Review: Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date

Montblanc released the Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date at SIHH 2016. This watch spiked our attention because of its utilitarian design and understated beauty. It stands out from the usual time and date wristwatch primarily because of its reinterpreted dial. While not excruciatingly obvious, the unusual subdial positioning of the seconds counter juxtaposed with a larger date subdial is what makes this watch so exciting to us.

 

 

The Case

The case is sized at 40 mm in diameter and measures 9.85 mm in thickness. The polished steel case features curved horns with satin-finishing on the inside surfaces, affirming Montblanc’s devotion to horological details. At its lugs, curved lug bars hold together a black alligator-skin strap crafted in the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence. The strap is equipped with a stainless steel triple folding clasp. Overall, the slim case accentuates the elegance of the watch and details like the curved lug bars reminds us that Montblanc is at the top of its game.

 

 

The Dial

While the design of the Heritage Chronometrie collection are inspired by the legendary Minerva Pythagore, the Twincounter Date takes its inspiration from the classic double counter look of the Minerva chronographs from the 1950s. The dial is well balanced despite two contrasting size subdials. The date subdial is slightly larger than the seconds subdial. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of both subdials is enhanced by different shape blued-steel hands. The date pointer with an arrowhead and the seconds counter a dauphine shape. Other details like a contrasting red ‘60’ numeral, enhances the colours on the dial. Apart from the counter details, the dial is treated with a silvery white sunray finish and fitted with facetted sword hands and red gold-plated applied indexes, as well as prominent Arabic 12 and 6 numerals.

 

 

 

 

The Movement

 

 

The watch is powered by the MB 24.23 automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve. The automatic movement has 31 jewels and beats at 28,800 A/h. Possibly the only qualm we have with the watch (albeit a rather trivial one considering its pricepoint), the display back reveals a relatively unappealing movement. Considering how beautifully made the dial and case is made, now if the watch had a more beautifully finished in-house movement… Then of course, the price would be much different. So we can’t really complain. Moreover, while the movement may not be the nicest to look at, one can be rest assured that it is a tested and proven workhorse. As part of a rigorous QC and testing process, the entire timepiece is certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 that simulates rigorous real-life situations for a total of 500 hours, guaranteeing the timepiece’s high quality and precision. So the owner will not have to fret with expensive and frequent servicing, ironically prevalent among higher-end yet more unreliable movements that we have come across.

 

 

Overall Impression

We are very impressed with this classic timepiece. It is reasonably priced and delivers not only value, but also quality and design. The watch is ideal for anyone who wants a relevant and sophisticated timepiece but does not want to burn a large hole in his pocket. We might sound like a broken record, but hey, this is Montblanc’s value proposition. Good watches with features of high end watchmaking but at reasonable prices.

 

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date

Ident. 114872

Movement                Calibre MB 24.23

Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding, date by hand

Number of rubies  31

Power reserve         Approx. 38 hours

Balance                      Flat hoop

Frequency                28,800 A/h (4 Hz)

Hairspring                 Flat

Displays                      Hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock, date indicated by hand on a subdial at 3 o’clock

Case                             Stainless steel; polished case, polished & satin-finished bezel

Crystal                        Scratch-resistant, flat and antireflective sapphire crystal

Back                             Stainless steel with inset pane of sapphire crystal

Dimensions               Diameter =  40 mm ; Height =  9.85 mm

Watertightness        3 bar

Crown	Stainless steel with Montblanc emblem in raised relief
Dial	Silvery-white dial with sunburst pattern, facetted indexes, Arabic numerals “6 & 12” as  red gold-plated appliqué, red gold-plated sword hour-hand and minute-hand, blued date-hand, blued small secondhand
Wristband	Black alligator-skin strap crafted in the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence with stainless steel triple folding clasp, Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500
Price	2’850 euros