Mont Blanc Swiss

Montblanc

For the longest time, the Montblanc brand was synonymous with exclusive writing implements. Then, in the mid-1990s, the company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, decided it was time to expand its brand assortment of luxury goods by adding watches. The first products of Montblanc Montre SA, located in the heart of horological country, Le Locle, Switzerland, were presented in 1997, and ever since, the brand has put a great deal of effort into earning the approbation of rather sceptical watch connoisseurs.

The result of all this hard work is a well-balanced collection that is aimed at men and women with a taste for modern watches. But the men’s watches in particular also have appeal for the more conservative aficionado, who appreciates the similarity in look between the watches and Montblanc’s writing instruments.

As a supportive measure, Montblanc’s parent company, the Richemont Group, has put the little manufacture Minerva, which it purchased at the beginning of 2007, at the disposal of Montblanc Montre SA. Minerva is known primarily for its elegantly designed chronograph movements.

The Minerva Institute has been set up to serve as kind of think tank in the future, a place where young watchmakers can absorb the old traditions and skills, as well as the wealth of experience and the mind-set of the masters. In 2008, the Foundation Minerva began the task of financing and organizing the first nonprofit projects. In addition, it is preparing exhibitions, workshops, and industry conferences to make the competences of the institute accessible to as many people as possible."