My First Montblanc 08452 Automatic Watch

Hi All,

This is my first post so let's hoep I don't blow it! So here is a quick story, serving as an intro and to put characte behind first post.

I've been facinated with watches from a young age. Lately I've been doing more reseach and the more I spend time reading on watches, the more I want to start a collection. I guess the trigger was when I bought my fiance a Baume&Mercier Linea, which was worth more than my TAG Kirium purchased in 1998 and still my daily til this day (currently getting folder repaired). I want a watch for my wedding and it has to be special. Something to keep for a lifetime.

Mont Blanc as a brand does something to me no other brand does (with perhaps the exception of Porsche). I don't know why, because I don't even own a single MB pen (blasphemy?). Mount Blanc watches are stunning, elegant, classy... I can go on and on. So much so, my fiance got me a MB wallet. Love it. Getting side tracked here. So back to watches.

I've been looking for a mechanical and found one watch that (as you guys say) "it SINGS to me". It's the 08452. (pics borrowed off Google)


It's just the perfect size for my 38mm and I would definitely not go any larger. t has presence on my wrist and the white striking guilloché dial is simply stunning. WIll be perfect with a tuxedo. I've tried the watch on at both boutique stores in Sydney.  I actually prefer (only seen photos on the web)  the 36969 (pics borrowed off Google)



due to the blue hands and just having the date. I find the day clutters up the dial slightly and what bothers me more is that the Day doesn't align perfectly with the date. Could be different size fonts or could be off me a nano-metre. The problem I have is the 36969 apparently has been discontinued and is no longer in stock. But it's only a small difference and not a deal breaker so I am very close to joining the MB club.

I am nowhere near WIS so having a NR would be wasted on my wrist. Maybe when I learn more, then can I fully appreciate the movement, complications and craftsmanship that goes into those fantastic time pieces. But for now, the Star Chrono will do me just fine nicely. With teh wedding coming up, it would be nice to not dip into 'that' pot of money for my indulgence. I would feel guilty and selfish and not the best way yo start a marriage

Does anyone here have any experience with the watch I am looking at? Can anyone tell me if it is single or double AR? Would the AR be underneath? What do I do to make sure I don't damage teh movement? There was something about NOT changing date or time from 8 to 2 (or was it 4), I shouldn't go backwards when setting the time if the second hand is ticking? Would wear and tear be neglible if I leave the large second hand running just so I can admire the sweeping motion and not just from the proper second hand in the subwindow? How much money am I looking at to get the watch service from an AD? How much would it cost to regulate from an AD? I just want to get a grasp of how much the upkeep will be as this will be my first auto and I really want to take great care of it. Also what is the average interval between servicing? Is it around 5yrs? Would you still service after however long intervals are, if watch is still giving accurate time? I should be thankful it's a 7750 movement as any competent watch repairer can work on it right?

The RRP in Sydney is $3,800 however I got it down to $3,000 and would like to know if there is 'more' that can be done re pricing or are MB prettty tough in their stance when negotiating prices with their watches? I am fine with that price and only dipping my toe into the entry range.

It is 5:47am and I've still up researching more I can before I hand over my hard earned wad of cash. I just want to be thorough.

Thanks for reading this and helping out if you can!

PS I was nearly a proud owner of a Mount Blanc watch today (well, yesterday since we passed midnight), I was ready to wear the watch out the store only to find out the strap was even too long even on the furthest hole. So they checked and had a shorter one in the warehouse which should be couriered across and ready later this evening on early day after. I am nervous as this will be my first serious watch since my Kirium, a good 14 years ago!