Founded in 1906 in Hamburg, Germany, Montblanc first rose to international prominence for its writing instruments. It entered the field of watchmaking as early as 1997. Ten years later, in 2007, the company bought Minerva, an esteemed watch movement manufacturer based in Villeret, Switzerland, and established its watchmaking research institute. Since then, the brand has been part of the exclusive club of luxury watchmakers. With classic collections like the Star Legacy and the Heritage, as well as sportier, more modern ones like the 1858, Montblanc is leading the way when it comes to classy, value-conscious watchmaking.