The Montblanc Meisterstück has been regarded for over 85 years as a timeless icon of design and craftsmanship. Praised for its superior quality, the Meisterstück has become the most famous and sought after writing instrument of our time. Montblanc has now taken its icon product to new heights of beauty and exclusivity with the launch of the Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond.

As if suspended in mid air, the Montblanc Diamond, in its entire splendor, is prominently featured in the dome of the writing instrument. Hand-crafted in the best European tradition, the black precious resin writing instrument is adorned with platinum plated fittings and a handcrafted14K gold nib with a rhodium-plated inlay. The idea behind the new writing instrument was to not alter the shape of the Meisterstück, but to actually enhance the object with the addition of a precious stone, the iconic Montblanc Diamond as well as the style element on the clip ring to enrich the overall design of the instrument.  The distinctive traditional white resin Montblanc star as the Montblanc emblem on the top of the writing instrument now shines as a beautiful diamond.

The Montblanc Diamond which adorns the summit of the Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond Writing Instrument, was first launched in 2006 after eight years of development. Internationally acclaimed for its unique craftsmanship and incredible sparkle, the patented 43 facet stone is masterfully carved into the shape of the Montblanc Star, the brand’s symbol representing the snowy peak of Europe’s highest mountain, the Mont Blanc. Over recent years, the Montblanc Diamond has become a favorite on the red carpet at award ceremonies, premieres and festivals all over the world.

Since its launch in 1924, the Montblanc Meisterstück has become the most famous and sought after writing instrument of our time. Its timeless design and handcrafted attributes have granted the Meisterstück global recognition as a modern design icon. As the epitome of unchanged perfection, assuming its function as the ultimate writing instrument – the Montblanc Meisterstück has become a precious tool for self-expression. The luxurious enhancement of the Meisterstuck Montblanc Diamond Writing Instrument with the iconic Montblanc Diamond increases the uniqueness of this piece and ensures it will become an even greater treasure for those privileged enough to own such a work of art.

The Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond will be available in Montblanc Boutiques worldwide starting from June 2010

Luxury goods manufacturer plans new boutiques in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

Dubai: Luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc will be expanding its presence in the Gulf region, a regional executive told Gulf News.

Montblanc, which first entered the UAE market in 1994, inaugurated two new boutiques in Dubai this month. There are currently 28 Montblanc boutiques in the Gulf and Middle Eastern region. Half of those boutiques are in the UAE.

“We’ve opened boutiques in all the Gulf countries and we’re continuing to open in key locations,” said Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director.

“In the coming years we’ll see more boutiques in Qatar, Kuwait as well as Saudi Arabia.”

The number of new stores targeted hasn’t been set by Montblanc yet. Soenke Tornieporth, vice-president of sales, said that the company is anticipating growth from the region and investing accordingly. “We just watch the market development and make sure we keep up with it,” he said.

Nahhas said the expansion plans are part of a long term view that the company has for the region.

“We’ll continue to follow through with the plans we put in place even before the recession,” he said. “We’re also refurbishing and expanding our existing networks.”

Growth potential

“Saudi Arabia remains a key territory for us,” Nahhas said. “There is a lot of potential in Abu Dhabi since there’s a lot of growth there as well.”

The launch of their new boutique at Emirates Towers coincided with Montblanc’s unveiling of the new Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond.

The new writing instrument features a diamond in the shape of the Montblanc star on the top, the brand’s symbol which represents the snowy peak of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc.

“We look back with pride on the last 100 years, but we also look forward to be strong in the next 100 years,” Tornieporth said.

“We’d rather look at the future development to make sure the brand stays on top.”

Through the years

German pen manufacturer Montblanc was founded by the stationer Claus-Johannes Voss, the banker Alfred Nehemias and the engineer August Eberstein in 1906 in Hamburg, Germany.

