ReviewIntroducing The Montblanc Summit Smartwatch: In-depth Review & Pricing
Packed with advanced functionality and aesthetics, the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch is a great buy for all watch lovers and tech geeks alike!
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There is no denying the fact that in the last few years, many of the luxury Swiss watchmakers have slowly and steadily dipped their toes in the world of smartwatches or hybrid watches. From the dressy Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch to the extremely popular TAG Heuer Connected Series and the Brielting Exospace B55 Connected, it seems like the Swiss are dedicated to entering the smartwatch segment and creating a niche for themselves. The most recent addition to this inclination is the new Montblanc Summit Smartwatch. The release of the contemporary yet 1858 vintage inspired Montblanc Smartwatch, is Richemont Group’s first and official entry into the world of digital timekeeping.
The Montblanc Summit Smartwatch features timeless aesthetics and avant-garde technology, making it one of the most coveted smartwatches in the luxury watch market right now. Armed with the latest Android Wear 2.0 system and Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, this watch is ready to take over the watch world. With customisable dial faces, 300 strap combinations, a uniquely placed heart rate monitor, a first-of-its-kind domed sapphire crystal cover and vintage inspired design, the Montblanc Smartwatch is a launch to take note of.
46mm Stainless Steel Case, First-of-its-kind Domed Sapphire Crystal, Caseback with A Heart-Rate Monitor:
As mentioned earlier, the look and feel of the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch is heavily inspired by the vintage 1858 collectio, yet offers a sporty appeal when worn on the wrist. The 46mm case is available in options ranging from stainless steel, black PVD stainless steel, Grade 5 titanium and two-tone (black PVD bezel and stainless steel). Montblanc wanted to create a luxury smartwatch that has a strong association with their mechanical watchmaking lineage, and this can be seen very clearly throughout the design of the Summit. The satin finish on the case works perfectly with the brushed bezel, and together the interspersed finishes add to the luxurious feel of the watch while enunciating the smooth curves of the case.
In a first-of-its-kind inclusion within a smartwatch, the Summit features a unique domed sapphire crystal that not just protects the AMOLED display or dial (a necessary feature especially for a Smartwatch), but with the sapphire crystal cover, Montblanc is emphasising the connection to more traditional watchmaking. In fact, the sapphire crystal is uniquely shaped in the design of a slight summit which commemorates the name of the watch and concept behind the Montblanc Summit. The onion shaped crown also draws inspiration from the legendary 1858 case, but here it works as a pusher to operate the functions as opposed to its usual purpose of timekeeping.
The caseback of the watch is where the magic happens. It features a slightly protruding structure that houses the heart rate sensor. The close proximity of the sensor against the skin of the wearer assures accuracy. While many would question the comfortability of the extension, but Montblanc’s expert craftsmanship offers complete assurance on this front. Without any heaviness or pressure on the wrist, the raised case instead allows movement of air that frankly increases the comfort factor by a huge margin.
1.39 Inch AMOLED Display, Customizable Dial Faces, “Always-On” Mode, 300mAh battery life and IP68 water resistance:
When it comes to smartwatches, the most important and necessary feature one needs to seriously look into is the display (a.k.a., the dial). The 400X400 high resolution 1.39 inch AMOLED round touch display is technically sound. The Montblanc Summit features a display that has an “Always-On” mode. What does this mean? It means that the display lights up and powers on whenever you flick the wrist to look at your screen or check time. When not in use, instead of turning into a big black piece of metal on your wrist, the dial always displays the current time. A rather thoughtful feature that makes this particular smartwatch look like a regular ticking timepiece despite not having a physical dial.
Offering an efficient multi- touch recognition functionality, the AMOLED technology also makes sure the dial is crystal clear devoid of any pixels, while simultaneously guaranteeing energy efficiency. Speaking of energy, one of the biggest problems with smartwatches (and smartphones in general) is the lack of a long battery life. The Montblanc Summit Smartwatch features a 300 mAh battery life that promises a full day of use. This means that you must charge the watch once every night via the micro USB on the magnetic dock that comes with the watch.
What is also interesting is the range of Montblanc-themed watch dial faces available for the watch. This includes an array of styles inspired from the 1858 collection and the new Time Walker collection, along with others to choose from. As announced during the launch, Montblanc will also be releasing new watch faces every month which can be installed via the complimentary app, making sure the dial on your watch always stays fresh and relevant!
The Specs: Android Wear 2.0 with Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 512MB RAM, Integrated Apps (Uber, Google Assistant, Runtastic and Foursquare City Guide)
What breathes life into the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch is the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor which is one of the most recent and technologically advanced wearable processors in the market right now. The Android Wear 2.0 system allows it to work with both Android and iPhones with ease. The Montblanc Smartwatch comes with a 512mb RAM (greater efficiency) and 4 GB storage capacity. Hence, a lack of storage will not be a problem anymore.
Apart from the usual integration of stereotypical smartwatch features like health and fitness trackers and sensors, emails and messages, heart rate monitor, compass, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the watch also comes equipped with some pre-set apps like Google Assistant, Uber, Google Play Music and Foursquare city guide. However, fortunately, or unfortunately (you decide) the watch does not feature a speaker (no calls) or NFC mobile payments. A huge sigh of relief is the presence of the Runtastic and Worldtimer apps. While the former offers a treasure of special watch faces for the watch, the latter makes for an interesting digitisation of a (personal) favourite watch complication.
From Case Material To Strap Options: Offering 300 Wearable Combinations
It is all about options, isn’t it? Keeping this in mind, the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch offers you a plethora of case variants and strap options to choose from. From black PVD stainless steel, full stainless steel, to stainless steel with a black PVD bezel, the case is available in these options. Also, perfectly complementing the different cases are the 8 strap options available in black calfskin, brown or navy blue Sfumato calfskin, alligator leather strap and black, blue, green and red rubber NATOs. The rubber NATO is extremely comfortable on the wrist and features just enough elasticity and softness to be worn during summer, when leather straps are not the ideal choice. With 300 different combinations and permutations available, the presence of quick release pins in all the straps provides a hassle-free, DIY approach to changing the straps.
Verdict: Powered By The Latest Technology, A Comfortable Wear, Easy To Use and Well-Represented Montblanc Heritage
At 46mm, there is no doubt that the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch falls on the larger spectrum of case sizes. It will wear even larger when worn on the wrist (if you measure it from lug to lug). Having said that, the 12.5mm case thickness and the wide screen definitely make up for its large silhouette. It also sits perfectly on the wrist despite the protruding heart rate sensor on the case back, courtesy the beautiful yet fitting leather and rubber NATO straps.
Working the timepiece is pretty straightforward once you get used to the crown that works as a pusher. It allows you to access the app drawer or move back with significant ease. The touchscreen works brilliantly with swiping gestures that change the face of the dial or give access to updates on your notifications.
Offering the best the luxury smartwatch industry has to offer, from the latest technology to contemporary user experience, the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch steals a watch lover’s heart with its vintage inspired themes and the 1858-inspired dials. It reminds users that the smartwatch stills holds respect for tradition and heritage that a brand like Montblanc brings to the table.
Price and Availability:
With a starting price of ₹66,600, the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch definitely comes under the accessible segment of the luxury smartwatch market. It falls in line with the brand’s strategy of pricing their watches at a more competitive bracket. A win-win for both, the watch sellers and the buyers!
Get your hands on the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch now available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.
(Image Courtesy: ABlogToWatch, Hodinkee, The BeSpokeDudes, and Revolution)
What did you think of the watch? What are your favourite features of the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch? Let us know in the comments section below.
