Montblanc, founded in 1906, has earned an unparalleled reputation thanks to its timeless designs, the quality of its materials, and its master craftspeople’s unique expertise. We sat down with Montblanc North America President Sylvain Costof to learn more about this famous Maison.
PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE MONTBLANC PRODUCTS.
The Montblanc story began more than 110 years ago, revolutionizing the culture of writing instruments with breakthrough innovations. Today, the Maison continues to evolve the expression of fine craftsmanship across all product categories including writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and eyewear. With every innovation, Montblanc offers new functionalities and ground breaking designs which reflect the brands ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MONTBLANC CUSTOMER?
Montblanc is a faithful lifetime companion to our discerning clientele. They look to the brand for a breath of product that symbolizes fine craftsmanship, elegant style and function for their monumental life achievements.
HOW DO MONTBLANC WATCHES STAND OUT IN THE MAR KET?
With over 150 years of uninterrupted Swiss watchmaking heritage, Montblanc fine watchmaking is built on the unique foundation of two manufacturers, Le Locle and Villeret, which seamlessly create the finest timepieces and the most innovative calibres that the highest level of Swiss watchmaking can deliver. The Maison’s uncompromising principles of design, style, quality and workmanship have allowed it to create heirloom collections that are passed from generation to generation. Today, those same principles are applied and communicated in several landmark launches within the past few years – Heritage and Bohème collections three years ago, the 1858 collection last year, and our first Summit Smartwatch in March of this year – a launch that takes fine watchmaking into the digital age and marks a new era in luxury wearables for men.
WHICH MONTBLANC WATCH WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A BUSINESSMAN LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT IS BOTH ELEGANT AND UNIQUE?
There are many styles within our collection that speak to the businessman. The Perpetual Calendar, a favorite of mine, which boasts timeless elegance as well as the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch, a connected companion to navigate through the fast pace of today’s lifestyle while experiencing the feeling of a real watch on the wrist. It provides the perfect alchemy between the design codes of traditional fine timekeeping and technology.
WE KNOW THAT MONTBLANC IS A UNICEF PARTNER. COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT PARTNERSHIP?
Montblanc’s heritage is rooted in the written word and we are proud to renew our relationship with UNICEF for the fifth time since 2004, in hopes of spreading literacy to primary school children across the globe. The success of this partnership hinges on members of first world countries, like the United States and Canada, to support the mission to aid children with the skills to read and write; tools that we often take for granted. For every piece in the “Montblanc for UNICEF Collection” sold from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 raises the amount that will be donated towards providing more children access to primary education of a better quality with a minimum granted donation of 1.5 million.
