It’s time to play ‘pick our favourites from a long list of watch releases’, and Montblanc has released a few watches that can definitely make the cut. Though to be fair, our methods of choosing may not be as objective as they should be. We go by feel and emotions (as should always be the case), which is what lists like this are often built upon.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let us first list down the releases for the year: we have five Iced Sea models, one 1858 Geosphere, two 1858s, three Star Legacy models, and one Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec.

There are a few that stand out straight away, such as the 1858 Small Second 0 Oxygen watch, which comes in a smaller—and more versatile, in our opinion—size of 38mm diameter. Having a small seconds hand always gives a watch some added refinement, which is present here. But this refinement is balanced by many utilitarian designs, such as the date window, which always adds a bit of ruggedness to a dial. This befits the entire watch’s theme, though, what with its black dial and Arabic numerals. It is almost a field watch at this rate.

What also gives it a field watch feel is its 0 Oxygen technology, which cuts down the risk of condensation, especially where extreme temperature fluctuations are involved. In fact, most of Montblanc’s watch releases this year come in the 0 Oxygen case, positioning them as true explorers’ watches. It doesn’t matter if all the exploring you do is taking a different bus to your office building. This watch will still make a good companion in your urban jaunts.

Perhaps the one aspect that will lock you into the field watch philosophy is the MB 24.16 movement, which provides a 38-hour power reserve. It’s perfect if you truly wear this piece as your daily driver, but you may need to set the time more than usual if you have a collection of three watches or more.

And owning three watches is very easy if you take a serious look at Montblanc’s offerings for the year, including the Minerva pieces. The next possible favourite would be the Star Legacy Moonphase, which is the antithesis of the previous watch. Despite being on the large side at 42mm in diameter, the guilloché dial, with Roman numerals on top, makes it a dressier option. It is a look that is tied together with the padded leather straps and, of course, like its name suggests, a moonphase complication. So if you like to dress sharp on the daily, then this would be a good choice.

However, the editorial team has set its sights on one Montblanc release this year to be its favourite, and that is the Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen Limited Edition 300. The name is a mouthful, but the premise of the watch is very simple—it is yet another 38mm watch, but in a diver’s case this time. A lot of the specs are similar to the previous offerings, such as a movement with 38 hours of power reserve, and a 0 Oxygen case.

But it is the coral-coloured dial that has our interest piqued, and on the wrist, it is a very wearable piece, despite the usual chunkiness that is expected of a diver. The clasp on the bracelet offers smooth action, and is a factor that is often overlooked, but we noticed it, and that adds a few extra brownie points to the scoreboard.

Perhaps the biggest selling point here is the limited edition run of 300 pieces, and, get this, it is still quite reasonably priced despite this small number. So take this as a public service announcement: if you’re in the mood to splurge on a watch by the maison, this would make for a good value proposition. But don’t let us tell you what to do with your money.