Montblanc SIHH 2015: Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum Comparative Review.

Feb 03, 2015,03:46 AM
 


The new Montblanc World Time has a long, very long but poetic name: Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum, and provoked some strong and long discussions, when the first official pictures were posted.

I am sorry to say, but the official pictures didn't give justice to this watch. The dial looked flat, the colors were a bit dull, and well... Not a lot of appeal.

Seeing it in the real just gives you the wish to be able to fight with the SIHH jungle to take some pictures and to handle the watch, which I managed to do for a few minutes.

With this Orbis Terrarum, Montblanc is now entering the quite exclusive world of World Timers.

Is it a positive first attempt? Let's see the watch in the détails, now, and let's compare it to its most famous contenders, to try to bring an answer.

1/ The Orbis Terrarum:

- THE DIAL. Certainly one of the most characteristic part / detail of this Montblanc watch, and undisputably one of the most discussed.

 

Some claimed that Montblanc got its inspiration from the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony World Time dial.

But we could also say that Vacheron ( and Vacheron is fair enough to say it, by the way ) got its inspiration from the Lambert Projection map, which doesn't date from yesterday.


Here is a quote found in Wikipédia about the Lambert Projection Map:

" A Lambert conformal conic projection (LCC) is a conic map projection used for aeronautical charts , portions of the State Plane Coordinate System , and many national and regional mapping systems. It is one of seven projections introduced by Johann Heinrich Lambert in his 1772 publication Anmerkungen und Zusätze zur Entwerfung der Land- und Himmelscharten."

Here is the link to Wikipédia, for those who want to know more about that matter.


If we now keep in mind that this watch was thought  under Jérôme Lambert's reign, I find this homonymous wink very humoristic, personally.  wink

In the Montblanc, the dial is made of Crystal, and represents the Earth viewed from the North Pole.


Then, surrounding the Earth, we have the 24 cities of the World, the 24 hours ring, and the minute ring. Exactly like the Vacheron World Time.

BUT, at the contrary of the Vacheron contender, the map of the Earth takes more place, the dial seems to be much better balanced.

Now, the originality of the Montblanc World Time is that, in addition to the 24 hours ring, the dial shows how the day and the night are evolving over the continents.

How is it possible? The system works thanks to the multi layer dial construction: A main dial, made of sapphire with the continents cut out, and a second day and night disc, half blue, half transparent, which turns underneath.

Some personal observations:

=> I would remove Moscow from the Cities of the World to replace it by another one, since the capital of Russia often changed its mind abouth its time zone, though. So, we don't know if it is or will be the correct time zone. I lost track, here...

=> I would have preferred this dial WITHOUT the external minute ring. I would have located it just after the map of the Earth, or I would have suppressed it. I don't think it brings something interesting.

=> I love a lot the day and night coloration of the continents. It adds even more poetry to the watch, in my opinion.

The Dauphine shaped hands are faceted and polished.

The sapphire glass receives an anti reflect coating.

- HOW DOES IT WORK?


Through the pusher, adjust your home city, or the city you are travelling in, in front of the read triangle at 6 o' clock.

The crown will be used to set the time.

Of course, when you are travelling, you use the pusher to find the right time zone. While using the pusher, olny the hour hand moves, not the minute hand. One pression, one hour.

A big difference with the Vacheron, you " only " have 24 different time zones, not 37, with the Montblanc.

One good point: The minute hand doesn't  " shake " when you press the pusher to change the time zone, or to adujst it.

- THE CASE:

Two cases, in fact. Rose Gold, or stainless steel.

I find the case elegant, even if I would have loved to see slimmer lugs. The proportions are good, with a diameter of 41 mm and a 12 mm height...


Not bad...

The case is water resistant to 3 bars ( 30 meters ). Not the worse, nor the best.

A rectangular pusher, quite massive, at 8 o clock, but not unpleasant to see, and a nicely shaped crown compliment the watch.

