Montblanc Summit 2: For the Consummate Adventurer
Montblanc might be fairly new to the watch scene, but there is no denying that this brand did a remarkable job creating one of the best smartwatches in the market. The fact that Montblanc is more popularly known for its collection of luxury fountain pens might make its entry into the watchmaking industry a little bizarre to some. Nevertheless, Montblanc proves that it is on the right path with the stunning and innovative Montblanc Summit 2.
Those who are in the market for a hardy smartwatch that can take on any challenge will surely be blown away by the Montblanc Summit 2. On top of being a top-notch sports smartwatch, the Montblanc Summit 2 boasts a sleek and versatile watch face that would not look out of place in the office, or even on the dance floor. In this review, we take a detailed look at the specifications of the Montblanc Summit 2 and everything it has to offer its wearers.
First Impressions
One of the best things about the Montblanc Summit 2 is something that you will notice right off the bat — it does not just look like any generic smartwatch out there. At first glance, you might assume that the Montblanc Summit 2 is a classy dress watch or a smart everyday watch, especially since it bears an analog watch face. However, do not be deceived by its looks. With its superior technological features, the Montblanc Summit 2 is, first and foremost, an excellent sports smartwatch that can rival offerings from brands like Garmin and Suunto.
Specifications
Case, Crown, and Caseback
The Montblanc Summit 2 comes in a glossy 42mm stainless steel case with polished and brushed lugs. This is quite unusual for a smartwatch, but it certainly adds to the stylishness of the Summit 2. With its stainless steel exterior, this sports smartwatch is highly corrosion-resistant and is able to withstand scratches and impacts, making it rather durable. One downside, however, is that it only has a water resistance capacity of 50m. While this is enough to survive some splashes, rain, and even a dip in the pool, you certainly should not try any deepwater activities like diving with this watch.
Another distinguishing feature of the Montblanc Summit 2 is that, unlike most smartwatches which only have buttons on the sides of their cases, the Summit 2 comes with two pushers and a large crown. The crown and pushers are all made of stainless steel as well.
The design of the oversized onion-shaped crown is taken from the older Montblanc 1858 watch models. It ensures that the crown is easy to grip and turn, while also giving the Montblanc Summit 2 a bit of a classic, vintage vibe. Wearers can turn the crown to scroll through the vast features offered by the watch, and to select a specific function, you simply have to press the confirmation button on the top of the crown.
On the underside of the Montblanc Summit 2, you can find a solid black caseback made of stainless steel and fibreglass resin. This caseback is securely screwed in, protecting the inner mechanisms of the watch from external elements like moisture or dust. It is also equipped with a heartbeat sensor, which is the norm for most smartwatches. In addition, a charging port is also located on the caseback, which can be connected to its designated charging dock. The charging pins are also engineered to be waterproof, so you do not have to worry about damaging the watch by bringing it into the shower.
Dial
As previously mentioned, the dial of the Montblanc Summit 2 can be somewhat confusing, as it appears to come in a traditional analog layout. In fact, you might not believe it is a smartwatch at first, due to its elegant chronograph dial that replicates the look of Montblanc 1858 timepieces. This watch appears to come in a gorgeous dark blue sunray dial, featuring luminous silver hands, bold Arabic numeral hour markers, two chronograph sub-dials in white, and a minute track on the rim of the dial. In reality, however, the hands and markers of this dial are not real. You simply have to swipe on the dial in order to access the smartwatch menu of the Montblanc Summit 2.
The smartwatch mode of the Summit 2 is presented in a colourful yet clear AMOLED display, which retains only the minute indices around the rim of the watch. You will not have any issues with light glares or refractions, due to the display’s handy anti-reflection feature. Depending on your tastes, you can also select between a wide variety of customisable watch faces and designs using Google’s Play Store application. Whereas the traditional dial design of the Summit 2 looks fit for a dinner party, its smartwatch dial is modern and no less stylish, and would not look out of place in an office.
Strap
The Montblanc Summit 2 is typically equipped with a black calfskin leather strap that measures 20mm wide, so it can fit on all Montblanc Summit smartwatches, including the Summit 2+. This strap also has an adjustable folding clasp made out of stainless steel, which ensures that it will fit securely around your wrist. If you are not a fan of this leather band, Montblanc also offers a collection of comfortable nylon or rubber straps in blue, black, yellow, and so on, which you can choose from.
Notable Features/Modes
The Montblanc Summit 2 runs on Google’s WearOS system and is compatible with both iOS 10+ and Android 6.0+ devices. You can connect it to your phone using either Bluetooth connectivity or Wifi. Once connected, you can use the Summit 2 to monitor and control your smartphone without any hassle. In addition, it also comes with a handy GPS feature, so you will never get lost in the wilderness as long as you have the Summit 2 with you. With its 500mAh battery, the Summit 2 can last about a day and a half in smartwatch mode. If you are running low on battery, you can also switch to the Time-Only mode, which allows the watch to last for up to a week.
In addition, this watch is also made to pair with three exclusive apps designed to make your life easier: TimeShifter, Travel Info, and Workout Coach. TimeShifter enables the Montblanc Summit 2 to be the perfect overseas travel companion. It allows for hassle-free time zone changes and assists the wearer in avoiding any jetlag during long travels. Travel Info is another simple application, which helps the user in terms of tracking their location, travel time, as well as distance travelled.
Workout Coach caters specifically to the Montblanc Summit 2’s sports functions. With Workout Coach, you can create your own personalised training regime, or use the pre-existing training programs available in the watch to assist you during your exercises. Beyond that, this watch also comes with trackers that monitor your heart rate, stress levels, and sleep, so it is very useful for those trying to lead active and healthy lifestyles. With all the advanced technology incorporated into the Montblanc Summit 2, it is no surprise that this watch is popular with both sports enthusiasts and casual adventurers.
