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KMII's inaugural post as the new Montblanc forum moderator reflects on the journey of horological discovery and the continuity of passion within the community. Drawing inspiration from a Ryszard Kapuściński quote, KMII expresses gratitude for the appointment and outlines a vision for fostering continued engagement and learning. This post sets a thoughtful tone for his tenure, emphasizing shared enthusiasm for Montblanc watches.
'A journey, after all, neither
begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step
once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over , because the film of
memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical
standstill. Indeed, there exists something like a contagion of travel, and the
disease is essentially incurable.'
― Ryszard Kapuściński
Replace travel in the last sentence with horological discovery and Kapuściński's quote well applies to Robin (and Mike before) and me, to our journey with Montblanc and to all our watch related journeys as Purists.
Before I set out, I would very much like to thank the executive team and the now fellow moderators for the trust expressed in me and the honor bestowed in the appointment to the role.
The last couple of days I have been spending every spare moment looking at old Montblanc forum posts and can only say that the task ahead is Herculean – I truly stand on the shoulders of giants in my new role, with both Robin and Mike having been model moderators and founts of knowledge on all things Montblanc / Minerva. A steep learning curve is in order.
My Montblanc journey also began some way before setting out. It began with an innocent question here some two and a half years ago – and look where that got me. 
A new hobby, a newfound fascination with all things horological, a still relatively understanding wife and a thinner wallet. And many, many new friends, quite some of which I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know live, as well as during countless conversations on PuristSPro.
I suppose the final MB ‘bite’ has been administered – how else could it be – by our Lord Vlad in Paris, with the Montblanc Villeret 1858 Tachymeter.
But there is not a single Vlad around, nor is there a single supremely appealing watch in the long Montblanc / Minerva history to haunt one. Speedie74 shoulders part of the blame with his fine collection of Minervas.
And of course Robin, by getting me my first live exposure to the fascinating world of Montblanc horology, with his killer Villeret Chronograph Grand Feu Enamel, while playing the impeccable host to me in Singapore. To which an iPhone in my hands simply cannot do justice.
There were other moments, like the first opportunity accorded to me to judge the weekly Wristscan, which ended with deBalzac and his Minerva Pythagore as a winner. So I guess the signs have been there. And an accidental discovery of an old post by Magnus showed me that there is some written material on the subject matter that can give me a booster – in the form of ‘Writing Time’ by Gisbert Brunner.
'We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.'
― Henry Ward Beecher
I am very excited to be embarking on this journey. To give me a fighting chance at ‘winging’ my way through the initial steps, Melvyn has graciously decided to act as my guide. I may have an idea how to play some roles of a moderator, may be confident playing the ‘host’. As for the expert, I will need some patience on your part. But I have been preparing.
I have a pen to capture my thoughts…
I am sadly still awaiting ‘Writing Time’, but that too should be with me in the coming days.
And finally, a further aspect that needs to be considered. The privileges of the moderator role are many but inheriting the watch collection of the predecessor is sadly not amongst them (if you are willing to break with tradition Robin, I would be greatly appreciative ).
In terms of my Montblanc collecting journey I am also just setting out. And the point of departure is 1996 (for my specimen), just before the first watches graced with the Montblanc logo have been put onto the market. That start is with Minerva.
This will allow me to explore the evolution Montblanc has made since its start in 1997 to the current day, including the Villeret part - a development of Minerva's work. Quite where it will end, we shall see over the coming years together. I am really looking forward to it!
To finish, I would like to return to Kapuściński. Robin may have passed the baton on to me, as Mike did to him some time ago. I am sure and hope their journeys with the brand will continue, though. Robin, in his new role will certainly not be wanting for challenges and excitement. And I am confident that there is no danger of him somehow losing his love of all things horological, or Montblanc. I hope you will still keep us company and post to the extent your busy new schedule will allow. I for one will be very happy for every moment you will spend with us!
And Mike and Robin, without your relentless foundation work my next steps would not be possible. For that I am profoundly grateful. Likewise to the other moderators and the executive team for having created such a wonderful, welcoming and knowledgeable environment here! I hope to be able to add to that tradition in the years to come. 
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
I guess right, did I? When Mark in Paris wrote that KV post, I had the same hunch too Rgds Raymond
We can expect true wonders. I'm sure that your task will be huge, giving the highlights that we are seeing from the newest releases. I'm looking forward for your help/advise to, maybe, pickup my first Montblanc. Cheers, Nilo
education Great post Best of luck my friend Looking forward reading and writing much more about MB Cheers D P.S. MB is also a MB but MB as well LOL!
A wonderfully worded first post in your new role. Good luck to you and I hope you find much satisfaction doing it.
Thanks for your kind words And you are right - you did say something to that effect about a month or so ago
Thank you so much for these really encouraging words, Nilo! If you do add Montbanc to your watch collecting portfolio I am really looking forward to all the spectacular pictures!
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