Everyone can use a good reason to brave unpredictable precipitation and the inescapable annoyance of LA traffic in the midst of the busy holiday shopping season.  What better reason is there than to peruse and handle in the flesh, exquisite watches of the highest caliber and finishing.  I wasn’t able to attend Montblanc’s presentation at IGOTT2 earlier this year in Las Vegas.  So when I heard that there was going to be a cocktail event at the boutique in Beverly Hills along with a showing of watches from the Nicolas Rieussec and Villeret collections, I couldn’t pass up the chance this time to view the incredible pieces.  Not to mention that the always eloquent and reverent PuristS founder, Thomas Mao was to be the key note speaker.  Listening to Thomas speak is always a treat since he’s usually jet-setting around the globe and barely touches ground long enough to check in with family, grab a bite at his favorite sushi joint, or recover from a travel related affliction before flying off to his next remote destination. 

The Montblanc staff was extremely welcoming and immediately offered wine, hors-doeurves as well as knowledge and assistance with viewing any of the watches up close.  It was great to see familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a while and hear their opinions about the collections.  I made my way around the boutique, catching glimpses of the guests examining watches and overhearing noteworthy comments being made.  It soon became clear to me that there was a common sentiment shared amongst the guests whether a person was a fan of the collections or not.  Everyone had a noticeable appreciation for the craftsmanship of the watches and the finishing of the movements.  Montblanc’s success in preserving the history, tradition and quality of Minerva’s fine Swiss watchmaking within their watches is undeniable.  It is immediately apparent when one turns over one of their Vintage Villerets or Nicholas Rieussec Chronographs or opens the caseback to the Grande Seconde.  The view through the small circular glass window is simply breathtaking.  Until one has seen it up close and in person, no photographs can really do it justice.

After the crowd settled in, Montblanc’s Beverly Hills Boutique Director, Eric Holtzmann spoke briefly, followed by PuristS founder, Thomas Mao and then finally Montblanc’s Haute Horologerie Specialist, Stefan Burris.  The audience had a chance afterwards to ask questions.  Questions and discussion ranged in topic from oysters and cars to grande sonneries and shaped movements.  As always with PuristS watch events, I walked away feeling like I had learned something enlightening as well as met a few new friendly faces.  The evening concluded with more hands-on time with the watches provided so graciously by the Montblanc staff.  Many thanks to the Montblanc Beverly Hills Boutique for making the evening possible. 

Montblanc boutique, Beverly Hills

Montblanc Sales Manager, Elizabeth Gilroy

Fellow PuristS speaking with Montblanc Haute Horologerie Specialist,Stefan Burris

Montblanc Villeret 1858 Grand Chronograph Email Grand Feu

Montblanc Nicholas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic

Montblanc Sport DLC Chronograph Automatic

Beverly Hills Montblanc Boutique Director, Eric Holtzmann

Haute Horologerie Specialist for Montblanc, Stefan Burris

Montblanc Villeret Vintage Pulsographe - My favorite piece of the evening and Montblanc Grande Seconde Au Centre Retour-a-Zero