- THE MOVEMENT.


The Calibre MB 29-20 is a Sellita base, + a World Time module.

Montblanc completely developed, in internal, this module as they were inspired by their experience in multi layer movement construction from complications such as the Metamorphosis or the Rieussec Rising Hours.

It is, of course, automatic, like all its competitors, beats at 28 800 vibrations per hour, and offers a power reserve of 42 hours.

2/ The Contenders.

- Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time.


Among all the World Time we'll see here, this is the most sophisticated, with its 37 different Time Zones ( 24 different hours + 13 half hours or quarters, written in red  wink.

Another big advantage is that the time and the world time can be set through the crown. No pushers, here.

The dial is inspired by the Lambert projection map, then the Cities of the World ring, then the 24 hours ring, then the minute indexes.

The case is 42, 5 mm big, 11, 62 mm high, in rose gold or platinum. It is water resistant to 3 Bars.

The movement is automatic, Cal 2460 WT, beating at 28 800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 40 hours. It is a modular construction, and has a centrale second hand.

The retail in rose gold is a bit over 40 000 Euros ( 42 000, as far as I know ).

Let's compare the Montblanc to this Vacheron, since a lot of people saw a strong point of comparison between these two watches.

The only thing you can compare is the dial, which is organized the same way: the main dial is the Lambert projection map, then the cities of the world, then the 24 hours ring, then the minute indexes. And, below the main dial, the night and day disc.

In both cases, I don't like this outer minute ring, so...

Now, the dial of the Vacheron seems to be finished with more care, but it is very cluttered, which is the counterpart of the 37 cities of the world. Cluttered and small, if you pay attention to the main part of the dial.

The Montblanc has a better balance, I find. I wish Montblanc would remove this useless minute ring, or locate it before the cities ring.

One thing I much prefer, on the Vacheron, are... The Hands, which I find very nice.

As for the cases, I prefer the Montblanc one. Much smaller ( 1, 5 mm smaller, to be precise ) a tad thicker than the Vacheron ( 0, 38 mm higher ), it seems to be, curiously much better proportionned, and less thick. Very curious, as the figures say the contrary.

I would have preferred slimmer lugs,  on the Montblanc.

As for the movements, the Vacheron is better finished and more noble, undisputably. Still, I was expecting something more refined from Vacheron. It beats at 28 800 alternances per hour, and offers a power reserve of 40 hours.

The retail is strongly in favor of the Montblanc offer, which, in the same metal is around 3 times less expensive than the Vacheron, and even 8 times less expensive in steel!

Objectively, the Vacheron is more sophisticated, better finished, but their respective price has to be taken in consideration. The Montblanc is far from being a looser, here.

- Patek Philippe 5130.


No map of the Earth, here, but a soleillé decoration for the main part of the dial, plus the 24 hours ring and the cities of the world. No minute indexes. And a retail around 40 000 euros, in gold.

If you want to have a continent, you have to go for an enamel version ( 5131 ) which is even more expensive. Count 10 000 Euros more, for an enamel version.


The main part of the dial is smaller on the Patek, better balanced on the Montblanc.

The pusher is the only weak point of the Patek. Not very pleasant to use, and each time you press on it, the minute hand shakes.... At the contrary of the Montblanc.

For the rest, Patek is the clear winner: The case has superb proportions ( 39, 5 mm big, 9, 4 mm high ), the lugs are a model of sensuality, the water resistance is a tad less good ( 25 meters ), and the movement ( Cal 240 HU ) is my favourite among all the World Time we are reviewing, with its micro rotor. 21600 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 48 hours, which is the longer, here.

Once again, the price is in favor of the Montblanc, by far. The Lambert projection map is a good alternative, too.

- Girard Perregaux WW TC Small Seconds.


This Girard Perregaux, which was unveiled circa 2010 with its small seconds, is superb. The dial is a model of classicism and elegance.

