Montblanc TimeWalker Date Automatic

Quick specs Montblanc TimeWalker Date Automatic Price: € 2.735 | approx. £ 2,500 | approx. $ 3,300 Size: 41 mm Reference: 116059

As a tribute to the old Manufacture Minerva, a legendary factory purchased by Montblanc, Montblanc introduced a complete new TimeWalker collection for 2017. This because Minerva in its heyday was a specialist of precision counters and chronographs for motorsport races. We already featured the TimeWalker Chronograph Rally Timer Counter Limited Edition and the TimeWalker Chronograph UTC. Another recent addition is the Montblanc TimeWalker Date Automatic. Price-wise one of the more attainable pieces.

Inside you find a MB 24.17 movement, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1, with a power-reserve of 38 hours. Good, but nothing special, that’s where the case comes in. A 41-millimeter stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel makes it completely in line with the clean aesthetics of the TimeWalker collection. The unidirectional bezel also functions as an additional way to include a second time zone.

The Montblanc TimeWalker Date Automatic is subtle and sporty

The dial is focused on good readability via the strong contrast between silvery-white and black. Large Arabic numerals and the super-luminova coated hands provide a clear view. The iconic central seconds hand first catches the eye with its red color and prominent Minerva arrow at the tip. Which is reminiscent of early 20th century Minerva stopwatches.

All this is tested under the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500. The extensive 500-hour test simulates the first year’s lifecycle of a timepiece. A test that is done on all manufacture pieces.

The TimeWalkers were always the more sporty line in the Montblanc watch collection. The new models still maintain that look, but appear a bit dressier than before.