The TimeWalker collection by Montblanc has entered its tenth year of existence. As a part of the anniversary commemoration, Montblanc has presented this year’s additions to the series. Among them there is a new all in black 43 mm wide chronograph, distinctive for its heavy use of black DLC treatment, interesting composite wristlet, as well as an overall sporty elegant styling which has been the defining trait of the collection throughout the decade of its presence on the market. New Montblanc Timewalker Extreme Chronograph DLC will be launched next fall at the still unknown price which will be disclosed when the release date gets nearer.
Montblanc TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC Watch
DLC Coated Steel
The “extreme” part of the newcomer’s name mostly refers to the presence of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating which was opulently used on several components of the watch. Among them there are the case, its crown and chrono pushers, as well its pronged buckle. All of these parts are originally crafted from stainless steel which is subsequently bombarded with tiny glass spherules under high pressure. This process coats the steel with diamond-carbon like coating, the best and the toughest material that can be gotten with any type of PVD treatment. Just to prevent any possible confusion on this matter, we should explain the relation between DLC and PVD, two of the categories which can often be seen in the world of watches. Basically, PVD (physical vapor deposition) is a process in which DLC coating is applied on a surface. However, not all types of PVD treatments result with DLC, but only the most successful ones do. This is why a product usually clearly states the presence of DLC coating, providing it possesses one.
Black and Multi-Layered
That being said, we should add that DLC coating is not only helpful for its supreme resistance. It also has an aesthetic component since it gives the metal a recognizable pitch black shade which is officially described as “black 4” or “very black” color. The blackness of the case and of its adjoining components are paired with a multi-leveled pitch black dial, visible through the inset sapphire crystal glass which stands surrounded by a thin fixed bezel. On the lower plain of the multi-layered dial there is a segment with three chrono counters which is adorned with decorative concentric circular grooves. On the other hand, there is a raised chapter ring which contains six larger Arabic numerals in typical TimeWalker styling and double indices for the rest of the positions. Each of them is coated with Superluminova. The prominent hour ring is encircled with another lowered section which is used to designate elapsed seconds for its chrono counter. By the way, chrono seconds are shown with a central second hand with a red tip and a counterweight. All other hands and counters except the seconds hand are sword-shaped and treated with Superluminova. The final detail that completes the dial is a date aperture between four and five o’clock positions. As the rest of the dial, this indication likewise includes a white numeral on a black background.
Montblanc TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC Watch Front
Montblanc TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC is fitted into a 43 mm wide and 14.5 mm thick circular case. Its waterproofness is not so prominent, despite the “extreme” part of its name, and it measures just to basic 30 meters. Inside the round case and exposed thorough a transparent sapphire section at the rear side there is an automatic mechanical chronograph Calibre 4810 which has a flat hoop balance and a flat hairspring. The movement with 25 rubies beats at the frequency of 28,800 vph. When it comes to supported features, it includes a chronograph (with counters for 30 minutes, 12 hours and small seconds) and a date display. Its power storage measures to 42 hours.
A Composite Strap
Another trait that does contribute to the “Extreme” part in the name of the newcomer from the Montblanc TimeWalker series is its peculiar strap. The pitch-black attachment of the newcomer is made from a combination of various materials which are used to secure better performance. Its inlay is made of natural vulcanized rubber which is attached to the upper section made of cowhide with a twine that is resistant to breaking and also made in the same shade as the rest of the wristlet. Moreover, the upper cowhide section of the strap also receives a special treatment which gives it enhanced resilience to abrasion, water and even fire. The black composite attachment locks with a steel pronged buckle that, just like the case of the timekeeper, receives micro-bead blasted treatment and DLC coating.
Montblanc TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC Watch Case
According to the photos of the novelty which Montblanc has released so far, there will be two versions of the timepiece whose only difference lays in the color of the hands and numerals. While the basic version (with the reference number 111197) has ruthenium colored hands and matching gray numerals, the other version has these accents in red gold color. The watch will be available for sale next fall, while its official price is still unknown.
