SIHH 2019, nice pandas at Montblanc
As the SIHH approaches in January, the participating manufacturers are beginning to unveil some new features. This is the case with Montblanc, which announces the arrival in the collection of very beautiful TimeWalker chronos whose “inverted panda” dials highlight their sporty and vintage look as much as their link with motor racing.
The Spirit of racing
The Montblanc TimeWalker product line symbolizes the spirit of motor racing and harks back to these instruments of glory with a line of new professional watches.
The product line finds its inspiration in timepieces from Minerva’s outstanding history. Since 1858, the Manufacture has been known as an exclusive workshop producing high-quality instruments for measuring brief intervals of time with remarkable precision. The renowned “Rally Timer” stopwatch that was created to time motor racing with precision is the perfect example of this heritage. Minerva watches were the reference in the field of horological innovation, with several patents registered over the years in the domain of precision timers, creating a legacy of savoir-faire.
The TimeWalker product line combines these legendary timing instruments of the past with the spirit of motor racing, encapsulating the Minerva heritage, technology and the glory days of motor racing style.
“Panda” & “Reverse Panda” Dials
Since its inception in the 1960s and 70s during the golden age of motor racing, the chronographs with black and white dials, commonly named “panda” and “reverse panda” dials, became icons, marking the history of watchmaking. The striking contrast between the colour of the dial’s background and the counters was highly appreciated for both its great readability and unique aesthetic. Such dials, reminiscent of the dashboards of classic racing cars, represent some of the most appealing and recognizable dials today.
Two New TimeWalker Chronographs
Montblanc is presenting two new TimeWalker Chronographs this year with “reverse panda” aesthetics that come in a size of 41 mm and 43 mm.
The cases feature satin-finished horns with their architectural and carved flanks that have been bevelled on the edges to offer a smooth line for the 41 mm model and are semi-skeletonized like the air inlets of a car’s body for the 43 mm version.
In the spirit of racing, these new models are equipped with a practical tachymeter scale for timing speed that is indicated on the fixed ceramic bezel.
Both timepieces feature “reverse panda” dials with contrasting black backgrounds and silvery-white counters and flanges. The 41 mm dial displays the counters at 6 and 12 o’clock, while the 43 mm version features them at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, reminiscent of the traditional 3-6-9 counter chronograph positions. The timepieces feature Super-LumiNova* numerals and indexes, as well as a precise minute track on the flange that has also been enhanced with both Super-LumiNova and red markers for the 15-minute mark for utmost legibility.
The TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph Automatic in 43 mm is powered by the Montblanc Manufacture chronograph calibre MB 25.10, featuring traditional finishing such as Côtes de Genève, circular graining, blue screws and a new monobloc oscillating weight made of black rhodium-plated tungsten and designed in the shape of a steering wheel. The movement is equipped with a traditional column wheel, a horizontal coupling as well as a stop-second mechanism, allowing the precise setting of the time.
Like all the TimeWalker timepieces, the new Montblanc TimeWalker Automatic Chronographs have been rigorously tested by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500. This test simulates real-life wear for over 500 hours and controls the finished and assembled watch, providing reliability and performance.
*Super-LumiNova is a registered trademark which does not belong to Montblanc
About Montblanc
Guided by the pioneering spirit since 1906, Montblanc revolutionized the culture of writing with breakthrough innovations. Today, the Maison continues to push boundaries and evolve the expression of fine craftsmanship across each of its product categories: the pinnacle of luxury writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and eyewear. With every innovation, Montblanc offers new functionalities and groundbreaking designs imbued with the Maison’s heritage of sophistication and crafted to the highest standards through the skills of its artisans in each of its manufactures whether Hamburg, Germany for its writing instruments, the Swiss Jura in Le Locle and Villeret for its timepieces or Florence, Italy for its leather goods. Reflecting its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from the most pioneering ideas, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, innovation, quality and expression of style. With its origins deeply rooted in the culture of handwriting, Montblanc continues to assert its cultural commitment around the world with the creation of wide-ranging initiatives to promote arts and culture in many forms, while honouring the modern day patrons who support the advancement of the arts.