Montblanc 2014 Novelties - Press show in Tokyo!
KIH
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the press show of the Montblanc 2014 Novelties at its Ginza Boutique the other day. One of the master watchmakers at its Velleret manufactory was present, demonstrating the fine adjustment of the hair spring with her own tool for 50 years (!). It was great seeing such "attention to detail" demonstration and novelties at the same time.
1. Demonstration by Ms. Monique Wyssmuller - Master Adjuster.
She was showing how to adjust hairspring's (and thus the balance wheel's) behavior. Here, she is putting the "center" into the hairspring.
Done.
Using the "tool" - this is like the standard timing system - by pinching the part of the hairspring, she finds the "right" length of the hairspring with which the balance wheel "syncs" with the tool.
She has been using this tool for 50 years! Hats-off!
Her other tools.
2. Meisterstruck Heritage Collection
- Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph LE of 90 (in red gold only)
Caliber 13.21 - remember 13.20 (born in 1923)?
Unmistakably beautiful Minerva Chrono movement.
The profile looks the mix of recent JLC and Lange
Very, very nice on the wrist - not-too-loud roman index on 12 and 6, blue hands for Chrono.... Really, really tempting!
41mm case.
Video:
- Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar in SS (red gold version is available)
39mm case
- Meisterstuck Heritage Moonphase
39mm case
- Meisterstuck Heritage Date Automatic
Both 39mm and 41mm cases available.
- Meisterstuck Heritage Automatic
41mm case
- Hommage to Nicolas Rieussec LE of 565
43mm case
See the arabic numeral luminova?
- Timewalker Chronograph 100
45.60mm case
The dial design concept looks similar to Mr. Gomila's Timewalker II in 2012 (read: montblanc.watchprosite.com )
Still prototype.... so, can't show you the back side.
- They use tons of light materials such as titanium and carbon.
- and the pusher is on the 12h.
- despite the big size, the color balance is good on the wrist.
- Another special mention...
Pay attention to the new material for the strap.
Rubber strap, with the leather surface - actually same material as the one used in Montblanc's bags - waterproof, AND fireproof.
You see the leather part stitched in on the lug side of the strap.
The case is ss with PVD.
- Now the heavy hitter - Villeret 1858 Grand Chronograph Regulator (GMT) (announced at SIHH 2012)
Beautiful movement under the "lid".....
Although a bit big on my wrist, the attractiveness doesn't change.... Wow.....
See the power reserve meter (part of the largest circle on the dial, the bottom on with guilloche pattern) - there is red hand, which starts separating from the silver hands when the power reserve becomes less than 12 hours (thus, the meter becomes red, too).
Video:
===================
Great line-up from the new management - especially I like the Heritage Pulsograph, so nice looking, so nice movement, so reasonably priced. Well done, Montblanc.
Special thanks goes to:
Mr. Jorge Puentes, CEO, Montblanc Japan
Mr. Shingo Hisai, Communication Manager, Montblanc Japan
Mr. Martin Gordia, Marketing Director, Montblanc Japan
Thank you! Would love to keep following up with you.
Thanks for reading.
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-03-30 05:26:35 This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-04-01 20:20:58
1. Demonstration by Ms. Monique Wyssmuller - Master Adjuster.
She was showing how to adjust hairspring's (and thus the balance wheel's) behavior. Here, she is putting the "center" into the hairspring.
Done.
Using the "tool" - this is like the standard timing system - by pinching the part of the hairspring, she finds the "right" length of the hairspring with which the balance wheel "syncs" with the tool.
She has been using this tool for 50 years! Hats-off!
Her other tools.
2. Meisterstruck Heritage Collection
- Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph LE of 90 (in red gold only)
Caliber 13.21 - remember 13.20 (born in 1923)?
Unmistakably beautiful Minerva Chrono movement.
The profile looks the mix of recent JLC and Lange
Very, very nice on the wrist - not-too-loud roman index on 12 and 6, blue hands for Chrono.... Really, really tempting!
