Montblanc

mkt33
[PuristS]
5252

• Show profile
• Show other posts

The Evolution of the Montblanc Star Collection

Earlier this week Robin's post aimed to highlight the Star Collection's DNA

Just to reiterate these design points are:

1. The onion shaped crown with the Montblanc "snow cap" emblem in precious resin

2. Arabic numerals

3. Feuille (leaf) hands

4. Round case with domed crystal and stepped lugs

Now take a look at this picture:

Over the past decade, indeed, the same aesthetic elements (DNA) can be found in the Star collection despite the various complications.  However, as with mother nature, sometimes there are divergences in the evolutionary tree.

We began to see offshoots of the Star collection at the same time Montblanc started to emphasize its watchmaking segment.

In 2010, Montblanc debut its Star 4810 series.  Design consultant Marcus Eilinger, who also had a hand in the creation of the Rieussec, altered the Star collection's DNA.

Here we still have the round case and stepped lugs. But the onion crown, feuille hands, and Arabic numerals were replaced to dramatically change the appearance.

Our PuristSPro moderator Art Dakessian reviewed this new Star 4810 Automatic here:

http://home.watchprosite.com/show-forumpostf/fi-1006/pi-2920486/ti-486541/s-0/

Do you think Montblanc's attempt at changing the Star collection's DNA was successful at creating an "elegantly austere" design?  This contemporary look attracted more enthusiasts to the Montblanc brand.

Similarly, as a preference towards thinner watches started to emerge over the past few years, Montblanc recognized this shift and a second branch off the original Star collection appeared in 2012.

This new offshoot was the Star Classique Collection.  Montblanc returned to the original Star collection design points but redesigned the case...overall a much more coherent reinterpretation of its DNA. 

Thin case...

Coupled with clean design. 

For the gentleman, this means a true dress watch. 

 But this is a great collection for the ladies.  The thin case visually creates a larger dial surface which is accentuated by the wonderful mother of pearl dial Montblanc sources from its supplier.
 

And I think Montblanc agrees with me because the Montblanc Star Classique family is the only collection where the available women's models OUTNUMBER the editions available to men!

I hope this week Robin and I have provided the PuristS community with a better understanding and perhaps a little more appreciation of the Montblanc Star collection. While not necessarily having the panache of the Rieussec or Villeret watches, the Star collection provides diverse, entry level, but well built offerings to enthusiasts interested in trying the Montblanc brand.

HAGWE,

Mike