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For the watch collection, the company invested in a complex testing facility within its Le Locle manufacture. Every single watch must survive the tests unscathed in order to receive the Montblanc 500 Hours Quality Certificate. Over a period of three weeks, the timepieces are put through precision, pressure and shock resistance tests to make sure that they perform ideally despite the elements.
The 4810 collection reflects the vision of travel, discovery and entrepreneurialism held by the founders of the brand. The dials bear the iconic six-sided rounded star logo of the Montblanc, translated into a stamped guilloché pattern, circumferenced by a minute track and with large applied modern minimalist Roman numerals for legibility.
The 4810 collection also comes with a set of practical complications that are designed for the modern jetsetter and world traveller ‒ from the essential day and date indicators to the precise tourbillon with a reset to zero function to facilitate accurate time-setting, to the world time complication. It aptly represents a pragmatic approach to fine watch design, coupled with sensible price points. Recognising that it may not have all the best knowledge needed for the development of its products, the brand sought out those with the right skills and knowledge to create the quality and value that it wanted for its products.
The leather goods collection, revived and expanded over the last decade, is made at a factory in Florence, Italy. The pelleteria combines its access to the best tanneries in the region with the designs of artistic director Zaim Kamal to produce items that are in line with the brand’s ethos of “elegant business style” coupled with reliability.
Like its other divisions, the leather department rigorously tests the craftsmanship of its items. For example, the Soft Grain series offers products in carefully treated calf leather that is cut and stitched by hand to ensure the best possible balance when it comes to weight and durability.
This year, a special series inspired by Montblanc’s contemporary leanings will offer a complete range of small leather goods, as well as a briefcase, messenger bag and weekender for the urban traveller. The larger goods range come with a coral-toned luggage tag bearing the logo of the Montblanc serpent, while a oneoff special edition steamer bag is emblazoned with the serpent for elegant impact.
What is interesting is the emphasis that Montblanc is placing on the integration of its divisions. By merging its skills and talents, it has the ability to develop a more wholesome and dependable product that meets its paradigm of quality. The Montblanc watches you wear today will bear leather straps that are made by its own pelleteria, and in the future, closer integration will be the norm. Today, 110 years after it was founded by three entrepreneurs, Montblanc demonstrates that it’s just as innovative and ready for change as it was when it first started.