Pre-SIHH 2014: Introducing the Montblanc TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC

Ten years ago, in 2004, Montblanc introduced the very first timepieces of the new TimeWalker ‘family’ of watches. Immediately recognizable, with its 43mm large case, the beautifully shaped lugs, its thin bezel and the and large and clean dial, the characteristic Arabic numerals and the lancet-shaped hands. Montblanc celebrates the 10th anniversary with a pitch-black new member of TimeWalker family, the TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC.

What might seem like the “black sheep” of the family is actually a very well respected family member, as it features all of the above design and style elements of the TimeWalker collection. The TimeWalker Extreme Chrono DLC adds to that a the blackest DLC coating possible, named “Black 4”, and a super strong strap from Montblanc’s own leather department.

The strap

The strap’s inside is made of black “Vulcarbone?” cautchouc (some sort of treated rubber), which gives the wristband extreme strength and flexibility. Sewn on top of the rubber strap, is a textured leather cow hide. During a long and difficult process, the leather is textured and simultaneously impregnated with a treatment that doesn’t merely coat the leather. It also increases its structural strength! This leather treatment leads to special shielding properties, which provide extra protection for the leather against abrasion, water, and even fire.

This same textured leather will be used for various elements through the different Montblanc product categories, so you can match your leather bag and belt with your watch strap.

Black 4 DLC

The colour of the DLC-coating is described as “Black 4”, which stands for “very black”. It would be nearly impossible to fabricate a blacker black than “Black 4”. The acronym “DLC” stands for “diamond-like carbon” and means that the toughness of the stainless steel case’s surface has been increased to the max. Miniscule glass beads are blasted, under high pressure, to give the steel a microscopic texture to which the DLC coating can almost inseparably adhere, and also produce a fine matte finish on the surface. The same process is not only used on the case, but also on the other stainless steel components: crown, chronograph buttons, buckle, and the screwed back with its pane of sapphire crystal.

So here it is, Montblanc’s new TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC, with an almost unbreakable strap and a scratch-resistant pitch-black DLC-coating. It not only celebrates the 10th anniversary of the TimeWalker collection, but it also emphasizes that Montblanc has more product-lines and shows that conjunction between these lines will be pursued  from now on.

Some specifications

• Case: micro-bead blasted stainless steel, coated with “Black 4” DLC, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, 43mm in diameter, 14.5mm in height, water resistant to 3 bar (30 meters)
• Movement: Montblanc caliber 4810/507 which is based on the Sellita SW500 (very reliable Valjoux 7750 clone), automatic winding, 25 jewels, 42 hours of power reserve, 28,800 vph (4Hz), chronograph, date
• Strap: composite material of natural rubber and cowhide with twine in matching colour, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength, pronged buckle made of micro-bead blasted stainless steel coated with “Black 4” DLC
• Price and availability: retail price will be just below €5k and it will be available in shops from September 2014

More information via the Montblanc website.