Review: Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC

For SIHH 2017, we see Montblanc refreshing its TimeWalker Collection with a focus on embracing Minerva’s heritage through its new designs. This collection symbolizes the spirit of racing and takes its design cues from the archives of the Minerva Manufacture.

A great example would be the release of the “Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph Rally Timer Counter”. The rally timer allows for many ways of reading time where it can be transformed into a pocket watch, wrist watch or a dashboard clock which were all inspired by the original Rally Timer stopwatch by Minerva.

With also a focus on practical functionality, an outstanding addition to the Montblanc TimeWalker Collection is the TimeWalker Chronograph UTC. The timepiece presents itself as a strong and masculine piece which combines the functionality of a chronograph and dual time complication into one. This is an ideal travelling partner for any globetrotters out there.

The latest additions to the TimeWalker collection such as the Chronograph UTC took its design cues from the Minerva archive.

Case, Dial and Hands

The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC comes in a black DLC case measuring at 43 mm in size, the case consists of a mix of high-tech materials such as black ceramic and black rubber which adds to its durability and gives it a masculine look. The case also features a very neat unidirectional rotating black bezel made of shiny ceramic, enhancing the aesthetics of the watch with its surface looks.

The TimeWalker Chronograph UTC features a black DLC case made from a mix of high-tech materials such as black ceramic and black rubber.

When you look closer in detail, you would also notice that the black DLC crown and pushers have been finished with a knurled decoration, taking its cues from petrol caps designs in classic racing cars. The dial of the TimeWalker Chronograph UTC is lovely and the choice of colours were excellent; silver and red contrasting well with the black dial surface.

The black DLC crown and pushers have been finished with a knurled decoration, inspired by petrol caps of classic racing cars.

On the dial, the chronograph seconds hand is indicated via an iconic red central hand with the tip shaped in the form of the Minerva arrow. We can also see two sub-dials vertically positioned on the dial; the chronograph hours at the 6 o’clock position and the 30-minute counter at the 12 o’clock position. Both counters are well designed and we especially liked the choice of fonts for the sub-dials, sharp and crisp for the eyes.

The Movement

The timepiece features the caliber MB 25.03 which operates at 28,800 bph and features a power reserve of 46 hours. The movement is impressive in terms of functionalities as it can show the time for three different time zones as well as a date indicator which is synchronized with the local time. The movement also features a clear case-back which allows for a full view of the movement though do not expect detailed finishing here.

The caliber MB 25.03 is quite impressive as it can provide time for three different time zones and a date indicator that is synchronized with the local time.

Concluding Thoughts

The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC is an excellent buy given that it is priced at $4,990 and it has a pretty neat design and functionality. This would be an ideal addition to the watch collection of frequent travelers considering its ability to provide the time for three different time zones as well as its aesthetics appeal. The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC comes with either a perforated leather strap or a perforated rubber strap with a black lining that shows through the holes.