Montblanc

foversta
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Playing today with the Montblanc Summit

Thanks to Montblanc France, I was able to test the connected  (smart) watch from Montblanc: the Summit. Actually, it was for me at the same time a surprise and a confirmation to discover this watch. A surprise because I didn't expect to see this watch out of the context of the SIHH or, to be more precise, so quickly. But it is also a confirmation since Montblanc has been involved in connected devices for several years. The idea to launch a connected watch under the Montblanc flag is a good idea for Richemont. From my perspective, it is the brand which has the largest legitimacy on this topic within the group.

Montblanc took the decision to release the Summit with a 1858 case and the default setting offers the famous Tachymeter chronograph dial: everything was done to give the feeling that we are aesthetically close to a mechanical watch... and a high end one.

The watch uses the Android Wear 2.0 system so I was not surprised to see a lot of common points with the new Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 I could test a few days before. Press the crown and you easily reach the menu. Several applications were developed by the Montblanc team and are well integrated into the system. Obviously, in the Summit context, you can also change the dial color and with time, other dials and options will be added.

From my perspective, the assets of the Montblanc connected watch are:

- an excellent perceived quality for this type of watch.
- the 4GB Flash Storage
- the domed sapphire glass cover
- the heart rate monitor which underlines the fact that the watch is focused on health
- and of course, the price in France which starts at 895 euros with taxes in SS and reaches 1.080 euros in titanium what is quite reasonable when compared to the competition from the other watch company even if the Tag Heuer watch plays a different music score (swiss made, the ability to buy a mechanical watch module etc...). But in the end... both watches are very similar in their spirits! If we forget the prices, the main difference can be found in the design approaches. The classic design of the Montblanc vs a more contemporary case of the Tag Heuer which is highly personalizable.

But, there is a weak point which can be found on both watches. The cases are very large. Too large. 45mm for the Tag Heuer and 46mm for the Montblanc, not to mention the long lugs. Obviously, we can't blame the will to get a large screen. It is better for the comfort of use. But such size (the thickness is 12,5mm) makes it difficult to wear. Not a question of "wearability" since the watch is quite light. But it doesn't look very nice on normal or small wrists because it appears to be too bulky. And the sad consequence is that you don't want to use it if you run or during any other sportive activity. It is a pity because the focus of the Montblanc watch on health is a very good point.

My point of view about connected & smart watches is clear: to be really successful, they have to be unisex. Women can't buy this watch. It is a missed opportunity  since maybe they have a more favorable feeling toward this type of watch than men. With Apple, there is a smart watch for anybody. Not for only men or only women. Anybody. So I do hope that Montblanc will release a smaller size version in the near future.

My last comment is about the worldtimer application. I was surprised to see that the application was handling only the 24 "full" timezones. So nothing dedicated to Iran or India. We are talking about an app and not a mechanical complication. This has to be corrected in my point of view. I gave my comment to the Montblanc team about this lack.

Having said that, despite these drawbacks, I found that Montblanc did a good job. The outcome offers a quite mature vision of what could be an efficient connected watch thanks to Androis Wear 2.0 and I could appreciate the "look" (but not the "feel") of a mechanical watch. The fair price is also a favorable point.

I propose to share you a few pics taken by the very gifted Montblanc photographer. Thanks to him!

 
The Montblanc Summit is close to the two other pillars of the Montblanc acitivty: writing instruments and leather goods.




The watch matches my wrist but believe me, it is the max I can wear.



It is more due to the lugs length than to the pure size of the dial. Please note that the bezel is rather thick.



You can configurate the dial and insert your fav apps in the subdials like the podometer or the string of messages as displayed on the picture:




I love blue... so I chose the blue dial! This dial is also available in black:



The shooting session took place at the Montblanc boutique of Paris Capucines:



To be frank, I can't wait to see what will be the next steps for this watch. Will it become a collection with different case sizes? Is it a way for Montblanc to test the market? What will happen if the sales figures don't meet the expectations of the brand? A lot of questions but a certitude for me: this watch has a positive impact on Montblanc image because it highlights its innovative side and reinforces its global offer.

Fx

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