The new 39mm Montblanc Star Classique.

 

We have to give credit where credit is due.  And when Montblanc comes out with a nice dress watch, in a nice modern reinterpretation of a very classic design, and at an affordable price, I realized it would be an injustice to not share this watch on our site. 

 

Our moderator, Mike Ting, has already checked out the Montblanc Star Classique watch and provided us with this great review. 

montblanc.watchprosite.com

Yet, Montblanc has just debuted a new larger version of the watch he reviewed, and after seeing it in its larger guise, I felt compelled by its very nice aesthetics to give it a worthy mention on PuristSPro. 

 

The Three Hand Watches

There are countless designs of the three-hand watch with petite seconds.  But I recently decided I really like simple, symmetrical, clean, and classic designs.  What comes to mind?  In no particular order; Chopard L.U.C XPS, Patek Philippe 5196 and 5116 models, A. Lange & Soehne 1815, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle, and other classic designs. 

 

But wait.  What do these all have in common?  Well, for one thing, they’re all near or above the $20,000 range, they’re all in gold, and they’re all hand-wound.  And while that may not be a problem for many on PuristSPro, it is a stretch for many individuals.  And here on PuristSPro, we do welcome penniless college students with an understanding and appreciation for wristwatches! 

Case Scenario

Being “the watch guy” I am, a young friend of mine, we’ll call him Larry, recently asked me what was a good watch I would purchase.  He specifically wanted something “on a strap and something dressy.”  Full stop.  That was all he stipulated at the time.  Later, as he was educated about watches he would find out he had more requirements regarding size, case material, reliability, serviceability, price, and whether he wanted quartz/hand-wound/automatic. 

 

It took a while to get it all out of my friend, but after some painful prying here’s Larry’s final list of requirements:

1.      On a Leather Strap

2.     Dressier design, but classic. 

3.     Size; larger, more modern, over 36mm, but below 42 to remain dressy. 

4.     Case material; white metal, non-precious, ideally stainless steel, with sapphire crystal and exhibition case back

5.     Reliability; something proven to be reliable and accurate.

6.     Serviceability; plentiful dealers and service centers to get the watch serviced.  Larry was quite surprised it can take months to service certain watches. 

7.     Price; under $5,000 USD. 

8.     Movement; movement should be mechanical and should be automatic. 

 

In the end, Larry found two watch that he liked; one from Germany and another from Switzerland.  The German Nomos Zurich Datum had caught his left eye and Swiss Montblanc Star Classique 39mm had caught his right eye. 

 

Requirement	Nomos Zurich Datum	Montblanc Star Classique
On a leather Strap	On a Shell Cordovan (horse rump) strap.	On an alligator strap.
Classic, Dressy	Dressy but a modern dressy, a very Bauhaus design	Dressy, but modern look.  Knife edge case design.
Size 37-41mm	A healthy large 39.7 mm diameter	Healthy 39mm size
Case material: non-precious with sapphire crystal and exhibition back	stainless steel, sapphire crystal, exhibition back, all polished.	Stainless Steel, knife edge design,
Reliability	No established track record for this movement.  Although presumed to be reliable.	ETA movement 28XX series movement.  Accurate, utilized in many watches, proven reliable movement.
Serviceability	An internet search showed that there was no dealer in all of California and less than a dozen dealers in the entire USA.  No apparent US Telephone number for customer service.  All customer service routed to German office.	There are many Montblanc boutiques all over the world, with many dealers and a few boutiques in California.  They offer very good service and support for all of their products.  Watches are easily serviced in all major markets.
Price, under $5,000 USD	Price was $4750.00 USD.  An acceptable price and a good value for a watch with a manufacture caliber.	$3340.00 USD.
Automatic movement	Movement is in-house and automatic.	Movement is externally supplied and automatic.

 

Larry hasn’t made his purchase yet, but I think he’s decided on the Montblanc Star Classique 39mm mainly due to proven reliability and easy serviceability.  Now, he just needs to find an excuse, a holiday, a birthday, or an achievement to celebrate.  I’m certain that his new Montblanc Star Classique watch will be a great reminder to him for whatever the occasion. 

 

Here are some beautiful photos of the Montblanc Star Classique.  It is available in four versions; two in steel with either a silver or black dial, and in rose or yellow gold.  Many thanks to the Montblanc Valley Fair boutique in Silicon Valley, California for showing me these watches! 

 Starting off with the steel version with silver face and blued hands.  

The Yellow Gold version again...

Yellow gold version on the wrist.  

Yellow and Rose gold versions.  Notice the machine stitched strap.  

The steel version.  Larry likes this one.  

On our model again.  

Gold versions get a Mother of Pearl crown...  A beautiful detail.  And machine stitched straps (steel version get no stitching on the strap)

This is a pretty face.  

Buckle detail.

What are your thoughts about the Montblanc 39MM Star Classique?  What are your favorites among three hand watches?  What would you recommend to a young watch enthusiast who is just starting out and looking for a dress-watch?  What would you recommend to Larry?