Montblanc

The new Montblanc World Time has a long, very long but poetic name: Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum, and provoked some strong and long discussions, when the first official pictures were posted. I am sorry to say, but the official pictures didn't give justi...  

From this selection of world timer shortlisted, the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum hits the sweet spot of quality features vs price. That was their changeover mission statement 2 years ago and they have achieved it. People used to say to me, "if... 

I agree with you on that analyzis. No fear, just pleasure. Some will regret the lack of second hand, some won't. The addition of poetry, with this special night and day indicator below the main dial is top, too. Yes, I think it is a smart offer from Montb... 

"Cloning", after all we have only one Earth, but I really dislike (I know, I have OCD) the lack of a running seconds, like the Vacheron. If the MB had a running seconds, I could be on the line to get this one. Cheers, Nilo

his own madness. Cheers, Nilo

I also consider this Montblanc "WT" as a tool "WT" and will consider to get one but with bracelet. Here are photos to illustrate my comment: The metal bracelet is very comfortable, for my small wrist. Well done Montblanc ;-))) BRs Patrickh ...  

that adds a nice touch for travelling to humid climates. -Dean

BRs Dean. Patrickh ...  

Which the press files pictures don't show: the depth of the dial. Which I find very interesting and well made. As for the bracelet, I don't share your love for it. I find it doesn't make the case looking more appealing. It enhances the thickness of the ca... 

to switch some times. Here is the 2 sub-plates taken in photo at SIHH with Moscow corrected at GMT +3 Hope you enjoy these details. BRs Patrickh ...  

It helps us to better understand how it works. Best, Nicolas

release photographs looked they were cut out of a catalog and then rephotographed--FLAT. These photographs give a very three dimensional feel and the finish is quite nice, as Nicholas has shown too. I must say that this article, comments and the great Pho... 

in the Richemont planet. A 300 meters waterproof WT. For the Next SIHH??? Funny no, Patrickh

You're definitely right, a watch doesn't Need to cost a kidney to be interesting. The Tissot in steel is a great offer, and slim proportion is a quality compared to the others (VC and Montblanc especially). Only Patek has also good proportions. Now the lu... 

bad quality photo sorry. Not enough time to clean the back cover plastic hope it helps, Patrickh ...  

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Some points: 1/ As for the lugs and case thickness, in the Duometre, the movement is pretty high. So it would be difficult to reduce the height. Maybe they can save one millimeter? I don't think they can go farther, here. For the Montblanc, they could go ... 

Really well done by MB on this one. Another world-timer to throw into the mix, IMHO, is the Frederique Constant. Not only is it a looker and functional, but also has a manufacture movement and a price which I believe may be even lower than MB's. If it did... 

to read time zone. Not preferred for me. photo credited Hodinkee site BRs Patrickh ...  

I would really like the FC quite a bit if they did away with the date altogether. In fact, would be pretty close to the perfect "budget" world timer. But, I think the date would ultimately bother me too much..... Darren

Not a bad looking Watch, indeed! Best, Nicolas

As for the second hand, I don't know, honestly. I was wondering if I liked second hand on the VC, and I don't have a firm opinion on that. I find that, WITHOUT, you gain in purity, maybe. AND since a world time is not dedicated to precision but to travels... 

... Wow, that guy Jerome sure is a busy bee, ain't he... Great post, Sir Nicolas. Very informative and straight to the point. Fact of the matter is that the Montblanc HSOT is a beauty and in the scheme of pricey world-timer pieces, this one is quite affor... 

As for the Duometre UTT, it doesn't play in the same category because of: - Its price. - Its complication: One of te finest, if not THE finest Travel Time on the current market. ( Travel Time is not World Time, by the way ). - Its manual movement. When al... 

