Montblanc 2014 Novelties Tokyo Showing

KIH · 2014-11-07T19:53:56Z

Explore Montblanc's 2014 novelties from a Tokyo showing, featuring insights from EVP Jens Henning Koch on Villeret and Le Locle ateliers. Discover new watches and brand strategy.

KIH

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KIH's report from a 2014 Montblanc novelty showing in Tokyo offers a rare glimpse into the brand's strategic vision and product introductions. Featuring insights from Montblanc's EVP of Marketing, Jens Henning Koch, this article highlights the brand's dual approach to watchmaking through its Villeret and Le Locle ateliers. KIH's detailed account, including direct quotes and exclusive images, provides valuable context for understanding Montblanc's commitment to both traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation.

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... but unfortunately, Metamorphosis couldn't make it

But others are also wonderful, introduced by the EVP of Marketing from Hamburg, Mr. Jens Henning Koch, as well as the newly appointed CEO of Montblanc Japan, Mr. Maxime Harrar.

Mr. Koch has quite impressive experiences in Japan....

Mr. Koch: The last time I visited here, when I was still with A. Lange & Sohne, it was the day of the 3.11 earthquake and it was shocking to say the least. And before that I was in Japan more than 20 years ago - I was at the monastery in Fukui Prefecture and practicing Zen. I am glad to be back again to Japan to convey our passion for watchmaking as well as to introduce our new products directly to you.

Mr. Koch: Velleret can make from the hair spring to main spring themselves and very high level craftsmanship products. Before joining Montblanc one and a half years ago, I was at A. Lange & Sohne, and when I came to Montblanc, I was also deeply impressed by the excellent movements and the level of finest finishing at the Montblanc manufacture in Villeret.

In La Lockle atelier, we develop and try the most advanced technology, followed by at least 500 hours of testing.

We pursue passion for watchmaking through these two ateliers each of which are distinguished in its own way. Today, I would like to introduce the new products, except for Metamorphosis II, unfortunately.

The core of Villeret atelier is always about "Innovation"

Two faces, same watch. Dial change mechanism is simply amazing.

Side lever (like the one with minute repeaters) changes the face. Subdial becomes minute counter (the disc revolves, not the hand - hand continues to show the date, regardless the dial is the date or minute counter). And the minute hand is retrograde. The upper dial changes from Roman to Arabic. continuing to show the hour.

Let's see the short movie of this incredible Metamorphosis II.

LE of only 18......

There 8 different artisanal decorations.

Now, let's go to Heritage series.

Automatic Gold - very slim design and dial finish is even through the loupe, very, very well done. Cost performance is very high, I must say.

Brown dial version. Very nice color, too.

And, now, the new Boheme line for ladies.

Boheme, ladies' Perpetual Calendar.

60 lines on the dial.

The price is, with this decoration, finish, function, incredibly "high cost performance", I say. Montblanc should shout louder about this feminine side of the brand!

To be perfectly honest with you, there were TWO MORE wonderful pieces we were shown, but they are both for SIHH and embargo is Next year, Jan. 19th.... Please stay tuned!

Hope you have lots of expectation for the future MB.

Thank you, Montblanc:

Mr. Maxime Harrar, CEO, Montblanc Japan

Mr. Jens Henning Koch, EVP, Marketing, Hamburg Head Office

Mr. Shingo Hisai, Communication Manager, Montblanc Japan.

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-11-08 02:02:12

Key Points from the Discussion

The embargo dates for new Montblanc novelties were a source of confusion, with different dates (December 15, 2014, January 15, 2015, and January 19, 2015) being communicated, potentially impacting early press coverage.
A specific highlight among the novelties was the brown dial rose gold case Meisterstück Heritage automatic, though a no-date version was wished for by some collectors.
Despite embargo confusion, it was anticipated that one of the limited edition pieces would likely find its way to a Japanese enthusiast's wrist soon after the showing.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 7, 2014

Can't wait to see that. Thanks for this nice report, Ken. Best, Nicolas

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 8, 2014

Thanks for bringing this to us from Tokyo! Of the novelties from watches and wonders 2014, the brown dial rose gold case Meisterstuck Heritage automatic is one that I like more and more. If only there's a no date version for the chocolate dial, it would have been even better! Thanks Ken for the report! Cheers Robin

mkt33

Nov 13, 2014

Hi Nicolas... Funny, I received a copy of the PR and was told the embargo was 12/15/2014 but on the PR the embargo is marked in red for 1/15/2015 :-) Obviously slight confusion exists...Will try to see if Alex will allow us some sneak peaks before then! Best, Mike

mkt33

Nov 13, 2014

I suspect you will see it soon enough though...one of the LE of 18 will probably end up on the wrist of a Japanese enthusiast I am sure! Best, Mike

KIH

Nov 13, 2014

... they were told by Hamburg that the embargo is Jan. 19th, 2015 - literally the first day of SIHH! Yeah, conflicting or confused information..... Need to know the exact timing! Ken

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