While Montblanc’s explorer-themed 1858 collection gets most of the attention today, the maison has introduced a couple of striking pieces that prove it is not neglecting its other offerings. The Orbis Terrarum is a world timer that is part of the pocket watch-inspired Star Legacy product line and this year sees two new visually updated executions. The layout remains unchanged; surrounding a map of the world as seen from the North Pole are a city disc and time zone disc that simultaneously displays the time in 24 time zones around the world. Travel-inclined wearers of this watch will appreciate the pusher at 8 o’clock that conveniently sets local time and while keeping the rest of the watch synchronised.
The new Orbis Terrarum comes in a 43 mm case, in a choice of steel with blue dial (RM28,750) or the 500-piece limited edition rose gold with brown dial (RM86,260). The dial of earlier Orbis Terrarum had a colourful world map over a white colour scheme, resembling an old-school chart or atlas; its 2020 versions have opted for a refined look that is simpler, but more eye-catching, with the map metallically depicted in rhodium or rose gold on a guilloche backdrop that suggests ocean waves. The watch face is divided into a darker and lighter half to depict day and night.
READ ALSO: Montblanc’s Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum Lets You See The Whole World On Your Wrist
There is an understated depth to the construction of the watch, with the dial in fact in two layers – the upper layer is partially transparent, and it is on this the world map and latitude and longitude lines seem to float. However, the leaf-shaped hands and the onion crown, topped with the Montblanc star logo, bring it all back to the vintage inspirations that continue to fuel Montblanc’s contemporary watchmaking.
