Montblanc Summit Smartwatch Launch Overview

KIH · 2017-03-24T06:44:17Z

Montblanc Summit smartwatch launch in Tokyo. KIH reports on Montblanc's strategy in luxury smart accessories and its market positioning.

KIH

WPS member · Montblanc forum

15 replies5662 views16 photos

KIH provides a candid report from the Montblanc SUMMIT press event in Tokyo, addressing the brand's foray into smartwatches. His post frames the Montblanc Summit as a strategic move within the luxury men's accessory market, emphasizing Montblanc's broader corporate vision beyond traditional mechanical watches.

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I couldn't care less whether anyone think this should not even be discussed here. Montblanc gives us lots of joy in the high-end men's accessory area and this is just another product line of Montblanc. Summit is named, of course, aiming to be the top of the high-end luxury men's accessory which happened to be called "Smart Watch".

Whatever you may think, this is a Montblanc. The high-end men's accessory. Nothing less. Sure, this may be for TO forum, but since there is Montblanc forum here, I post it anyway.

I do not want you to get me wrong. Even I don't think this is at par with the super nice mechanical watch of Villeret! This is yet another strategy of Montblanc to be on the top of the men's high-end accessory, smart accessory. It is what this "time" calls for, and they cannot ignore. Lange or VC or AP or PP - they have established as a super high-end watch brand, but Montblanc has other tasks - making men's high-end accessories from leather bags (made in Italy) to fountain pens (made in Germany). Montblanc is a big company which has lots of products to offer. So, Montblanc does not survive eating the haze.

So, that was my preface to avoid unwanted responses. Here you go.

Maxime Harrar, President of Montblanc Japan, making opening remark in very good Japanese.

He also explained the positioning, mission, and vision of Montblanc. Yes, Montblanc positions itself as "The Maison of Smart Lifestyle". And their Mission is "Inspiring Achievers", then its Vision is "Leader of Luxury Accessories for Men".

Naturally, this "smart" area has been a "must" for Jerome and the crew for sometime. There is no question about it. Again, I know this is not a mechanical watch, but I am just reporting what our beloved brand is now working on. Bashing or denying or being disappointed doesn't do any good for your mental because this will stay.

There are FOUR base models, and FOUR NATO style rubber straps, and three leather straps - combination would be more than 300, they say - I am not a mathematician!

Really, well made toy or accessory for the YOUNG (not us) future achievers. There will be a lot more dials available to be installed at the boutique soon. That would be fun.

Like 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, monopusher works to change the mode.

Made in China - but who cares? iPhone is made in China, too. But to be precise, it is "assembled" in China. Anyway.....

There is the heart rate sensor on the back that monitors whether you are alive or not all the time, or when running, when sleeping, etc..

The waterproof is expressed in the way those electronic devices are - IP68 - meaning, this is the top rating in terms of against dust and water. You can use this in the worst sand storm and you can drop this in the bath tub - but I don't think it is okay to swim....

Honestly, this is a bit too big (46mm) for me, juts like 1858 was. I really hope they make 40mm or less in the future.

Lastly, my take:

- They intentionally did not make this model "Made in Swiss". Smart move. Why? This is same as iPhone. We expect a lot from "Made in Swiss" high-end mechanical watches because there are lots of great watchmakers in Swiss, and that is the added value. Is there any compelling reason or add-value to make this in Swiss where the labor cost is enormous? Instead, they worked with Google and assembled the best cost/performance parts from around the world (its brain is by Qualcomm, a US company) and all of the parts assembled in China. And thus they can make strategically great pricing. At this level (JPY98,000=USD885), young (future) achievers would buy every few years. Many of us buy a new iPhone every few years because the hardware gets outdated. So, this price would make high-end young people would be able to do that. A great point.

- Size and feel. A bit too big and a bit cheapy feel. The case is well made, I think. But inside is so light and feels cheap.... I am not saying that they should make this super heavy, but I just hope this is light but very super sporty stuff. And I want them to tell me "this is waterproof down to xxx feet", rather than "IP68"..... After all, this is what people wear, unlike iPhone....

So, those are my take. Thank you, Maxime, as well as PR/Marketing people at Montblanc Japan!

Best,

Ken

About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.

This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.

For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.

Specifications

Caliber: Boucheron 1858

Case: 18k white gold

Diameter: 38mm

Dial: Silver

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

While Montblanc's corporate strategy may necessitate producing smartwatches, some collectors express concern that integrating smartwatch elements, like a Villeret movement dial, could 'cheapen' the prestigious Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858, which is considered on par with high-end watch brands like Lange or Patek.
The Montblanc Summit smartwatch is positioned as a 'smart accessory' for a 'smart lifestyle,' aligning with Montblanc's mission to be a leader in luxury accessories for men. This move reflects the evolving market and the need for listed companies to adapt to new technologies.
The lightweight design of the Montblanc Summit is a deliberate feature, particularly beneficial for its intended use as a sports companion, where the heft of traditional gold or platinum watches would be a burden.
The Montblanc Summit offers extensive customization with four base models, four NATO-style rubber straps, and three leather straps, allowing for over 300 combinations. It also features a heart rate sensor and a monopusher function similar to the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter.
The discussion around smartwatches, even those from luxury brands, is important for the community, reflecting the rapid pace of technological advancement and its impact on the watch industry.

The Discussion

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Mar 24, 2017

This smart watch can definitely be featured here Ken

and likewise, I can also definitely say I definitely don't like a watch dial (1858 Tachymeter) with a Villeret movement available as a "dial" of a Montblanc smart watch. Agree Montblanc is a big company with products across multiple price points and hence of course it can manufacture smart watches which fit its corporate strategy well. I just wish Montblanc doesnt continue to make products which "cheapens" their watches with Villeret movements. The prestigious "Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858

KIH

Mar 24, 2017

I totally agree with you....

... Corporate, listed companies must make shareholders happy. Lange, VC, AP, PP - they can make a living with only watches, while Montblanc cannot, even though I wholeheartedly admit that 1858 Chronometer is at or above par with them. That's the real world, sadly.... Thank you, Robin! Ken

KMII

Mar 24, 2017

Thanks for your great report, Ken :)

One thing I noticed was your comment on the weight. While many Purists like the heft of gold or platinum in their regular watches, I believe the light weight is meant as a feature here - if you use the watch as your sports companion, where a heavy weight would be a burden

KIH

Mar 24, 2017

I know.....

... it's just, you know what I mean.... I don't want heft of the gold or platinum. A bit "plasticy"? But, hey, I would get used to it, I am sure ) Oh, I will be there arriving August 31, leaving September 4th. Final )

KMII

Mar 24, 2017

Coming to Vienna?

That\'s fantastic! Speaking of which, by then the new Montblanc Boutique will be finished, too

KIH

Mar 24, 2017

Yup, as I told you before!

This time, it is real. I have booked and purchased flights, hotels, Spanish riding performance, train tickets, all of them ) What is missing is Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna Boys Choir.... Opera or Ballet? Maybe I should to one day excursion to Salzburg.... She and I are very much looking forward to it! Ken