41mm case.
Video:
- Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar in SS (red gold version is available)
39mm case
- Meisterstuck Heritage Moonphase
39mm case
- Meisterstuck Heritage Date Automatic
Both 39mm and 41mm cases available.
- Meisterstuck Heritage Automatic
41mm case
- Hommage to Nicolas Rieussec LE of 565
43mm case
See the arabic numeral luminova?
- Timewalker Chronograph 100
45.60mm case
The dial design concept looks similar to Mr. Gomila's Timewalker II in 2012 (read: montblanc.watchprosite.com )
Still prototype.... so, can't show you the back side.
- They use tons of light materials such as titanium and carbon.
- and the pusher is on the 12h.
- despite the big size, the color balance is good on the wrist.
- Another special mention...
Pay attention to the new material for the strap.
Rubber strap, with the leather surface - actually same material as the one used in Montblanc's bags - waterproof, AND fireproof.
You see the leather part stitched in on the lug side of the strap.
The case is ss with PVD.
- Now the heavy hitter - Villeret 1858 Grand Chronograph Regulator (GMT) (announced at SIHH 2012)
Beautiful movement under the "lid".....
Although a bit big on my wrist, the attractiveness doesn't change.... Wow.....
See the power reserve meter (part of the largest circle on the dial, the bottom on with guilloche pattern) - there is red hand, which starts separating from the silver hands when the power reserve becomes less than 12 hours (thus, the meter becomes red, too).
Video:
===================
Great line-up from the new management - especially I like the Heritage Pulsograph, so nice looking, so nice movement, so reasonably priced. Well done, Montblanc.
Special thanks goes to:
Mr. Jorge Puentes, CEO, Montblanc Japan
Mr. Shingo Hisai, Communication Manager, Montblanc Japan
Mr. Martin Gordia, Marketing Director, Montblanc Japan
Thank you! Would love to keep following up with you.
Thanks for reading.
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-03-30 05:26:35 This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-04-01 20:20:58
Comments:
jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) April 2nd, 2014-04:33
Fantastic report Ken! Thank you for sharing with us. Monique is such a lovely lady. I have not met her yet but have heard alot about her. Her skills are so rare today! The Meisterstuck Heritage series is really growing on me. I love their simplicity and classic looks. The perp...
KIH April 5th, 2014-05:21
Yes, I wish I had taped how she adusted the hairspring... .... and yes, I still cannot shake Pulsograph from my head! Ken
foversta April 2nd, 2014-14:27
Thanks a lot for the great report Ken! The Heritage Chronograph is a beauty... Fx
KIH April 5th, 2014-05:22
Can't agree more... ... and that IS a bargain compared to you know what..... Ken
mkt33 April 4th, 2014-05:50
That Heritage Pulsograph looks great on your wrist Ken I saw it yesterday in NYC... There were so many people crowded around it that it was almost impossible to get a hold of. The 90 pieces will be gone, no doubt. Best, MIke
KIH April 5th, 2014-05:23
Yes, 90 is too few..... duh! ... wonder whether one of my watch friends will be the lucky one.... Ken
patrick_y April 5th, 2014-04:10
Thanks Ken! Wow, they really brought everything. Thank you for this important report. What was your favorite piece? I still find the fireproof strap a funny feature with little benefit.
KIH April 5th, 2014-05:25
No coubt, it's Pulsograph.... ... what a beauty - top level chrono I attest. Fireproof strap :-) I believe it should be accompanied with the same material bag and then it would really "shine"! Ken
amanico April 5th, 2014-05:26
The Heritage Chronograph is a clear winner, as well as the Rieussec. Which are my two favourite Montblanc novelties, this year. They both share the DNA of the brand. They have two strong pièces, at Montblanc, with these 2 watches. Best, Nicolas
KIH April 5th, 2014-06:52
Completely agree.... ... MB is really going strong this year! Ken
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