... SPOT ON! Now if we expand the category to include travel watches in general, the UTT wins hands down! Nothing like it anywhere! - Scott

But its dial and movement cannot compete with the JLC Duometre UTT... Which is, for me, THE king of the category. On that we totally agree. Best, Scott. Nicolas.

and comparisons! I love reading this review! Thanks alot Nico! I like this watch alot since I saw the press release. Your live pics during SIHH confirmed my liking for the looks of the watch, especially the dial. I am very much looking forward to seeing i... 

I am impatient to read your feelings once you see it! Best, Nicolas

.....this is a superb review of not just the Montblanc but world timers generally. I am very seriously considering adding a world timer and your post here has come at a very opportune moment for me. I have to say, I have found myself looking at the Orbis ... 

And I seriously think about getting my first Montblanc... With this Orbis Terrarum, which convinced me a lot, I must say. So, will be be two? ;) Best, Nicolas

Thank you Nicolas, this is indeed a very interesting World Time watch. I love the way the continents/countries become darker as the night sets in. Very nice detail. I agree about the hands too but, unlike you, I find the outer minute ring pleasant, it doe... 

It is a mandatory name for a WT, but they have to stick with their time zone, if not, your WT may not be exact. And since they are changing their mind quite often lastly... I wouldn't like to get an inexact world timer. Best, Amigo. Nicolas

...atque Tempus Fugit! ...it all adds to the poesy don't you think? Cheers l'ami Francois

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It gives me a lot to think about. I don't have a Worldtimer in my collection amd I don't travel often enough to justify something with that specific complication...normally I just settle for a GMT. I recently just missed out on the Tissot. I was sore abou... 

You travel in your head, with such a Watch. A tool for imagination, which turns into a toolwatch when you physically travel. Ain't that magic? That is why I love these world time so much. A,d I must say that this one convinced me, with its extra touch of ... 

without disturbing them during their off working time or sleep ;-)). Patrickh

.......the more that I feel that I will have to buy one. Like you, Nicolas, I have a small but growing world time collection. This watch would be my first Montblanc, but I have to say, I am now very seriously considering it. I have a very short list of mo... 

But a nice complement. And to tell you all, I am close to getting one. Yes, it will be my first Montblanc, but hey, I am convinced. And I have the feeling we'll ont be the olny ones to get it! Best, Joe. Nicolas

.. little war against an also quite important Vintage Rolex Ref., (but also one or two others from the Duomètre family) whichnplay in pretty the same price league. Damn, lots of choices.. Maybe I\'ll have to consult Dr Mamadu.. Best, my friend

one that appeals to me. Thanks for the great review. maybe I could silkscreen print a Lambert projection onto all the white space on this dial! (And add a minute ring for you Nicolas) Cazalea ...  

Thanks NIcolas for such a thorough review of the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum. Very nice in-depth review and comparison to the usual suspects. I agree with you at the positive points. Very charming watch and I think it will be a hit for watch ... 

you say refer to this as the tool watch of Worldtimers and that watches do not have to be expensive to be interesting. Excellent review. I am tempted to have this piece.

Yes, you should consider it. First, have a look on this one in the real... Then, you will know! Best, Nicolas

To remove and to locate the minute ring, and to put the Montblanc name instead of London... That would have been very smart! Best, Nicolas

- What about the prize range for the ss-Version, which I find a very positive offer ? Thx again for this in-depth SSIH- based review, a great read, indeed ! My Best, hs

I'm so pleased to read this review and I'm so pleased that Montblanc has chosen to make this watch! This is a great piece! And one of the stars of SIHH 2015!

From this year, and pretty convincing! A Community Watch? Best, Nicolas

So far, the stars of the SIHH and Baselworld shows have been this Montblanc watch and the offerings at MB&F. And I'm so pleased that the Montblanc watch was made at an accessible price point for all. The movement is technically modular movement, but i... 

And yes a tad thinner would have been even better, but not a no go for me. Best, Nicolas

In fact, you have my favorite World Time watch, the 5110P/5130P. Which are both beautifully thin.