From an aesthetic point of view, a timepiece with vintage sensibilities will always bear a certain allure because it is defined by nuances of the brand’s heritage. For many years, Montblanc was able to translate their remarkable watchmaking history onto their timepieces with ease. This time, they did it again with the two new limited edition TimeWalker models – a Manufacture Chronograph and an Automatic Date, completed with a caffeinated muse.

Caffeine-fueled

The Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph Limited edition was introduced at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Judiciously named The Cappuccinos, the timepieces feature a cafe au lait-coloured dial, and the overall aesthetic using varying shades of Brown. But other than a good cuppa, the watches pay tribute to the legacy of chronograph manufacture as Montblanc perpetuates Minerva’s 160 years of fine watchmaking heritage.

Minerva Manufacture, an acclaimed, highly exclusive workshop producing high-quality instruments, known as chronographs, for measuring brief intervals of time with high precision — such as the 1/100th of second counter that was presented in 1916. Emblematic of Minerva’s heritage is the “Rally Timer,” a stopwatch (incidentally, a WOW 2017 cover star as well) that was created to keep time for motor racing and inevitably, thanks to this racing association, a source of inspiration for the Montblanc’s new TimeWalker collection.

The Cappuccinos pay tribute to the legacy of chronograph manufacture

Founded in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates its silver Jubilee with 25 most memorable events that contributed to its success today. The motoring soiree, led by its founder the Duke of Richmond was held on the grounds of the Goodwood sporting estate in West Sussex, England from 12th to 15 July 2018.

As per previous years, the Goodwood Festival of Speed drew a massive crowd in excess of 100,000 on each day, set amid some of the rarest and most spectacular machinery. Motor racing enthusiasts had the opportunity to connect with some of the world’s most accomplished racing drivers. After going through the car exhibition, guests were led to a special pavilion to mingle and unwind while discovering the Montblanc collections. Safe to say that it was one of the grandest festivals of car culture in the world and an important fixture on the British social calendar by far.

“There are only a few motor racing celebrations as thrilling and exciting as Goodwood Festival of Speed. With the participation of magnificent cars that range from the vintage to the most avant-garde, this event is the perfect partnership for Montblanc, a Maison that celebrates its spirit of innovation and its long watchmaking heritage,” shares Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki.

Davide Cerrato, Montblanc’s Managing Director Watch Division adds: “Montblanc timepieces celebrate the unrelenting passion for speed that has been at the heart of motor racing for the past century. For the past 25 years, the spirit of racing has found its home at Goodwood, an event that brings together those who share this passion for speed from all corners of the world. I can’t think of a better venue.”

As Official Timing Partner for the second year, Montblanc lent its timekeeping expertise to the numerous races that took place place over the four-days. The festival culminated in a 1.16-mile timed Hillclimb Shootout, which determined the champion of the 2018 Festival of Speed and the winner of a Montblanc timepiece — The Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph “Cappuccino” edition.

The Manufacture Chronograph, powered by the new Montblanc chronograph movement MB25.10, is limited to 1,500 pieces while the Automatic is an edition of 500. Both steel watches proven to be extremely versatile due to their harmonious colour scheme and the period finishing coming full circle with the brand’s heritage.

Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph Limited Edition Specs and Price

Movement: Self-winding Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB25.10, 46-hour power reserve
Case: Stainless steel, water-resistent to 100m
Strap: Calf Leather Strap
Price: SG$7,900