From a manufacturer that is better known for producing pens, the Montblanc Timewalker is an attractive Swiss dress watch.
Montblanc Timewalker Review
At a glance |
Montblanc Timewalker |
Price |
Circa £1000 |
Case size |
42mm |
Thickness |
17mm (including domed crystal) |
Water Resistance |
100m |
Movement |
Caliber 4810/401 (based on ETA 2892-A2) |
The watch comes in a perfectly serviceable, if unremarkable, padded faux-leather box. It protects the watch just fine and will blend into your dresser if you choose to use it to store the watch in the long term.
Case and Movement
The relatively thick (for a dress watch) Montblanc Timewalker wears a little thinner thanks to the large 42mm case diameter. Despite its size it is a relatively comfortable watch to wear thanks to its shortish lugs – although it is quite flat, so beware if you have a rounded wrist profile. The case is well finished with some neat touches like the Montblanc logo on the fake-screws at the lugs.
The case back is disappointing, being relatively lightly engraved – it would have been nice to see the ETA2892 movement, which is higher-end than the usual 2824 we find in the entry level Swiss watches we usually cover. Overall, I like the case of the Montblanc Timewalker – especially the skeletonised lugs and the crown, which echoes the design of a Montblan pen lid.
Dial and Hands
The Montblanc Timewalker dial is dominated by large, applied metallic numerals, set at an angle. It’s a great, iconic design by Giampiero Bodino – who went on to revive the Panerai brand. Few watches are recognisable just from a glance, and this is what I think sets the Montblanc Timewalker apart from the other dress watches in its category. It’s clean, legible and attractive.
The hands do little to distract you from the dial, being lightly lumed simple triangles of steel. The date window, while welcome from a practical perspective, is perhaps a little too close in proximity to the numeral 6. Its depth behind the dial is masked by a bevelled surround.
Strap and Buckle
I can’t comment on the OEM strap as this Montblanc Timewalker no longer has it attached. The box says it is alligator print leather, but as I’ve not seen it, I can’t say whether it is as good as the rest of the package. The good news is that despite the appearance of special lug screws, this watch uses standard spring bars, so strap changes are straightforward.
Montblanc Timewalker – Video Review
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Montblanc Timewalker – The WRUK Verdict
This particular model of the Timewalker is really nice but hard to get hold of. More modern versions have cut costs – and corners – so if you see an example of this watch in this specification it’s well worth picking one up if you like the design. Resale value is not great with most watch brands, so don’t think you’re investing in an asset that will appreciate. If, however, you want an iconic watch that will be fun to wear, you can’t go far wrong with a Montblanc.
Buy a Montblanc Timewalker
You will have to search on eBay for a Montblanc Timewalker like this one, but new Timewalkers are available from dealers such as The Watch Hut.
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