Montblanc is best known for its pens, but it has made Swiss watches for nearly thirty years, and through the Minerva manufacture it owns one of the most respected chronograph traditions in Switzerland. Pre-owned, Montblanc watches are some of the best value in Swiss watchmaking. We have 30 Montblanc watches in stock, from $1,055 to $21,560.
A short history
Montblanc was founded in Hamburg in 1906 as a maker of writing instruments, and its white star emblem represents the snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc. It introduced its first watches in 1997, made in Le Locle, Switzerland.
In 2006 the Richemont group, which owns Montblanc, brought the Minerva manufacture of Villeret into the brand. Minerva had been making chronograph movements since the 19th century, and its heritage now appears in Montblanc's high-end models and in the 1858 collection, named after Minerva's founding year.
The main lines
1858. Mountain-inspired watches with vintage-style dials, bronze cases and khaki tones, including GMT and chronograph models.
Star Legacy. Classical dress watches, including the Nicolas Rieussec chronograph, a tribute to the inventor of an early chronograph, with rotating discs instead of hands for the elapsed time.
Heritage. Clean, mid-century-inspired dress watches.
TimeWalker. Sporty chronographs, with racing and aviation influences.
What Montblanc costs
Our Montblanc watches run from $1,055 to $21,560, with a median of $2,375. Pre-owned pieces start at $1,055. Simple Heritage and 1858 automatics are the entry points; chronographs and Minerva-made limited editions cost more.
References we stock most
- 113860 — 2 in stock, from $1,055
- 132947 — 1 in stock, from $6,510
What to check on a pre-owned Montblanc
- Bronze cases. 1858 bronze models develop a patina on purpose; it is not damage.
- Straps. Many Montblancs are on leather or NATO-style straps; check the condition and the original buckle.
- Movement. Entry models use well-known Swiss automatic movements; high-end pieces use Minerva movements. The listing states which.
- Papers and service. See our pre-owned checklist.
Montblanc or another affordable Swiss watch?
Montblanc competes with Longines, Oris and TAG Heuer in price. Compare in luxury watches under $5,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does Montblanc make real Swiss watches?
Yes. Montblanc watches are made in Switzerland, in Le Locle and in the Minerva manufacture of Villeret.
What is Minerva?
A Swiss chronograph maker founded in 1858 in Villeret, which has been part of Montblanc since 2006.
Are Montblanc watches good value?
Pre-owned, often yes: they usually sell well below retail. Our Montblanc watches start at $1,055.
What is the Montblanc 1858?
A collection inspired by Minerva's mountain and military watches of the early 20th century, named after Minerva's founding year.