Their first model was the “Rouge Et Noir” in 1909 followed in 1910 by the pen that was later to give the company its new name, the “Montblanc”. The first pen (a fountain pen) known as the “Meisterstück” (”Masterpiece”) was produced in 1925.

Today the Montblanc brand is on other goods besides pens, for instance watches. The company was acquired by luxury goods manufacturer Dunhill in 1977, after which the brand was used on a wide range of luxury goods other than pens.

Today Montblanc forms part of the Swiss luxury goods company Richemont group. Its sister companies include luxury brands Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chloé and Baume et Mercier. Since 2000, Montblanc has manufactured all the components for Montegrappa and Cartier branded pens.

Luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc, recognized worldwide for its classic timepieces, jewelry, leather goods and writing instruments, inaugurated its boutique at the heart of Dubai’s Central Business District in the iconic Emirates Towers on June 22nd as part of an ongoing regional expansion.

Soenke Tornieporth, Vice President of Sales at Montblanc inaugurated the new boutique with Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director of Montblanc. Mr Tornieporth commented, “We’re anticipating growth from the region and investing accordingly. The Middle East markets are beginning to rebound again after the turbulence of the last few months as the economic climate is stabilizing.”

Mr. Tornieporth noted that the Emirates Towers is a strategic location for Montblanc and will help the brand service its clients well. “Montblanc’s planned opening of its own boutiques as well as those with franchise partners in high end malls in the regions is designed to meet the growing demand for Montblanc products in the region.”

Emirates Towers, an iconic landmark located along Sheikh Zayed road, is the address of many multinational companies.

“The Boulevard, located in the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers, has acquired a reputation as a luxuriously fashionable Boulevard and we are delighted that Montblanc has decided to open a boutique here,” said Yannis Anagnostakis, GM of Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

“We remain committed to ensuring the best experience for our guests and Montblanc now joins the esteemed ranks of the Boulevard which offers the opportunity for extravagant shopping with over 50 industry leading fashionable and exclusive boutiques to choose from, all featuring leading designer brands, theme restaurants and coffee shops, all located in spacious, sky-lit courtyards and walkways,” added Mr Anagnostakis.
 
A number of VIPs and luminaries from Dubai’s business community graced the launch of the new boutique with their presence. Timed to coincide with the opening of the boutique Montblanc also unveiled the new Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond, taking the art of writing to new heights. The new writing instrument features the timeless icon of design and craftsmanship – the legendary Meisetrstueck writing instrument - enhanced with the iconic Montblanc Diamond crowing its top. Hand-crafted in the best European tradition, the black precious resin writing instrument is adorned with platinum plated fittings and a handcrafted 14K gold nib with a rhodium-plated inlay. 

The Montblanc Diamond was first launched in 2006 after eight years of development. Internationally acclaimed for its unique craftsmanship and incredible sparkle, the patented 43 facet stone is masterfully carved into the shape of the Montblanc Star, the brand’s symbol representing the snowy peak of Europe’s highest mountain, the Mont Blanc. Over recent years, the Montblanc Diamond has become a favorite on the red carpet at award ceremonies, premieres and festivals all over the world.

Montblanc products are in high demand as regional consumers seek out bespoke and limited-editions over a straight forward approach to luxury and the products are also highly popular among celebrities and stars.

Luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc, recognized worldwide for its classic timepieces, jewelry, leather goods and writing instruments, inaugurated its boutique at the heart of Dubai’s Central Business District in the iconic Emirates Towers on June 22nd as part of an ongoing regional expansion.

Soenke Tornieporth, Vice President of Sales at Montblanc inaugurated the new boutique with Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director of Montblanc. Mr Tornieporth commented, “We’re anticipating growth from the region and investing accordingly. The Middle East markets are beginning to rebound again after the turbulence of the last few months as the economic climate is stabilizing.”

Mr. Tornieporth noted that the Emirates Towers is a strategic location for Montblanc and will help the brand service its clients well. “Montblanc’s planned opening of its own boutiques as well as those with franchise partners in high end malls in the regions is designed to meet the growing demand for Montblanc products in the region.”

