In 2020, you can’t call yourself a true tech firm unless you offer a pair of wireless headphones. As the German wizards of writing instruments Montblanc have already discovered, the transition from an ancient craft to the demands of the modern era can be achieved seamlessly. The company’s Augmented Paper writing system and Summit 2 smartwatch are both elegant solutions that bridge the analogue and digital realms.
With its new Smart Headphones, Montblanc has completed this journey. ‘We’re always looking at creating products for the luxury business traveller,’ says Dr Felix Obschonka, Montblanc’s head of new technology, ‘what’s exciting about the headphones is that they make us a fully-fledged travel experience brand.'
The new Smart Headphones combine contemporary technology with Montblanc’s century-old skill base. ‘A lot of our experience in materials and craftsmanship has gone into the design of these headphones,’ says Dr Obschonka, pointing out the soft, fine leather used on the headband and ear cushions and metal sourced from the same suppliers as the company’s peerless writing instruments. ‘We have materials’ experience,’ Dr Obschonka says modestly. ‘For example, we have decades of experience with leather and how to make it feel comfortable.’ Three finishes complete the set, including black leather with chrome, brown leather with gold-coloured metal and light grey leather with polished metal.
Light, foldable and with straightforward Bluetooth connectivity and active noise-cancelling, Montblanc's Smart Headphones are tailor-made for travelling. The other department the headphones excel is ease of use. ‘Sound quality is important, for sure, but lightness is also very important,’ he explains, ‘even though we’re using metal and leather they’re only 270g so you won’t feel them on your head. It’s all about the long-haul travel experience.’ With acoustics tuned by Alex Rosson of Rosson Audio Design, and Google Assistant as standard for voice-activated commands and information, Montblanc's new Smart Headphones are a welcome addition to an enduringly timeless product portfolio.
INFORMATION
Montblanc Smart Headphones, available from Harrods Technology Department or from Montblanc boutiques.
-
Time, beauty, history – all are written into trees in Karimoku Research Center's debut Tokyo exhibitionThe layered world of forests – and their evolving relationship with humans – is excavated and reimagined in 'The Age of Wood', a Tokyo exhibition at Karimoku Research Center
-
Tour Xi'an's remarkable new 'human-centred' shopping district with designer Thomas HeatherwickXi'an district by Heatherwick Studio, a 115,000 sq m retail development in the Chinese city, opens this winter. Thomas Heatherwick talks us through its making and ambition
-
Vans’ West End store turns skatepark, with a 200 sq m travertine rampPart store, part community hub, Vans West End in London ramps up its skateboarding credentials with a design by Andrea Caputo Studio
-
The Fender American Ultra II combine made-in-the-US quality with contemporary techA deluge of new products from Fender shows the iconic guitar manufacturer still knows how to innovate and entice
-
Moog’s mood-altering Labyrinth and five more new synthesizers and sound toolsExplore soundscapes and ambient realms with these new synthesizers and other desktop composition tools for shaping all forms of audio
-
From Tangerine Dream to cult PlayStation hits, eight books chronicling the art of noise and playWe explore eight titles that get under the skin of music history, technological evolution and the art and experience of digital culture
-
San Diego-based audio specialists Wrensilva update their elegant Record ConsolesWith new materials, upgraded electronics and input from three industry greats, the new Wrensilva Standard and M1 Record Consoles are the ultimate in audiophile furniture
-
A new limited-edition Rhodes piano and Gibson doubleneck guitar aim for the starsThe new Rhodes Mk8 Earth Edition piano and Gibson Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck guitar revisit classic instruments at a price
-
20 of the best CD players as the compact disc comeback continuesWe expand our guide to the best compact disc players with a fresh selection of good looking and great sounding models
-
Six new ways of making music, from sonorous start-ups to note-perfect classicsOur music technology round-up showcases six new ways of making music, from a piano designed to blend into the modern home to sophisticated effects units and an all-in-one DJ system
-
ABBA Voyage director Baillie Walsh on songs, sequins, and virtual spacesBaillie Walsh, the director behind ABBA Voyage, one of the most advanced entertainment spectacles ever, tells Wallpaper* how the magic happens, ABBAtars and all
