When it comes to Montblanc’s Pre-SIHH 2018 Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph, it might appear at first blush that it is yet another new watch jumping on the “trend bandwagon”. First, there was a DLC trend, then there was a ceramic trend, a bronze trend followed soon after and it looks like we are at peak “Panda” trend; almost every brand which makes a chronograph has one in their repertoire or added one in the last two to three years.

That said, what we perceive as “trendy” today is not exactly a momentary inclination towards that design aesthetic when the desire and appeal for those types of dials can be characterised as “ever-lasting”.

New Watch: Pre-SIHH 2018 Montblanc Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph

For those of you unfamiliar, the panda aesthetic literally refers to a white watch face, typically a tri-compax chronograph but also applicable to a bi-compax chronograph with black or dark subdials. The reverse panda however, refers to a black face with white subdials.

Having re-invigorated interest in the brand’s classical watches thanks to high appeals to nostalgia courtesy of their 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter and the Heritage Chronometrie collection, Montblanc casts their watchmaking ambitions towards the sportive genre with their strongest ever push yet – the Montblanc Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph.

Make no mistake, the Manufacture was not content to merely tug on the heart-strings with a heritage aesthetic, Montblanc designed a column-wheel manufacture chronograph calibre with their latest MB 25.10 and despite the post-modern outward appearance of the timepiece, elected to decorate the movement with traditional finishing such as “Côtes de Genève”, circular graining, blue screws and a thematically appropriate monobloc oscillating weight made of black rhodium-plated tungsten, designed in the shape of a steering wheel.

Suffice it to say, every element of design is rooted in racing details recalling the golden age of motor racing. Beyond the panda tri-compax design inspired by 60s and 70s racing chronographs, the dial also has a flange with 5 minute track coated with SuperLumiNova for high visibility. Other sportive accents include the include rhodium-plated, dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands and a red chronograph second hand inspired by the Minerva arrow, a nod to Minerva’s legacy and heritage.

All ensconced with a 43mm satin-finished stainless steel case and secured to scraps with semi-skeletonised lugs akin to the air intakes of a car, the TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph comes with fixed black ceramic bezel for that touch of glossy elegance and durability – a reminder that despite the cream dial, this chronograph may reference a glorious period of racing history but it is really a thoroughly modern high precision chronograph.

Pre-SIHH 2018 Montblanc Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph Price and Specs

Case 43mm Stainless steel, satin-finished case with 100m water resistance
Movement Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB 25.10 with 46 hour power reserve
Strap Vintage brown Sfumato aged calf leather strap or stainless steel bracelet
Price €4990 to €5290