and Ari Vatanen for their kindness and good humor!



Fx