The case is superb, too. And, like the Montblanc, available in steel. The dimensions are very much my taste, with a 41 mm diameter and 11 mm thickness. It is water resistant to 50 meters

The movement is all in house, from the base to the module, offers a power reserve of 46 hours, and beats at 28 800 alternances per hour. Automatic, of course.

There was a sublime enamel version called John Harrison, without small seconds, but the price belongs to another league...


See through case back, which was not mandatory, here, I think.

The price of the steel version was around twice the retail of the Montblanc, which  makes both of them close competitors.

- Louis Vuitton Escale World Time:


Undisputably, the most original World Time of all those we saw in this comparative article.

This is the third World Time to allwo its owner to set the time and the world time through the crown. But the originality is in the way you read the time.

You first set your reference time, then the time, and the rings of the hours,and of the minutes turn around the big yellow Arrow.

The dial is crazy, very appealing, I must say.

The case is 41 mm big, 9, 75 mm high, nicely shaped. Available, as far as I know, in white gold only. No see through case back, so I didn't find any picture of the movement. But I would be curious to see it!

The automatic movement has been developped and assembled by the Fabrique Du Temps LV Manufacture, beats at 28 800 alternances per hour, and has a small 38 hours power reserve.

The Montblanc is wiser, more conventional, and... 10 times less expensive, in steel, 3 to 4 times less expensive in rose gold.

- Tissot Navigator 160th Anniversary:

 

Now that it is another original World Time, much more than the photo suggests.

First of all, you don't have a pusher. All the settings are done through the crown, a screw in crown.

Then, this is the dial which bears the cities of the world which turns, synchronized to the hour hand, and not the ( fixed ) 24 hours ring.

Last, but not least, this is the only Chronometer among all the World Time we reviewed, here, with a hacking second hand.

The movement has been taken from ETA, Cal 2893-3, a good old  and accurate " engine ". .

The case is 43 mm big, and... 9, 62 mm high... Which gives a strange feeling of " flatness ". 3 or 4 mm smaller, the proportions would maybe have been better. When you think that the original, born in the Fifties, was 36 mm big...

A World Time Fan will have to get used to the system offered by Tissot,  but he will be pleased to know that this is the most affordable one, with a retail around 1200 Euros in steel and 6200 Euros in Rose Gold! Unbeatable, but less sophisticated than the Montblanc offer.

CONCLUSION


The Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum is certainly not the most refined world time of the current market, but it offers to the world time lovers a smart and very good first step in the magic universe of this kind of complication.

Serious, pretty well made, very attractively priced, and original with its night and day double indication,  it doesn't lack charm, either.

Some details could be improved, such as the proportions of the lugs, this damn minute ring, and the hands, maybe, but at least you have a true world time.

Far from being ridiculous, considering the competitors. And it has a big merit: It reminds us that a watch doesn't have to cost a kidney to be interesting. Something, which, we, Watch Lovers, tend to forget...

Let me tell it straight: Among the Heritage line, this one is certainly my favourite. I well see myself travelling with it on my wrist, without fearing dings, hairlines, or whatever you want. A true toolwatch for world timers?

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best,

Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-02-03 06:01:29 This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-02-09 03:44:59 This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-02-12 05:23:41


More posts: Collection VilleretHeritage Spirit CollectionHeritage Spirit Orbis TerrarumMetamorphosisNicolas Rieussec CollectionNicolas Rieussec Rising Hour

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Montblanc. Hits 'sweet spot' with Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum

 
 By: MTF : February 3rd, 2015-04:38
From this selection of world timer shortlisted, the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum hits the sweet spot of quality features vs price. That was their changeover mission statement 2 years ago and they have achieved it. People used to say to me, "if... 

Which is very smart is that this Montblanc can be seen as a WT Tool Watch.

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-11:13
I agree with you on that analyzis. No fear, just pleasure. Some will regret the lack of second hand, some won't. The addition of poetry, with this special night and day indicator below the main dial is top, too. Yes, I think it is a smart offer from Montb... 

