Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Email Grand Feu

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) · 2013-07-24T23:18:40Z

Discover jrwong23's Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Email Grand Feu. Explore Minerva movements, black enamel dials, and haute horology passion.

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

WPS member · Montblanc forum

53 replies24585 views6 photos

Jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) shares his long-awaited acquisition of a Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Email Grand Feu, a piece that haunted his dreams for nearly a year. His post celebrates the unique appeal of Minerva-derived movements and the exquisite black enamel dial, inviting fellow enthusiasts to discuss their passion for Montblanc Villeret and Minerva watches.

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Dear all

Since I got to know MB Villeret thru an MB event in Singapore in Sep/Oct 2012 and getting a few watches from then to now, inc the gorgeous Lange Datograph, I have been haunted in my dreams about certain MB Villeret models, esp those with the highly exclusive black enamel dials.

I have posted a few times here on this topic with reasons for my hesitation but I know my love for MB Villeret is still there (after almost 1 year!). I love all the watches I got but they could not replace my memory and love for these gorgeous Villeret pieces, which are beginning to sound like urban mythical creatures in the watch world (most who buy them are private collectors who buy those Time Writers, Piece 1/1 or bespoke Villerets and they never disclose or share on forums, save for 2 or 3 of them in this forum). Of course, there are those who bought some beautiful Minerva watches (pre-Richemont days) and shared their photos too.

Finally, i succumbed to what Mike said "Buy what you like and can afford" (various posts here by Patrick and some other forum members also didn't help me resist this watch!).

I went with my heart despite the recent posts on finishing etc (which I don't understand as I find these movements as beautiful as my Datograph but in a different/more subtle way). I just picked this up from my local AD but left the box and packaging there as it's Very BIG and Ultra luxurious (will collect it next time and share some pictures when I take some proper shots with my proper camera).

For now, here are some teaser smartphone shots of my new Chronographe Email Grand Feu, which was launched back in 2008 during Minerva's 150th anniversary, white gold with black enamel dial, 41mm but fits my small wrist well due to the clever case and strap design. The MB Villeret manufacture has kindly done a complete service for me even before I bought it to assure me the movement is as good as new.

Btw, to ice the cake, I got piece # 1 of 8 for this watch with the calibre 13.21 (BEAUTIFUL calibre). I think (I may be wrong) for this series of 8 pieces, there are 4 with black enamel dial (the odd numbers) and 4 with white enamel dials (even numbers). The rose gold LE 58 pieces are all white enamel dials.

Man, I LOVE the black enamel dial's gleam. It makes me want to dive into the watch with his depth! My smartphone pics will NEVER do this dial justice.

Enjoy these pics for now. Once I get my Dato back in Sep (hopefully), I will post more proper macro shots of the 2 chronographs side by side (I will do my best - I am quite bad at photography). I love them both!

I am not sure what Mr Jerome Lambert's plans are with MB Villeret - priced more "accessible" to be more popular? lower finishing standards? more production? OR continue as it is now, highly price points/exclusive OR even focus more on bespoke projects for private collectors?? To be honest, it doesn't matter to me anymore. I love MB as a lifestyle luxury brand and more importantly, I love my MB Villeret Chronographe Email Grand Feu as a timepiece.

I am a very happy man today!

cheers

robin wong

This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-07-25 07:18:17

Key Points from the Discussion

The Montblanc Villeret monopusher chronographs, particularly those with black enamel dials, are highly tempting to collectors, with their movements often preferred over contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph movements like the 5170.
The black grand feu enamel dial is a significant draw, offering a unique depth and gleam that smartphone photography struggles to capture, making it a highly desirable feature for collectors.
The Montblanc Villeret manufacture's commitment to servicing a watch completely before sale, even for a pre-owned piece, assures buyers of the movement's pristine condition.
The Chronographe Email Grand Feu, launched for Minerva's 150th anniversary, is a limited edition, with specific numbers allocated to black and white enamel dials, adding to its exclusivity and collector appeal.
The Minerva manufacture is described as having a distinct smell of steel and oil, evoking a sense of traditional, manual watchmaking that contrasts with more automated, higher-production facilities.
The Montblanc Villeret pieces are appreciated for their unique design and movement finishing, even if the brand's watchmaking 'equity' is not as established as other haute horology brands.
Comparing the Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Email Grand Feu side-by-side with a Lange Datograph reveals that both are exceptional but distinct 'machines,' each offering a unique horological experience.

The Discussion

patrick_y

Jul 24, 2013

Holy cow. Super acquisition. Love...

Holy cow. Super acquisition. Love the story and congrats. A little speechless right now but super huge congrats.

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Jul 25, 2013

Thank you Patrick!

Many of your thought provoking posts as well as sharing of various MB pieces convinced me just how serious MB is in watch making and gave me confidence in buying a villeret watch. Thank you for these posts and indirectly challenging me not just to look at the young watch brand but look at the timepiece instead. Cheers Robin

patrick_y

Jul 25, 2013

And Congrats To You Robin

For seeing the light. Maybe we'll meet at the Villeret factory someday. But make sure you visit a large factory first! Then, when you visit the factories that are more hands-on, it's all the more special and unique.

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Jul 26, 2013

Good advice Patrick

Ashamed to say.... I have never had the good fortune to visit any manufacture. I only started collecting haute horology pieces in sep 2012 with my VC patrimony. .. then dec 2012 patek annual calendar. .. apr 2013 lange dato... june 2013 breguet marine and now finally mb villeret. .. I am still a newbie in haute horology and have never visited any manufacture... i dont even know how to go about visiting one! But you are absolutely right. It will be more special if I visited a higher production au

patrick_y

Jul 26, 2013

I love the story!

Love the story about Grand dad's soy sauce factory. As for the factory tour, it'll happen.

amanico

Jul 24, 2013

Sincere congratulations, Robin.

These monopusher Chronos are highly tempting, Robin. Ok, I am a tad biased, as I am a big fan of fine monopusher Chronographs, I admit it. And Montblanc offers tempted me more than once: The P 10 PPRO Anniversary, or the regular versions, white or black dials, without forgetting these gorgeous vintage Minerva chronographs, are Under my scope. The movement is pure candy for the eyes, I much orefer it to the current Patek Chrono movement of the 5170, for example. Your specimen is original, and ver

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