Montblanc Heritage Small Second LE 38: A Collector's Perspective

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Montblanc Heritage Small Second Limited Edition 38, despite its 39mm size, could have been 38mm, but this would have meant sacrificing the '6' on the dial, a design element that Montblanc chose to preserve, even if partially obscured.
• The watch's appeal lies in its combination of a high-quality, old-school hand-wound movement, exceptionally finished, housed in an excellent stainless steel case with a superior dial and hands.
• While the movement's finishing is impressive, its pricing is ambitious, especially when compared to other watches with similar characteristics, such as certain Blancpain models, which can be found at a third of the cost.
• The Minerva movement in this 39mm limited edition, with its subtle nod to Minerva at 5 o'clock, presents a compelling proposition for collectors seeking something distinct from mainstream brands like Patek Philippe.
• The caliber used in this Montblanc is a very nice movement that is difficult to find at this price point elsewhere, having been sold in pre-Montblanc and early Montblanc eras, albeit with different finishing and case/dial aesthetics.
• Previous Montblanc offerings with similar calibers, like the 24,000 Euro watch, were arguably underpriced, making subsequent models like the green LE100 chronograph at 28,000 Euro, which sold out quickly, seem more appropriately valued.