IGOTT2 Montblanc presentation with Monique Wyssmuller: Part 1
ED209
One of my favorite events during IGOTT2 was the watchmaker demonstrations and we all had a fun experience on Day 3.
After our lunch break, we returned to the Wynn conference room for the presentation by Montblanc. Our Moderator Dr. Mike Ting joined Montblanc North America President Jan-Patrick Schmitz for the opening session to talk about the history of Montblanc and also about the plans for their watchmaking future.
The second session of the Montblanc presentation was hosted by Dr. Ting along with Florian Broussard from Montblanc Villeret for the worldwide debut of the Montblanc PuristS P10 Vintage Chronograph (I posted the video and pics a few weeks ago, Please click here for the report)
And finally Monique Wyssmuller also from Montblanc Villeret demonstrated traditional watchmaking skills by assembling the hairspring and balance wheel. When the presentation concluded we were all able to get a closeup view of Monique's workbench to inspect the balance wheel, hairsprings, and other tiny intricate pieces that go into the watch.
The pieces that I was very interested in was the balance wheel and screws. Here's a few macro shots from my point and shoot camera which make it look huge:
And a picture with a penny to give you a perspective of the small sizes of the parts:
An assembled hairspring (more on this in part 2) that was done during the presentation:
On the opposite side of the conference room was a display of the current Montblanc collection.
Regards,
ED-209
After our lunch break, we returned to the Wynn conference room for the presentation by Montblanc. Our Moderator Dr. Mike Ting joined Montblanc North America President Jan-Patrick Schmitz for the opening session to talk about the history of Montblanc and also about the plans for their watchmaking future.
The second session of the Montblanc presentation was hosted by Dr. Ting along with Florian Broussard from Montblanc Villeret for the worldwide debut of the Montblanc PuristS P10 Vintage Chronograph (I posted the video and pics a few weeks ago, Please click here for the report)
And finally Monique Wyssmuller also from Montblanc Villeret demonstrated traditional watchmaking skills by assembling the hairspring and balance wheel. When the presentation concluded we were all able to get a closeup view of Monique's workbench to inspect the balance wheel, hairsprings, and other tiny intricate pieces that go into the watch.
The pieces that I was very interested in was the balance wheel and screws. Here's a few macro shots from my point and shoot camera which make it look huge:
And a picture with a penny to give you a perspective of the small sizes of the parts:
An assembled hairspring (more on this in part 2) that was done during the presentation:
On the opposite side of the conference room was a display of the current Montblanc collection.
Regards,
ED-209
Comments:
ED209 July 22nd, 2011-18:56
IGOTT2 Montblanc presentation part 2 Now here comes the fun part where we were all allowed to try our hands at being watchmakers. Monique Wyssmuller first starts out with a demonstration on how to assemble the hairspring into the balance wheel. The sequence and direction were critical to suc...
ED209 July 22nd, 2011-19:01
IGOTT2 Montblanc presentation part 3 So how did he do? No DRMW, it's the OTHER WAY LOL We all had a good laugh and even let DRMW try it again. After two attempts we had to let someone else try. Our fellow moderator Daos stepped up to the plate and also tried her hand at inserting the hairspring. Regards, ED-2...
DRMW July 22nd, 2011-23:33
it was a awesome experience! One of the highlights of the event was this hands on portion by Montblanc. It was truly amazing to see the specialized skilled hands of Monique Wyssmuller in action and Florian was such a gracious host during the presentation. You could tell how much pass...
ED209 July 23rd, 2011-12:30
You did well I agree with your comments DRMW. Thanks for checking out this report. Regards, ED-209
ED209 July 22nd, 2011-19:07
IGOTT2 Montblanc presentation part 4: My turn! So my turn to try being a watchmaker. Instead of the hairspring, I worked on the balance wheel and screws. This also was very difficult due to the small parts. I almost couldn't see the screws and on my first attempt I forgot to insert the washers first. ...
Davo July 23rd, 2011-10:24
Well done, Ed Great post! You did all right, mate. Thanks for posting.
ED209 July 23rd, 2011-12:28
Thanks Davo! The balance wheel looked so delicate that I was initially hesitant to pick it up when I was attempting to turn the screws. But the patience and encouragement from Florian and Monique helped tremendously in completing the task. It was a lot of fun! And tha...
playtime July 23rd, 2011-17:16
I don't think i could even hold the tools! No message body
ED209 July 23rd, 2011-23:53
I thought so too But with the patience and encouragement from Florian and Monique it made it a lot of fun. Which of the Montblanc pieces do you like most? Regards, ED-209
patrick_y July 25th, 2011-19:26
Very impressive... Good job! I can't imagine trying to screw on the balance wheel screws without slipping on the screwdriver. I guess I can't quit my day job.
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AndrewD
IGOTT2 Moments – Montblanc
AndrewD
Nestled comfortably amongst the Independent watchmakers’ presentations on Day 3 of IGOTT was Montblanc. While Montblanc may be relatively new to high-end watchmaking, they are carefully nurturing the original Minerva Manufacture and the skills contained within. Jan-Patrick Schmitz, President of Montblanc North America, reminded the audience that Montblanc had been in business for more than a century (the company was founded in 1908), and it most definitely plans to be making watches in another 100 years. So now is the time to get the heirlooms for future generations! Mike, introducing the Montblanc staff ...
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