Montblanc offers an intuitive way of keeping track of time in different time zones without hands. One of the most practical complications, the Montblanc 1858 GMT watch function limit of time in two different places at the same time. So, wherever you are on the planet and whatever you are doing, your watch can indicate local time and home time at a glance.
Quick Takes: Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic Date
Where most GMT timepieces indicate the second time zone with an additional hand, the new Montblanc 1858 GMT model presents its GMT indication without hands that is very intuitive and highly legible.
This ingenious system indicates the second time zone with a red square that moves around the outside of the dial. This red square is positioned next to a fixed black or blue anodized aluminium bezel that shows the 24-hour clock so the user immediately knows if it is day or night in the second time zone too. The beauty of this system is that it also indicates the half-hours with a red rectangle for the half-hours and a full red square for the hours.
There is also a date at three o’clock and a central seconds hand indication, but the Montblanc 1858 GMT watch isn’t just about cool functions, it is also about good looks as this attractive everyday sports watch is made to impress. It comes in a 42 mm stainless steel case with a choice of a black or blue sunray dial, both of which are adorned with blue luminescent hands and indexes.
The Montblanc 1858 GMT watch now also comes with a tapered, interchangeable, stainless-steel bracelet with a fine adjustment system for precision fitting, which can be switched out for a black or blue rubber strap in seconds.
Another nice surprise is the titanium engraved case back showing the planet’s continents and oceans, along with the names of cities in each of the 24 time zones, offering a worldtime indication.
The engraving of the planet is achieved using an engraving technique that is rare on such a small scale. This complex process begins with the titanium being structured by laser to create the relief of the image. The texture and colour of the engraving are also achieved by laser, creating an authentic 3D rendering that provides depth and realism.
The case back can be customized to include the owner’s hometown in red and their local time zone. Another nice touch is that Central European Time, which is usually represented by Paris, has been changed to Villeret, Montblanc’s Swiss watchmaking headquarters.
