Let’s be clear about it. In today’s connected world, you don’t need a watch. If you want to know what time it is you look at your iPhone.”Choice words from the boss of a luxury house that sells, among other things, timepieces. Then again, what Montblanc, the 110-year-old “maison” owned by luxury goods conglomerate Richemont peddles, transcends the act of time-telling. It is a purveyor of craftsmanship, quality and even legacy — qualities not easily replaced by digitisation and, more specifically, wearable technology.Eric Vergnes, president of Montblanc Middle East, Africa and India, says the Montblanc watch buyer or the watch buyer of any luxury mechanical timepiece is pursuing different motivations — be it recognition or status or simply the love of design.“If you wear a beautiful, finely crafted watch it’s not to read the time, it’s because you’re looking for something else. Whereas with an Apple Watch or any other smartwatch it could be seen as a geek accessory ... it’s more abou...
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