STARGAZING

The montblanc star is not only the brand’s logo, But also an icon that makes its products Identifiable and sets them apart from their Peers. The star collection takes this very Emblem and transforms it in several ways, Creating some of montblanc’s most exquisite Pieces, writes gitanjali singh

For over a hundred years, the Montblanc star—representative of the snow-capped peak in the Alps and the namesake of the brand—has been synonymous with the ultimate in quality and unique craftsmanship. Montblanc, a brand that altered the manner in which writing instruments were perceived, introduced watches that soon came to be recognised as quality timepieces by connoisseurs the world over. The Montblanc Star collection has achieved recognition from a discerning circle of enthusiasts and experts alike. More than just an assemblage of timepieces, the Star collection highlights not just the values of the brand, but also the wearer’s personality, exquisite taste and lifestyle. The collection unites timeless aesthetics and complex functionality.

A STAR IS BORN
RStarted in 1906 by a stationer, a banker and an engineer, Montblanc was known as ‘Simplo Filler Pen Company’ till 1909. The star with the six tips was introduced as the brand’s logo and led to its identity in 1913. The Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen—a writing instrument that was a technical and commercial breakthrough—was introduced in 1924.

Its immediate success was acknowledged worldwide, and marked the beginning of an iconic product. Based on this tradition of quality craftsmanship and modern design, Montblanc introduced the Meisterstück Leather Collection in 1995 and stylish accessories for men the following year. In 1997, Montblanc introduced its first watch collection and within a few years, the Swiss brand came to be recognised as one of the top 50 luxury watchmakers in the world. Montblanc concentrated on men’s timepieces for the first six years of making watches. Once it established its credentials in that domain, Montblanc entered the ladies’ watch segment, which now accounts for 25 per cent of the brand’s watch sales.
The line includes a variety of sporty stainless steel and high-end platinum models featuring classic design, exquisite materials and superior functionality, thereby rendering the collection with unparalleled personality.

In 2005, the Star jewellery collection was launched. The following year, to commemorate theis centenary along with the star diamond, Montblanc introduced a watch that symbolised tradition and an appreciation of the need to take time for the essentials. The distinctive and unique Star Chrono GMT was born.

STAR ATTRACTION
Academy award-winning actor Nicolas Cage is one of Montblanc’s brand ambassadors. Along with the Montblanc Star Chronograph GMT, he also sports the TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic.

Luxurious, while demonstrating the brand’s quest to improve its craftsmanship. This collection represents the quality and passion that has ensured Montblanc’s continuing success for over a century. The Montblanc Star watches regularly feature large silver dials, hand-applied numerals and the Montblanc star logo as a counterweight on the second hands. Mainly automatic, the movements exude elegance, and are visible through the sapphire crystal case backs.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STAR COLLECTION
The Star Chronograph GMT Automatic is a watch designed for exalted tastes. It is a sophisticated, classic 18 carat red gold automatic watch with a dial that provides all the standard chronograph features—a date aperture and an integrated GMT display, allowing a second time zone to be monitored.

The crystal base of the case allows an unhindered view of the movement that bears all the salient features of Swiss watchmaking. An elegant alligator strap and the magnificently-crafted Montblanc crown make the Star Chrono GMT Automatic a charismatic attraction. The luxurious Star Lady Chrono Diamonds is a handcrafted watch with a wide range of functions. This chronograph highlights Montblanc’s competence in creating exclusive masterpieces. The Star Lady Chrono Diamonds is also symbolic of the brand’s flawless craftsmanship. The Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic collection, added to the collection in 2008, is arguably the brightest among the Star watches. It is dedicated to the moon and stars—the factors of horoscope that define the cycle of life.

THE LATEST ADDITIONS
Focussing on the basics has helped Montblanc to create a timeless design for its collection. Watches that outlive all fashion trends feature a surprisingly classic and effortless design. A case in point is the traditional three-hand watch in the new Montblanc Star 4810 Automatic set in 18 carat red gold. It clearly shows hours, minutes and seconds, and in a large field at six o’clock, the date. These clear-cut elements give the silver dial a stylish and distinguished look. The elegant design is offset by an engine-turning design with the shape of the Montblanc signet. With alternating angles of incidence, the Montblanc star seems to vibrate on the dial and captures the dynamism of passing time. The 4810, symbolic of the height of Mont Blanc in the Alps, is synonymous with the highest standards. The new Star 4810 Automatic—41.5 mm in diameter, with a COSC-certified automatic movement—has a solid red gold case that forms a harmonious bond with the elegant brown alligator strap. It is the calm continuation of the classical Montblanc Star line, which once marked the start of Montblanc’s success in the world of haute horlogerie.

MAKING HISTORY
The Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph limited edition timepiece is dedicated to the inventor of the ‘time-writer’—the first watch with rotating dials in which an ink marker attached to the fixed index noted the time. The invention was regarded as so ingenious that it gave the chronograph its name: ‘chronos’ for ‘time’ and ‘graphein’ for ‘writing’. A collector’s item, the various models of this timepiece are strictly limited: 25 chronographs in 950 platinum, 75 in 18 carat white and yellow gold and 125 chronographs in 18 carat red gold. Armed with such tradition and heritage, Montblanc will continue to produce masterpieces that promise to shine with their unique allure.

STAR JEWELLERY:
Montblanc’s Star collection of silver
jewellery highlights the timelessness of silver. Represented by the brand’s trademark star, the silver collection witnessed an addition of ‘The Icon’ collection in 2007. This range features bracelets and necklaces, which celebrate the star in its purest form. The essence of the collection is to very playfully feature the famous star. The legendary Montblanc star is the recurring motif and is featured in assorted interpretations in every piece of jewellery. ‘The Icon’ transforms the star from a design element to a central theme. Each chain link, of the range that comprises necklaces and chain bracelets, is made up of thre different sized rings, each of which are positioned at right angles to each other. The oval ring—the largest of the three rings— surrounds the star-shaped jewel. It forms a kind of frame and thus proudly presents the star. Solid 925 sterling silver gives the chains an impressive weight. First-class craftsmanship marries quality materials to create jewellery that appears beautiful and is smooth when worn against the skin.