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Montblanc’s Sapphire-Clad Perpetual Calendar

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire

Entry-level isn’t normally a term you can apply to a perpetual calendar but when it comes to Montlanc’s Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire it’s at the very least accurate.

The original version’s actually been around since 2014 as part of Montblanc’s first serious foray into the watch world. It was also one of their biggest reasons for success. It was well overdue a revamp however and how we have this spectacular-looking, accessibly-priced piece.

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire

Slimmer and cleaner than its predecessor, everything about the new Heritage Chronométrie is that little bit more sophisticated. The case is the same at a nice 40mm of steel but 0.7mm thinner, a not-insubstantial amount. Then there’s the dial. The impressive piece of sapphire crystal let you see straight into the conglomeration of cam shafts and gears that makes up the movement.

Given that I’m normally a fan of Montblanc’s more classical pieces, it’s great to see something a bit more modern that I’m just as enamoured by. Thanks to the solid blue subdial tracks it’s also surprisingly easy to read for an effectively open-dialled watch.

The MB 29.15 movement inside is Montblanc’s go-to perpetual calendar (they’ve made enough of them now to stop that being a juxtaposition) so you can expect reliability until the year 2100. Let’s be fair, that’s more than long enough to go without setting your watch. Consider that €12,500 (just over 11k) an investment for the future.

Price & Specs:

    • Model name: Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire (ref. 118513)
    • Dial/Case: 40mm in diameter, stainless steel case
    • Movement: Montblanc Caliber MB 29.15
      Water resistance: 30m
    • Power reserve: 42h
      Strap: Blue alligator strap with stainless steel folding clasp
    • Price: €12,500

More at: www.montblanc.com

About the author

Sam Kessler

Legend has it that Sam’s first word was ‘escapement’ and, while he might have started that legend himself, he’s been in the watch world long enough that it makes little difference. As the editor of Oracle Time, he’s our leading man for all things horological – even if he does love yellow dials to a worrying degree. Owns a Pogue; doesn’t own an Oyster Perpetual. Yet.