The Swiss luxury goods maker has hit the ground running this year, introducing several novelties already starting at the SIHH in Geneva. And from what we have seen, Montblanc has been executing its “exo” strategy perfectly, including its patented tourbillon and e-Strap models as part of its popular TimeWalker collection.

The “exo” prefix is the ancient Greek word that means “external”, and it’s safe to say that Montblanc has done some of its best work on the outside to kick off its 110th anniversary this year. Take the Montblanc TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Limited Edition 100 as one example. The exo in the name refers to the the watch’s balance wheel, which is located outside the tourbillion cage, appearing as if it floats above the cage. And that’s not just for aesthetic reasons – it also allows for improved oscillations.

Montblanc TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Limited Edition 100

The patented wristwatch brings with it the high-performance in-house Calibre MB R230, which combines two of the most important chronometric complications: a monopusher chronograph and that innovative external tourbillon. Adding extra precision when setting the time, the movement’s stop-seconds mechanism can also directly halt the balance wheel.

Montblanc TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Limited Edition 100

Its 44 mm case with skeletonised horns protects the mechanism, made from titanium sheathed with carbon fibre on the middle piece, resulting in a light weight yet high resistance. The accents in red – from the gasket and the chronograph counters to the stitching on the black alligator-skin strap – underline the timepiece’s strong character.

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap

The other member of the TimeWalker family that also does some of its best work on the outside is the pioneering Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap. Pioneering, because it was one of the first major Swiss watchmakers to integrate wearable technology into the world of Swiss fine watchmaking. We’re talking about Montblanc’s famous e-Strap, which combines digital capabilities with the highly functional mechanism of a UTC (or GMT) complication with a second time zone on this timepiece.

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap

Integrated into the NATO-type strap – which is actually made of Montblanc Extreme leather rather than the typical canvass – is an OLED that offers useful smart technology for connected Android and iOS smartphones. Options include an activity tracker, notifications for incoming calls and messages and remote controls for the phone’s camera and music player.

The smart technology is complemented by the refined mechanics of the Calibre MB 24.05, with its UTC complication that displays a second time zone with day and night indication on the periphery of the dial, thanks to a skeletonised hand with an eye-catching red tip.

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap

Similar to its cousin – the TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Limited Edition 100 – the model sporting the e-Strap also has the characteristic skeletonised horns and thin bezel, which give the strong 42 mm stainless steel case its robust presence.

Celebrates its 110’s anniversary this year, naturally we expect some special timepieces throughout the year from the brand to commemorate the occasion. After all, no brand ever seems to miss the opportunity to celebrate something or other. And it seems that for the time being at least, Montblanc is set on doing some of its finest work on the outside of its timepieces, including external balance wheels on its purely mechanical models, or external smart technology on its hybrid timepieces. Of course, that means leaving the mechanics on the inside completely in tact, which is what fine Swiss watchmaking is all about.