Emirates Towers, an iconic landmark located along Sheikh Zayed road, is the address of many multinational companies.

“The Boulevard, located in the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers, has acquired a reputation as a luxuriously fashionable Boulevard and we are delighted that Montblanc has decided to open a boutique here,” said Yannis Anagnostakis, GM of Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

“We remain committed to ensuring the best experience for our guests and Montblanc now joins the esteemed ranks of the Boulevard which offers the opportunity for extravagant shopping with over 50 industry leading fashionable and exclusive boutiques to choose from, all featuring leading designer brands, theme restaurants and coffee shops, all located in spacious, sky-lit courtyards and walkways,” added Mr Anagnostakis.
 
A number of VIPs and luminaries from Dubai’s business community graced the launch of the new boutique with their presence. Timed to coincide with the opening of the boutique Montblanc also unveiled the new Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond, taking the art of writing to new heights. The new writing instrument features the timeless icon of design and craftsmanship – the legendary Meisetrstueck writing instrument - enhanced with the iconic Montblanc Diamond crowing its top. Hand-crafted in the best European tradition, the black precious resin writing instrument is adorned with platinum plated fittings and a handcrafted 14K gold nib with a rhodium-plated inlay. 

The Montblanc Diamond was first launched in 2006 after eight years of development. Internationally acclaimed for its unique craftsmanship and incredible sparkle, the patented 43 facet stone is masterfully carved into the shape of the Montblanc Star, the brand’s symbol representing the snowy peak of Europe’s highest mountain, the Mont Blanc. Over recent years, the Montblanc Diamond has become a favorite on the red carpet at award ceremonies, premieres and festivals all over the world.

Montblanc products are in high demand as regional consumers seek out bespoke and limited-editions over a straight forward approach to luxury and the products are also highly popular among celebrities and stars.

Luxury brand plans to open several new Middle East stores

Luxury brand Montblanc plans to open about half-a-dozen stores across the Middle East over the next year as part of a strategy that will see the launch of products specially created for the region as well as the appointment of an Emirati celebrity ambassador for the brand.

Speaking exclusively to Emirates Business ahead of a new store opening at Emirates Towers last night, Sönke Tornieporth, Vice- President of Sales at Montblanc, said the initiative came as the brand seeks a wider engagement with the region. “There are plans to open between 10 and 20 new stores worldwide over the next year,” he said.

“Five or six of these will be in the Middle East,” he added. “We’re anticipating growth from the region and investing accordingly. The Middle East markets are beginning to rebound again after the turbulence of the past few months as the economic climate is stabilising.”

The brand will add a further 15,000 square feet of retail space both through its own boutiques and with franchise partners over the year, representing a 25 per cent growth on current retail space. Several existing stores are also being refurbished.

The UAE is home to half of Montblanc’s 28 boutiques in the region, which itself represents just under 10 per cent of a portfolio of 350 stores worldwide. Montblanc is fresh off several major new openings, including stores in Abu Dhabi and at Mirdiff City Centre last month and a 200-metre flagship in Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre, which Tornieporth describes as “the most prestigious mall in Saudi Arabia”. He said the new stores were in line with retail strategies to bring the brand closer to the customer.

Over the last year, Montblanc has opened boutiques in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, adds Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director of Montblanc, who said there are plans to expand store numbers in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the coming year. A new store will also open at Festival Centre in Dubai next month.

Nahhas said the brand was also looking at signing on an Arabic celebrity to be the face of Montblanc in the region. He vetoed the idea of someone such as Nancy Ajram, pointing out that it would likely be a Gulf national. “We are looking at a celebrity closer to home, even here in the Gulf, an Emirati celebrity would be a possibility,” he said, without elaborating on who that name might be. “It’s a matter of finding the right person, because really, it’s like a marriage.”

The German manufacturer has created market-specific campaigns before, most notably a print and television one for the Indian market last year featuring Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and his daughter Sonam.

