Two new Montblanc Star Legacy limited editions bring a green twist to this timeless watch, with the new Montblanc Star Legacy green exploding star – a recreation of an aerial view of the Mont Blanc mountain with an exploding motif added to it. The Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Date and the Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Day & Date explore this new design ethos
Founded in 1906, Montblanc was named after the famous Mont Blanc mountain, which appealed to the brand’s founders as a symbol of luxury craftsmanship from Switzerland, France, and Italy – the countries that share one of Europe’s most famous mountains. The peak became a symbol for them to always strive for the greatest heights. The Montblanc emblem was introduced in 1913, representing a bird’s eye view of the Mont Blanc mountain with its six glacier valleys.
It was this emblem that gave inspiration to the very first Montblanc Star Legacy watch collection in 1997. Following the introduction of two limited-edition timepieces in blue last year, Montblanc returns to this sporty yet elegant model this year with a new green aesthetic that replicates the aerial view of the Mont Blanc mountain with an exploding star guilloché motif.
Guilloché is a finishing technique that can be traced back to the 16th century. It wasn’t until the 18th century, however, that it became popular in watchmaking, mainly thanks to the work of Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823). The technique is achieved with a rose engine turning lathe that creates precise, intricate patterns that are engraved into metal. Today it is mainly haute horlogerie timepieces that are adorned with guilloché, but the effect has been replicated in Montblanc’s Star Legacy line thanks to a special stamp that brings the exploding star pattern to life.
There are many design elements that come into play in the Montblanc Star Legacy Collection. Their form is inspired by Minerva pocket watches from the late 19th and early 20th century with their round, polished, pebble-shaped cases and onion-shaped crowns. They are also recognisable thanks to the Montblanc emblem on the crown, and pointed rhodium-coated, sword-shaped hands enhanced with luminescence.
The two new limited-edition timepieces include an Automatic Date and a Chronograph Day & Date. Both models are limited to 800 pieces each and come in 43mm stainless-steel cases featuring satin-finished and polished details. They are also fitted with open casebacks so the wearer can appreciate the mechanics of the automatic movements within. The case size increase to 43mm was introduced in 2020 and was not only a new size, but a whole new direction and expression of the collection’s elegance.
Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Date
The Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Date with its green dial and luminescent, rhodium-coated, sword-shaped hands and numerals is powered by the MB24.17 automatic movement that has an approximate 38-hour power reserve and indicates the hours, minutes, seconds, and date. The timepiece presents a beautiful contrast of colours with its minuterie highlighted with small luminescent dots every five minutes and with orange touches every 15 minutes.
Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Day & Date
The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Day & Date features all the same design elements as the Automatic Date with the inclusion of a chronograph, day, and date. These useful indications, combined with the Montblanc Star Legacy design, create a watch that embodies classical watchmaking and casual elegance. Powered by the automatic movement MB 25.07, with an approx. 48-hour power reserve, this is a watch that can be worn for any occasion.
Both models are water resistant up to 5 bar (approx. 50 meters) and come with Montblanc’s interchangeable strap system with options for a stainless steel bracelet or a green calf leather strap with alligator print and beige stitching.
