Review
Patrick_y introduces the 39mm Montblanc Star Classique, a dress watch that offers classic design aesthetics at an accessible price point. This post highlights Montblanc's success in reinterpreting traditional watchmaking for a broader audience, drawing comparisons to high-horology pieces from brands like Chopard, Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, and Vacheron Constantin. The author aims to showcase this new release as a compelling option for those seeking elegance without the ultra-luxury price tag.
The new 39mm Montblanc Star Classique.
We have to give credit where credit is due. And when Montblanc comes out with a nice dress watch, in a nice modern reinterpretation of a very classic design, and at an affordable price, I realized it would be an injustice to not share this watch on our site.
Our moderator, Mike Ting, has already checked out the Montblanc Star Classique watch and provided us with this great review.
Yet, Montblanc has just debuted a new larger version of the watch he reviewed, and after seeing it in its larger guise, I felt compelled by its very nice aesthetics to give it a worthy mention on PuristSPro.
The Three Hand Watches
There are countless designs of the three-hand watch with petite seconds. But I recently decided I really like simple, symmetrical, clean, and classic designs. What comes to mind? In no particular order; Chopard L.U.C XPS, Patek Philippe 5196 and 5116 models, A. Lange & Soehne 1815, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle, and other classic designs.
But wait. What do these all have in common? Well, for one thing, they’re all near or above the $20,000 range, they’re all in gold, and they’re all hand-wound. And while that may not be a problem for many on PuristSPro, it is a stretch for many individuals. And here on PuristSPro, we do welcome penniless college students with an understanding and appreciation for wristwatches!
Case Scenario
Being “the watch guy” I am, a young friend of mine, we’ll call him Larry, recently asked me what was a good watch I would purchase. He specifically wanted something “on a strap and something dressy.” Full stop. That was all he stipulated at the time. Later, as he was educated about watches he would find out he had more requirements regarding size, case material, reliability, serviceability, price, and whether he wanted quartz/hand-wound/automatic.
It took a while to get it all out of my friend, but after some painful prying here’s Larry’s final list of requirements:
1. On a Leather Strap
2. Dressier design, but classic.
3. Size; larger, more modern, over 36mm, but below 42 to remain dressy.
4. Case material; white metal, non-precious, ideally stainless steel, with sapphire crystal and exhibition case back
5. Reliability; something proven to be reliable and accurate.
6. Serviceability; plentiful dealers and service centers to get the watch serviced. Larry was quite surprised it can take months to service certain watches.
7. Price; under $5,000 USD.
8. Movement; movement should be mechanical and should be automatic.
In the end, Larry found two watch that he liked; one from Germany and another from Switzerland. The German Nomos Zurich Datum had caught his left eye and Swiss Montblanc Star Classique 39mm had caught his right eye.
|
Requirement |
Nomos Zurich Datum |
Montblanc Star Classique
|
|
On a leather Strap |
On a Shell Cordovan (horse rump) strap. |
On an alligator strap. |
|
Classic, Dressy |
Dressy but a modern dressy, a very Bauhaus design |
Dressy, but modern look. Knife edge case design. |
|
Size 37-41mm |
A healthy large 39.7 mm diameter |
Healthy 39mm size |
|
Case material: non-precious with sapphire crystal and exhibition back |
stainless steel, sapphire crystal, exhibition back, all polished. |
Stainless Steel, knife edge design, |
|
Reliability |
No established track record for this movement. Although presumed to be reliable. |
ETA movement 28XX series movement. Accurate, utilized in many watches, proven reliable movement. |
|
Serviceability |
An internet search showed that there was no dealer in all of California and less than a dozen dealers in the entire USA. No apparent US Telephone number for customer service. All customer service routed to German office. |
There are many Montblanc boutiques all over the world, with many dealers and a few boutiques in California. They offer very good service and support for all of their products. Watches are easily serviced in all major markets. |
|
Price, under $5,000 USD |
Price was $4750.00 USD. An acceptable price and a good value for a watch with a manufacture caliber. |
$3340.00 USD. |
|
Automatic movement |
Movement is in-house and automatic. |
Movement is externally supplied and automatic. |
Larry hasn’t made his purchase yet, but I think he’s decided on the Montblanc Star Classique 39mm mainly due to proven reliability and easy serviceability. Now, he just needs to find an excuse, a holiday, a birthday, or an achievement to celebrate. I’m certain that his new Montblanc Star Classique watch will be a great reminder to him for whatever the occasion.
Here are some beautiful photos of the Montblanc Star Classique. It is available in four versions; two in steel with either a silver or black dial, and in rose or yellow gold. Many thanks to the Montblanc Valley Fair boutique in Silicon Valley, California for showing me these watches!
Starting off with the steel version with silver face and blued hands.
Went to the sf one last year and saw this watch- the steel. Never had I given Mont Blanc a look. But I was really taken. The dial was clean but interesting and the overall fit and finish was above the price point. I was quite surprised. So to see you sing its praises- I am agreement. For me the Zurich felt too big. I've tried it twice and both times it found a new home. The Orion is another matter. Though only 35mm I think it's a perfect size and a great fitting watch. If he's still debating tha
The aftersales service is key. I really like the Montblanc Star for a simple everyday dress watch. Special? Probably not to us WIS. But reliable, accurate, serviceable, and instaneously recognized as a luxury item due to its Montblanc label...important qualities for the majority of their clientele. Best, Mike
I'll pass on your recommendations to Larry about the Orion. Although he may find 35mm on the small side.
Thanks for sharing the pics of the new Montblanc Star Classique. Looks like a nice addition to the collection as it looks elegant and appropriately priced. I like the hands and dial much better on the Montblanc than the Nomos. Good luck to your friend on deciding on his watch. Tell him he doesn't need to wait for a special occassion, just get it! :) Regards, ED-209
How are the fit and finish? Seems an attractive value at first glance. DId you indicate the retail price for the gold version? Best, CaliforniaJed
is the brand symbol on the subdial. Gives the watch an ostentatious and tacky look. My favorite has been the Vacheron Constantin for a long time now. Lange comes in second. I'm definitely not a fan of the three-hand Pateks' design. Nomos is quite nice too, despite the date window. What kills the Montblanc, IMO, is the brand symbol on the subdial. Gives the watch an ostentatious and tacky look.
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