The UAE’s most recognisable names already endorse top luxury brands: filmmaker Ali F Mostafa was named the face of the Alfred Dunhill brand in March, while rally driver Mohammed Bin Sulayem is associated with Tag Heuer. Nahhas said an announcement could be expected next year.

Also in the works are products created specifically for the region – beyond the National Day pen it markets each year, which features a replica of the federation’s flag. “We’re working on something more for the region, inspired by the history, culture and architecture,” said Nahhas.

Montblanc’s parent company, Swiss group Richemont, posted a 44 per-cent drop in net profit for the year ended March 31. But Montblanc was among the brands that did make money. “It would be wrong to say we weren’t affected,” said Tornieporth. “But Montblanc was a lot less affected [than other brands] because it is a growing brand, with price points that range from €200 (Dh904) upwards. But that’s the beauty of the brand.”

Of queens and kings

Montblanc is retailing several limited edition pieces this year. As part of its Patron of Art series, it has dedicated two pens (pictured) to British queen Elizabeth I, while its Limited Writers’ Edition commemorates a centenary of American author Mark Twain’s death.

In the UAE it is also marketing the Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph. Named after the man who invented chronographs so French kings could monitor the speed of their favourite horses, it is the brand’s first watch to feature a movement that has been developed, produced and assembled inhouse.

The pulsating star continues to shine in the sky! And is featured with silver rivets on soft suede in the colours of champagne and amber. With the new Starisma Alcina limited edition, with just 300 items, Montblanc once again succeeds in surprising people with innovative design ideas.

The unique dream team for an impressive fashion statement: suede and rivets. The rivets are presented as a row of fascinating shiny points to create the pulsating Montblanc star, which spread across the surface of the bags – the unmistakable trademark of all Starisma models.

The silver rivets turn the bags into eye catchers, the silky soft French calfskin makes them favourite items that you will want to carry with you all the time.

The colours of the new limited edition – light, cool and soft champagne and earthy warm amber – get you in the mood for summer. In champagne, the trend shade of spring 2009, the rivet look appears super elegant and feminine. Amber, a light warm shade of brown, gives the bags a slightly casual and wild, as well as a sporty look.

The extravagantly created, palladinised chains and clasps on the shoulder straps, as well as the protective metal studs on the base of the bags are a reference to the silvery shining star wave of the design, and emphasise the contrast of cool shining metal and soft suede. A concealed magnetic clasp and a zip pocket are among the convincingly practical elements of the collection.

Handbags with star appeal – in the truest sense of the word. Because the pulsating Starisma star has long since become an elegant companion of women inspired by fashion and lifestyle. Large enough to carry everything around with you, light and comfortable to avoid straining yourself. The glam rock touch of the new Alcina limited edition with the metallically shining Starisma star tops off the eye catcher effect. Champagne – cool combined with hot summer outfits, elegant for creating colour effects from pastel to colourful. Earthy amber - perfect with jeans and every shade of white. Multi talents with cult status. 

Montblanc presents the first development of the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie and starts with new ideas into the next decade after celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the watch Manufacture Minerva in 2008.

Following Montblanc`s anniversary celebrations marking the opening of the completely renovated manufactory building in Villeret, the experts at the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie are now concentrating exclusively on their core tasks: on the one hand, the preservation and cultivation of the high art of horology in accord with the authentic Swiss tradition and, on the other hand, the ongoing development of innovative technologies and concepts to assure a bright future for watchmaking. The Institut Minerva, that has been founded by Montblanc, is one of the last manufactures where a large portion of the traditional horological skills, with all their micromechanical refinements, are still meticulously performed by hand, almost as though each timepiece were individually crafted as a one-of-a-kind item. Traditions are upheld, but continual innovation is also indispensable to assure constant renewal and unflagging progress in the art of watchmaking, to set standards for quality and creativity in th
e future. This legacy is especially present at the Institut Minerva, where the staff lives and breathes it in their daily work.

