Reaching for the Top Montblanc’s Mountaineering Adventure

The Grand Tetons rise sharply out of the plain and tower over the valley as I climb up the slope of one of the smaller mountains, the setting sun shining on the Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph on my wrist. I’m here in Jackson Hole, WY, to discover Montblanc’s direction for 2018 and beyond as the brand prepares to celebrate its 160 anniversary.

And it’s fitting that this year’s emphasis is on mountain adventuring, as Montblanc is the only watchmaking company that is named after one of Europe’s highest mountains. If anyone has the legitimacy to focus on the mountain living/exploring lifestyle, it’s Montblanc.

THE MONTBLANC DIRECTION

Since the beginning of the Minerva Villeret saga, professional “tool” watches have been an important part of the story. Montblanc has never stopped focusing on clean designs, sensible complications, with precision, high quality and value as the foundation on which the brand is built.

“The Montblanc is the symbol of the great outdoors and of adventure,” says Davide Cerrato, head of the Montblanc Watch Division. “Through the Minerva history, we have created the perfect tool watches with reliability, robustness and a vintage look, which really matches well with this style. We have decided to focus on the tool watches that were used for exploration. There is a strong heritage in exploration with the Minerva watches.”

For 2018, Montblanc is emphasizing the theme of mountain adventure in all its forms – hiking, climbing, trekking, camping, glamping and more. Indicative of this is the TimeWalker Manufacture “Panda” Chronograph Montblanc introduced (SIHH).