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Tudorctin shares a deeply personal journey of acquiring the Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Grand Feu, a watch that haunted him for years after a missed opportunity. His post not only showcases the watch's exquisite high-end finishings and Minerva heritage but also provides a rare glimpse into the emotional connection collectors form with their timepieces. This article celebrates the enduring allure of a watch from a manufacturer known for its exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship.
I have this Montblanc for 5 months and I love it! I recall in 2011 when I went to buy it I realized the price doubled overnight (why I couldn’t place an advance one week before even today I don’t understand). In that week I read what I could find about it and … My excitement turned suddenly into dismay, I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. This watch haunted me for years. More than two years I had not entered any Montblanc boutique, it was too painful to see “my watch” there. Although I bought other watches in the meantime this watch was still “stuck” in my mind.
But always there is a second chance and I had my lesson learnt. Now it’s on my wrist. I feel complete when I wear it, this watch is like an “extension” of my arm.
It’s a solid watch but because of the curvature of the hunter case it follows smoothly the wrist.
We all know Montblanc Villeret (Minerva) is a very exclusivist watch manufacturer (only 30 complete watches and 150 movements per year).
High-end finishings are amazing…
This is one of the best chronograph movements out there and a very well proportioned design. Now I've seen this one, and Robin's black one, both of which look equally good. Just wondering - I notice a springbar between the strap and the case proper...is there a specific purpose for that? Richard
The purpose of the spring bar is to open the hinged cuvette. All you have to do is to press between the lugs and the release mechanism will be actuated at once. As far as I know it's a Montblanc patent. Robin's watch is calibre 13-21 whilst mine is calibre 16-29. Regards, Constantin
Constantin's is actually the larger grande Chronographe grand feu at 47mm with the larger calibre 16.29. As he mentioned, even though it is 47mm, it fits well on many wrists too due to the curved back and that the gap between the lugs are covered with leather too. The Monopusher is integrated at the crown. Mine is the Chronographe grand feu (not the grande sized) at 41mm with calibre 13.21. A smaller sized version for smaller wrists (ladies can wear too). A similar curved back and leather betwee
Thanks to the experts here like you guys :-) I didn't know that there were two sizes of this very nice looking chronograph, but I agree, 47mm didn't really look like 47mm and is aesthetically good looking. Thanks again for the very clear explanation of the differences. Richard
And see you soon :) Cheers Robin
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