Time Writer: Thanks to Montblanc, the Institut Minerva fosters new talent. With the founding of the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie, Montblanc has not only dedicated itself toward assuring the survival of a manufacture with a legendary chronographic tradition: the mission of the Institut Minerva is to foster young talents whose new ideas will enrich the art of watchmaking, which they’ll enliven with their innovative spirit and dynamism.

For this purpose, Montblanc created the “TimeWriter” concept, under which the company wants to introduce projects with independent creators that have great ideas and plan to establish themselves as independent watchmakers. It is foreseen to present a project every two years.

A complex industry such as watchmaking demands investments that are very often much too costly for young entrepreneurs to finance on their own, so through the help of Montblanc the Institut Minerva also contributes, both materially and intellectually, toward helping these ambitious individuals start their own business. Now, just two years after the founding of the Institut Minerva by Montblanc, its first remarkable project is ready for presentation. TimeWriter 1: Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis embodies a creatively successful response to the following challenge: combining the principles of traditional watchmaking with the creation of something entirely new and unprecedented. This first project of the TimeWriter series, that is based on the Montblanc`s own chronographe calibre MBM 16.29 has set itself twin goals: to provide starting help to promising young talents and to combine tradition with innovation. With this background in mind, the foundation council at the Institut Minerva was most strongly impressed by the ideas of the two young watch specialists Johnny Girardin and Franck Orny, who envisioned a wristwatch with two faces. Of course, a watch with different functions distributed across two dials is not novel per se, but the way in which the Montblanc Metamorphosis transforms itself has never been seen before. By moving a slide down or up, this timepiece changes from a wristwatch with hour, minute, second display to a chronograph and vice versa. To achieve this metamorphosis
in a purely mechanical manner, the two creators Johnny Girardin and Franck Orny were obliged to use all their skills as watchmakers and to borrow methods from the art of automatons construction – a traditional métier which, like watchmaking, has long been practiced in Switzerland’s Jura region. As a prefect blend of tradition and innovation, the revolutionary transformation mechanism is based on the magnificent, hand crafted chronographe calibre MBM16.29

The Metamorphosis watches will be crafted at the manufacture’s ateliers in Villeret, where the idea of the inventors will be brought to live by the profound know-how of the Institut Minerva’s experienced master watchmakers.

Golnoush Karimi presented with top prize of Montblanc’s UNICEF Edition Writing Instrument

A student of the American University of Dubai beat a big group of competitors to win “Letters,” the Arabic calligraphy exhibition sponsored by Montblanc. The nation-wide competition attracted participation from a number of young Arabic calligraphers. 

A distinguished panel of judges selected the work of Golnoush Karimi, a student at the American University of Dubai as the winner. Other panel members included Charlie Pocock, of the Meem Gallery, William Lawrie, a Director of Islamic Arts at Christie’s, the renowned calligrapher Wissam Shawkat and Dr Salah Al Qassim, of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Golnoush received the grand prize of a Montblanc UNICEF Edition Writing Instrument as her prize. In addition, three pieces of her works will be displayed at the Montblanc boutique at Dubai Mall during the last week of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

“The awards presentation represents the culmination of the highly successful ‘Letters,’ competition which ran along the sidelines of an exhibition of art and calligraphy by artists from the UAE and the Middle East. The event was held in the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall last September 14th through to October 3rd,” said Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director of Montblanc. “The competition provided an opportunity for young Arab artists to share their love for the written Arabic form.”

Montblanc recently joined hands with UNICEF in a drive to eradicate illiteracy and pledged a sum of at least AED 5.5 million ($1.5 million) towards education to ensure that children regardless of their gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or circumstances have access to quality education.

HH Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority was the patron of exhibition. The event was held the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall from September 14th through to October 3rd.

Montblanc today is one of the leading worldwide, diversified luxury brands. For more Information about Montblanc, visit www.montblanc.com

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