I don't see a problem with the Vacheron ...

 
 By: nilomis : February 3rd, 2015-05:16
"Cloning", after all we have only one Earth, but I really dislike (I know, I have OCD) the lack of a running seconds, like the Vacheron. If the MB had a running seconds, I could be on the line to get this one. Cheers, Nilo

To each ...

 
 By: nilomis : February 3rd, 2015-12:32
his own madness. Cheers, Nilo

Yep! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-14:05

great analysis Nicolas

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-05:17
I also consider this Montblanc "WT" as a tool "WT" and will consider to get one but with bracelet. Here are photos to illustrate my comment: The metal bracelet is very comfortable, for my small wrist. Well done Montblanc ;-))) BRs Patrickh ...  

I didn't know it came on a bracelet...

 
 By: watchme : February 3rd, 2015-06:12
that adds a nice touch for travelling to humid climates. -Dean

here is an official photo

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-06:16
BRs Dean. Patrickh ...  

Neither did I! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-11:23

Your second picture shows something which is very interesting, and...

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-11:22
Which the press files pictures don't show: the depth of the dial. Which I find very interesting and well made. As for the bracelet, I don't share your love for it. I find it doesn't make the case looking more appealing. It enhances the thickness of the ca... 

Thanks Nicolas. I will consider a customised BLUE strap

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-11:32
to switch some times. Here is the 2 sub-plates taken in photo at SIHH with Moscow corrected at GMT +3 Hope you enjoy these details. BRs Patrickh ...  

I didn't have the time to take these pictures. Quite happy that you did it!

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-11:34
It helps us to better understand how it works. Best, Nicolas

Thanks for that. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-11:39

These photographs are most helpful. The original

 
 By: timerider : February 3rd, 2015-13:49
release photographs looked they were cut out of a catalog and then rephotographed--FLAT. These photographs give a very three dimensional feel and the finish is quite nice, as Nicholas has shown too. I must say that this article, comments and the great Pho... 

Next comparison ;-) a luminova underplate for a Panerai WT

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-06:51
in the Richemont planet. A 300 meters waterproof WT. For the Next SIHH??? Funny no, Patrickh

What an impressive cover for this watch :)

 
 By: cisco : February 3rd, 2015-07:15
You're definitely right, a watch doesn't Need to cost a kidney to be interesting. The Tissot in steel is a great offer, and slim proportion is a quality compared to the others (VC and Montblanc especially). Only Patek has also good proportions. Now the lu... 

the Montblanc rotor has Geneva Stripes ;-))

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-07:37
bad quality photo sorry. Not enough time to clean the back cover plastic hope it helps, Patrickh ...  

Thanks for your very interesting feedback, François.

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2015-23:26
Some points: 1/ As for the lugs and case thickness, in the Duometre, the movement is pretty high. So it would be difficult to reduce the height. Maybe they can save one millimeter? I don't think they can go farther, here. For the Montblanc, they could go ... 

Love the lack of date and love the dial, but no running seconds kills it for me.....

 
 By: Darren : February 3rd, 2015-11:46
Really well done by MB on this one. Another world-timer to throw into the mix, IMHO, is the Frederique Constant. Not only is it a looker and functional, but also has a manufacture movement and a price which I believe may be even lower than MB's. If it did... 

Frederique Constant has a date which covers some cities

 
 By: patrickh : February 3rd, 2015-12:18
to read time zone. Not preferred for me. photo credited Hodinkee site BRs Patrickh ...  

Yes, completely agree with you....

 
 By: Darren : February 3rd, 2015-19:52
I would really like the FC quite a bit if they did away with the date altogether. In fact, would be pretty close to the perfect "budget" world timer. But, I think the date would ultimately bother me too much..... Darren

On a normal dial, it would be ok, but in a world time dial, this date is an issue.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-05:23
Not a bad looking Watch, indeed! Best, Nicolas

I didn't include the FC because I didn't know this one!

