Montblanc

Montblanc was founded in 1906 in Hamburg, Germany, by stationer Claus-Johannes Voss, banker Alfred Nehemias, and engineer August Eberstein as the Simplo Filler Pen Company. The iconic white star emblem, representing the snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc, was introduced in 1913. The company expanded from writing instruments into luxury accessories and eventually watchmaking. Montblanc entered the watch market in 1997 with its first timepiece collection, initially using movements from established Swiss manufacturers. A transformative moment came in 2007 when Montblanc acquired Minerva, a storied Swiss movement manufacturer founded in 1858 in Villeret. Minerva was renowned for precision chronographs and military timekeepers, bringing genuine horological heritage and manufacturing capability to the brand. The Minerva acquisition enabled Montblanc to develop in-house movements and position itself as a serious watchmaker. The 1858 collection pays direct homage to Minerva's heritage with military-inspired designs and manufacture movements. Today, Montblanc operates watch production facilities in Le Locle and the historic Minerva manufacture in Villeret, producing everything from accessible luxury timepieces to high complications.