Price
As a top-notch smartwatch from the prestigious Montblanc brand, it is no surprise that this watch has a more exorbitant price point than most other smartwatches. The price for the Montblanc Summit 2 starts at $1,000 USD. However, considering it is an exceptional smartwatch with a unique and elegant design, perfect for travels, casual everyday routines, sporting activities, and even dinner parties, you could say that the Montblanc Summit 2 is more than worth the price.
Alternatives
Without a doubt, the Montblanc Summit 2 is an excellent sports smartwatch that also offers a classy aesthetic many other smartwatches in the market cannot match. However, it is true that this watch may not be to everyone’s taste, especially with its relatively expensive price tag. If you are looking for a cheaper smartwatch or one that has a slightly different style, we have curated a list of the three best alternatives to the Montblanc Summit 2 which you can check out below.
1. Suunto 5 G1 ZH Graphite Steel Ref. SS050453000
The Suunto 5 G1 ZH Graphite Steel Ref. SS050453000 is an exceptional alternate option to the Montblanc Summit 2. Not only does it cost significantly less than the Summit 2, but it is also perfect for those who enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Suunto 5 G1 ZH Graphite Steel Ref. SS050453000 has a sizeable 46mm black case made of fibre-reinforced polycarbonate, which gives it a very sporty look. This is paired with a brushed stainless steel bezel that is securely screwed down and a black silicon bezel that blends perfectly with the case.
This Suunto 5 watch comes with classic smartwatch capabilities such as a heart rate monitor, 24/7 activity tracking, an adaptive training guide, and over 80 sports modes you can choose from. Like the Montblanc Summit 2, it also has a depth rating of 50m. It is a great choice for those who enjoy activities such as hiking or frequent workouts. However, with its more casual vibe, this watch is not as versatile as the Montblanc Summit 2. Indeed, it would look a little out of place at a dinner party, or in the workplace.
Ultimately, the Suunto 5 G1 ZH Graphite Steel Ref. SS050453000 is a pretty great sports smartwatch. While it is not as flexible as the Montblanc Summit 2, it still comes with an array of great sports features, making it a good companion for those who live an active lifestyle. In addition, it is also much more affordable, retailing at a price of just $329 USD.
2. Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch Ref. AL-282LBB4V6
Another alternative that is worth mentioning is the Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch Ref. AL-282LBB4V6. One could argue that this is, in fact, a near-perfect alternative to the Montblanc Summit 2. It boasts the same traditional analog layout as the Summit 2 which adds to its flexibility. In addition, it is also available at a much more budget-friendly price.
This Alpina watch has a 44mm fibre-reinforced stainless steel case and bezel. The black dial display is reminiscent of a sporty dive watch, with bold hour indices in various geometric shapes, along with large luminous hands. One downside of this Alpina Horological Smartwatch is that it does not come with as many smartwatch features as the Montblanc Summit 2. For instance, it has phone connectivity, messaging, phone calls, night mode, and a workout assistant, but does not have the sports modes or travel-related functions that the Summit 2 does.
Compared to the Montblanc Summit 2, this Alpina watch has a better water resistance capacity of 100m. Retailing at just $300 USD, this is a top-notch alternative to the Montblanc Summit 2 that can rival it in versatility while also being a great starter smartwatch for beginners.
3. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24
If you do not like the classier looks of the Montblanc Summit 2 and are looking for something a little more rugged, you should definitely consider the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24. Although it is not as stylish as the Summit 2, this durable timekeeper is perfect for outdoor activities like mountaineering and camping.
This Garmin watch has a sturdy 51mm fibre-reinforced case with a metallic cover. To ensure that the case is as strong as it can be, Garmin pairs it with a DLC-coated, highly scratch-resistant stainless steel bezel that is screwed down, and a hardy yet lightweight titanium bracelet. It also has a solid 100m depth rating, which is double that of the Montblanc Summit 2.
As a sports smartwatch, this Garmin Fenix 6X piece offers phone connectivity through Bluetooth, a handy solar-powered lens, a power manager that allows it to last for weeks, and a series of maps that show you all the ideal spots for skiing, camping, and mountaineering. In addition, it comes with a PacePro function that provides you with tracking and statistics whenever you go for a run, based on the landscape around you. It will adjust depending on whether you are running up or down a hill, for instance.
Retailing at the same price range as the Montblanc Summit 2, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24 can be purchased for around $999 USD. Unlike the Summit 2, however, it is a less versatile timekeeper and not quite suited for everyday use. Instead, it focuses on being a robust outdoor smartwatch that can assist you on any adventures.
Final Thoughts
On the whole, the Montblanc Summit 2 is a spectacular smartwatch, not just because of its technological features but also because of its unusual design. It might not look like the average smartwatch you have seen from Garmin or Suunto, but its extravagance and classic aesthetics give this timekeeper an impressive versatility. This smartwatch opens up many opportunities for those who enjoy active lifestyles but want a watch that can accompany them virtually anywhere and everywhere.
There are some downsides to this watch, such as its sub-par depth rating and its expensive price point. However, with its interchangeable dial display, seamless connectivity, and useful set of features, you are sure to have a great user experience with the Montblanc Summit 2.
All images courtesy of The Watch Company, unless stated otherwise.Featured image courtesy of Montblanc.
If you are looking for an adventurer’s watch that is durable and versatile, check out our review on the Casio Pathfinder!
