SIHH 2016: Montblanc 4810 Orbis Terrarum

Montblanc marks its 110th anniversary as a manufacturer of writing instruments with the introduction of the 4810 collection.  The number 4810 comes from the peak of the Mont Blanc Mountain which  measures 4,810 meters, a number which has always been an iconic figure for the Maison.  Following the success of the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum last year, Montblanc has produced a new version.   Introducing the Montblanc 4810 Orbis Terrarum.

Named after the Latin Orbis Terrarum, which translates as “globe”, “earth” and “world”, this timepiece tells the time in 24 timezones.

The stainless steel case has been increased in size to 43mm.  The Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum had a 41mm case.  The only design change is the lugs, which now have a striped pattern.

The dial is constructed of multiple layers, starting with the main sapphire crystal disc that displays the continents as viewed from the North Pole and the names of the 24 cities representing the different timezones. The continents are cut out from the rest of the disc that displays the oceans in a light blue colour. A second sapphire crystal disc indicates the passing of day and night with a dark blue for the night and a gradient of yellow and green for the day. This disc also includes the 24-hour ring that indicates the different times in the 24 cities.

To adjust the time, the local time city first needs to be positioned in front of the red triangle at 6 o’clock via the pusher at 8 o’clock. Then the hours and minutes (which are always linked with the day/night and 24-hour timezone disc) can be adjusted through the crown to set the correct local time. Once this is completed, the time in all 24 timezones will be simultaneously displayed around the dial. When travelling to another timezone, the new destination city simply needs to be aligned at 6 o’clock. This adjustment is again done through the pusher at 8 o’clock, which automatically turns the hour hand, continents, cities, day/night disc and 24-hour timezones along with it. The hour hand jumps in one hour increments without affecting the precision of the minutes. Once this easy regulation is carried out, the local time of the new destination, as well as the 24 timezones, are fully synchronized.

Powering the watch is the same  Calibre MB 29.20 found in the Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum.

We think the new version looks good and the use of different colours makes the dial pop.

For more information please visit Montblanc

Technical Specifications

Montblanc 4810 Orbis Terrarum
Ident. 115071
Movement Calibre MB 29.20 featuring a in-house world time module made in-house by Montblanc
Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism
Number of rubies 26
Power reserve Approx. 42 hours
Balance Flat hoop
Frequency 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring Flat
Displays Hours and minutes from the center
Worldtime indication with 24 hour time zones and integrated
day & night display
Habillage
Case Stainless steel case, worldtime pusher at 8 o’clock
Crystal Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire and antireflective crystal
Back Stainless steel with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions Diameter = 43 mm; height = 11.87 mm
Watertightness 5 bar
Crown Stainless steel with inlaid Montblanc emblem
Dial Sapphire crystal dial showing the Northern Hemisphere and 24
cities of the 24 hour time zones, 24 hour-disc with day/night
display and climate zones that turns under the sapphire crystal
dial, rhodium-plated regate hands
Wristband Black alligator-skin strap with triple folding clasp