Simplified complexity often comes in the form of a single button. Swiss watchmaker Montblanc brought this concept to reality back in 2014 with the debut of its Orbis Terrarum timepiece. And now, that same model sees its third iteration with 2020’s Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum.
The most distinctive feature of the new watch is a unique dial design that can rotate to allow wearers to easily read the time and determine day from night across 24 different time zones. It sounds complicated but Montblanc has designed the watch to be as legible as it is easy to operate.
Set in a sizeable 43mm stainless steel case that’s almost 14mm thick, the Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum clearly isn’t intended for smaller wrists. Those who can pull it off (or on) can expect a high degree of detail from the onion crown to a polished concave bezel to achieve a traditional aesthetic.
The dial, meanwhile, is made up of multiple layers that give off a true three-dimensional look. The top layer comprises a sapphire crystal rotating disc with a rhodium-coated Northern Hemisphere map. Surrounding the map are the 24 cities and time zones. Beneath the sapphire disc lies a day/night rotating disc, which represents the 24 hours of a day with light blue (day) and dark blue (night) finishing. The red marker at 12 o’clock is used to select the city and local time zone.
For those after an even more traditional hue, Montblanc is offering the Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum in a rose gold case with brown dial. This version is limited to just 500 units worldwide.
Specifications
Case: 43mm
Material: Stainless steel or 18k rose gold
Movement: MB 29.20
Functions: Hours, minutes, world time, day and night indicator
Dial: Blue with rhodium-coated Northern Hemisphere map
Power reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Blue Sfumato alligator leather strap (stainless steel), brown Sfumato alligator leather strap (rose gold)
Water resistance: 50 metres
Visit Montblanc for more details
