SIHH 2017 – Hands-On With The New Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC

Montblanc has more or less reinvented itself over the last few years, with innovative complications, well designed watches, new high-tech materials and development of the Minerva manufactured movements alongside the goal of “accessible luxury”. All models are offered at relatively competitive prices, even if we are talking about the incredible Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter. Making their debut this year will be no less than 5 new TimeWalker models including this Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC, a sporty chronograph for travellers.

Earlier this year, Montblanc surprised us with the high-tech, lightweight Montblanc TimeWalker Pythagore Ultra-Light Concept, which barely tipped the scale at an amazing 14.88 grams. Following on from this Montblanc announced that the models being launched at the SIHH 2017 are inspired my motorsports, harking back to the gentlemen days of racing with 5 new TimeWalker variations, including this Chronograph UTC. As we already know, motor racing and timekeeping are somewhat inseparable and the chronograph as a timekeeping instrument is deeply embedded within that history.

The new Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC pairs a chronograph with a dual time complication for added usability. A centrally mounted hand has been added to indicate a second time zone, and a black rotatable bezel with a 24 hour scale to indicate a third time zone if needed. It makes for a very useful travel companion, so no need to switch watches if you have to rush to the other side of the world. Home time, and the second time zone can be set via the crown, and the date indication will synchronize with the home time only.

The satin black DLC-coated steel case has a ceramic black bezel, semi-skeletonized lugs and measures 43mm across. The pushers and crown, matt black DLC-coated, have been knurled for added grip while using them to start, stop or reset the chronograph or to adjust the various indications on the dial. This dial, in black, features sharp contrasting, silver and red markings, and a 12 – 6 – 9 o’clock layout for the sub-dials which we know from previous TimeWalker Chronographs. The 30 minute counter on top, the hour counter at the bottom and a running seconds hand at 9. The centrally mounted seconds counter for the chronograph is done in red.

The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC features the MB25.03 movement, which is based on an ETA 7754. The watch has 46 hours of power reserve, is water resistant to 100 meters, and just as any watch coming out of the Villeret facility of Montblanc, will have undergone the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 before being delivered to the final customer. It comes on either a black leather or black rubber perforated straps to mimic the design of (vintage) racing gloves, finished with a folding clasp.