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-05:21
As for the second hand, I don't know, honestly. I was wondering if I liked second hand on the VC, and I don't have a firm opinion on that. I find that, WITHOUT, you gain in purity, maybe. AND since a world time is not dedicated to precision but to travels... 

When I Hear The Term "Lambert Conic Map Projection", I Think...

 
 By: elliot55 : February 3rd, 2015-12:49
... Wow, that guy Jerome sure is a busy bee, ain't he... Great post, Sir Nicolas. Very informative and straight to the point. Fact of the matter is that the Montblanc HSOT is a beauty and in the scheme of pricey world-timer pieces, this one is quite affor... 

I couldn't resist about the Lambert projection map. ;)

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-06:06
As for the Duometre UTT, it doesn't play in the same category because of: - Its price. - Its complication: One of te finest, if not THE finest Travel Time on the current market. ( Travel Time is not World Time, by the way ). - Its manual movement. When al... 

Three Points That Are Totally...

 
 By: elliot55 : February 4th, 2015-07:43
... SPOT ON! Now if we expand the category to include travel watches in general, the UTT wins hands down! Nothing like it anywhere! - Scott

The Parmigiani Kalpa Hemispheres is not bad,either.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-07:46
But its dial and movement cannot compete with the JLC Duometre UTT... Which is, for me, THE king of the category. On that we totally agree. Best, Scott. Nicolas.

Fantastic review my friend, with lots of details

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : February 4th, 2015-00:33
and comparisons! I love reading this review! Thanks alot Nico! I like this watch alot since I saw the press release. Your live pics during SIHH confirmed my liking for the looks of the watch, especially the dial. I am very much looking forward to seeing i... 

I bet several of us will own it... Even guys who already own a WT.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-08:17
I am impatient to read your feelings once you see it! Best, Nicolas

Nicolas.....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : February 4th, 2015-03:51
.....this is a superb review of not just the Montblanc but world timers generally. I am very seriously considering adding a world timer and your post here has come at a very opportune moment for me. I have to say, I have found myself looking at the Orbis ... 

I am thinking about building a small collection of WTs.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-23:15
And I seriously think about getting my first Montblanc... With this Orbis Terrarum, which convinced me a lot, I must say. So, will be be two? ;) Best, Nicolas

Very nice review and thoughts......

 
 By: Sandgroper : February 4th, 2015-17:47
Thank you Nicolas, this is indeed a very interesting World Time watch. I love the way the continents/countries become darker as the night sets in. Very nice detail. I agree about the hands too but, unlike you, I find the outer minute ring pleasant, it doe... 

Don't get me wrong about Moscow.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2015-23:23
It is a mandatory name for a WT, but they have to stick with their time zone, if not, your WT may not be exact. And since they are changing their mind quite often lastly... I wouldn't like to get an inexact world timer. Best, Amigo. Nicolas

Ahaha! Tempora Mutantur.............

 
 By: Sandgroper : February 5th, 2015-00:09
...atque Tempus Fugit! ...it all adds to the poesy don't you think? Cheers l'ami Francois

That was a great comparative review

 
 By: mkt33 : February 4th, 2015-19:31
It gives me a lot to think about. I don't have a Worldtimer in my collection amd I don't travel often enough to justify something with that specific complication...normally I just settle for a GMT. I recently just missed out on the Tissot. I was sore abou... 

Mike, the good thing with a World Time is that you don't have to physically travel...

 
 By: amanico : February 5th, 2015-00:39
You travel in your head, with such a Watch. A tool for imagination, which turns into a toolwatch when you physically travel. Ain't that magic? That is why I love these world time so much. A,d I must say that this one convinced me, with its extra touch of ... 

and useful when you have to call friends or colleagues all over the world

 
 By: patrickh : February 5th, 2015-07:00
without disturbing them during their off working time or sleep ;-)). Patrickh

LOL , good one [nt]

 
 By: patrickh : February 5th, 2015-11:43

the more i look at the Orbis Terrarum .......

