Montblanc launched its line of wristwatches in 1997. At first, the company’s watches capitalized on the black and gold aesthetic of the Meisterstück fountain pen. But the company quickly added more traditional looks in stainless. All Montblanc watches featured the company’s star logo on the crown.
Montblanc began transitioning to become a serious manufacture in the next decade. With the help of ValFleurier and other Richemont assets, Montblanc established a base in Le Locle.
Meanwhile, in 2007, Richemont purchased the traditional watch manufacture, Minerva. Located in Villeret, Minerva was renowned for their column wheel chronograph movements and hand finishing. Montblanc established “Villeret” as their top line, with additional “1858” pieces added in 2015.