Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum World Time Review

World-class world time watches

As the old adage goes: "When you want something done right, do it yourself". It's possible that this is why Montblanc makes every component in their watches in-house, including the hairspring. That's not to say that it's an easy job. Au contraire, Montblanc is also known to produce complicated watches all the while keeping the prices down thanks to their commitment to in-house production.

The Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum is an example of this commitment. The Orbis Terrarum (Latin for "earth", "world" or "globe") uses the Caliber MB 29.20 in-house automatic movement and has an innovative world time function like never seen before. This Montblanc world time watch also has an integrated day & night display. Beating at 28,800 VPH, the 26 jewel MB 29.20 with manufacture complication holds its power for approximately forty-two hours. Not bad for a watch that lets you tell the time in 24 different easy-to-read time zones with a pusher at the 8 o'clock position to set your home time.

The 12 mm thick case is solidly constructed and through the domed sapphire dial, you can see many moving layers including a split 24 hour outer dial with half the numbers in dark and half the numbers light indicating the time of day in each of the 24 time zones.

Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum World Time Review

There are three versions of these watches. At the base, there is reference # 112308 which comes in a stainless steel case and a black alligator /alligator/crocodile strap with a steel triple folding clasp. There is a stainless steel bracelet version with reference # 112309. There is only one precious metal version of this watch, and that is reference # 112307 available in an 18kt rose gold case at a list price of $14,600. The stainless steel versions are in the vicinity of $5000. That's a small sum for an in-house manufactured watch with these types of complications. Plus, it's pretty easy on the eyes, too.