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : February 5th, 2015-08:03
.......the more that I feel that I will have to buy one. Like you, Nicolas, I have a small but growing world time collection. This watch would be my first Montblanc, but I have to say, I am now very seriously considering it. I have a very short list of mo... 

Yes, you cannot see it as a competitor against Patek.

 
 By: amanico : February 5th, 2015-12:57
But a nice complement. And to tell you all, I am close to getting one. Yes, it will be my first Montblanc, but hey, I am convinced. And I have the feeling we'll ont be the olny ones to get it! Best, Joe. Nicolas

Having read your great revieiw, & discussions here, the more I'm thinking about that Montblanc Orbis Terrarum - it has started to fight a sort of..

 
 By: hs111 : March 11th, 2015-10:52
.. little war against an also quite important Vintage Rolex Ref., (but also one or two others from the Duomètre family) whichnplay in pretty the same price league. Damn, lots of choices.. Maybe I\'ll have to consult Dr Mamadu.. Best, my friend

Just when I think I've got every watch I "need" along comes another

 
 By: cazalea : February 5th, 2015-09:54
one that appeals to me. Thanks for the great review. maybe I could silkscreen print a Lambert projection onto all the white space on this dial! (And add a minute ring for you Nicolas) Cazalea ...  

I think this Montblanc will be a hit

 
 By: ED209 : February 5th, 2015-19:19
Thanks NIcolas for such a thorough review of the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum. Very nice in-depth review and comparison to the usual suspects. I agree with you at the positive points. Very charming watch and I think it will be a hit for watch ... 

Nicholas, your review is excellent. I love the conclusion - where

 
 By: kpk : February 5th, 2015-21:45
you say refer to this as the tool watch of Worldtimers and that watches do not have to be expensive to be interesting. Excellent review. I am tempted to have this piece.

Thanks for your kind words, kpk...

 
 By: amanico : February 6th, 2015-08:43
Yes, you should consider it. First, have a look on this one in the real... Then, you will know! Best, Nicolas

A funny idea came to my mind when looking at the dial for the 100th time. ;)

 
 By: amanico : February 8th, 2015-02:42
To remove and to locate the minute ring, and to put the Montblanc name instead of London... That would have been very smart! Best, Nicolas

Wow !.. A very comprehensive & helpful review.. Splendid pictorial with superb pics !.. Will be looking forward to see it, in the intermediate future, hopefully.. Have just 1 little Q:

 
 By: hs111 : March 11th, 2015-11:05
- What about the prize range for the ss-Version, which I find a very positive offer ? Thx again for this in-depth SSIH- based review, a great read, indeed ! My Best, hs

Truly hits a sweet spot in the market and me personally.

 
 By: patrick_y : March 26th, 2015-16:58
I'm so pleased to read this review and I'm so pleased that Montblanc has chosen to make this watch! This is a great piece! And one of the stars of SIHH 2015!

Agreed, Patrick. I would not say it is THE winner, but one of the very good offer...

 
 By: amanico : April 3rd, 2015-14:43
From this year, and pretty convincing! A Community Watch? Best, Nicolas

Definitely one of the stars of the show...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 7th, 2015-23:28
So far, the stars of the SIHH and Baselworld shows have been this Montblanc watch and the offerings at MB&F. And I'm so pleased that the Montblanc watch was made at an accessible price point for all. The movement is technically modular movement, but i... 

Agreed on all points. I have the strong feeling that it will be a popular watch.

 
 By: amanico : April 8th, 2015-01:13
And yes a tad thinner would have been even better, but not a no go for me. Best, Nicolas

Well... You already have a WorldTime watch...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 8th, 2015-10:32
In fact, you have my favorite World Time watch, the 5110P/5130P. Which are both beautifully thin.