Of all the smartwatches we’ve fiddled around (and believe us, it’s been quite a few), Montblanc’s Summit presents one of the best examples for the men unwilling to give up aesthetics over function. We at AUGUSTMAN like our tech but most of the industry is still trying to figure out how to balance form and function.
For the gents looking to explore the realm of smartwatches this Christmas, the Summit makes a good first buy because the brand has insisted on using materials found in its proper mechanical timepieces. The collection sees black PVD steel as well as titanium cases for that added oomph to your watch. Another design element we’re loving from the Summit is its interface. Montblanc has rectified the generally ugly interface that most smartwatches use by utilising its vintage-inspired 1858 collection as its base look.
While the mechanical 1858s wear perfectly on the wrist, the Summit version comes in at a hefty 46mm but a necessary evil for the functions it provides. The Summit uses Android Wear 2.0 but misses out (for now) on an independent GPS and NFC payments, which could be a problem for many wearers who use this function daily. Other functions include a heart rate monitor at the back of the watch, a function missing in plenty of smartwatches.
On top of that, there’s a worldtimer app built into the piece that’s a good take on one of our favourite complications. We’re also happy about the variety of straps and cases that the Summit is available in, making it great for a truly customised Christmas gift.
The evolution of Montblanc proves that a brand need not be confined to the product it started out with. From inventors in the fountain pen line to maestros of leather and then makers of fine watches, Montblanc has accomplished it all. Technology is at the forefront of the brand now with its new collection of Smart Devices like the Summit Smartwatch, alongside other products like the Augmented Paper.
For the multi-faceted man, the perfect brand should be, after all, just as multi-faceted.