Montblanc

mkt33
[PuristS]
5252

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A visual comparision with another recent "snail dial" chronograph

I've received a few emails regarding the New Villeret Vintage Chronograph.  Almost every response has been positive so far but a few had mentionned a recent similar release by Breguet.

First to clarify...

Montblanc is not stating that the "snail dial" design originated out of Minerva's workshops.  These dials, as perfectly stated in the press release, could be found on many vintage chronographs.  Minerva was not the only chronograph manufacture to utilize this design.  So it would be incorrect to imply that Montblanc "copied" Breguet's dial since Breguet's dial is also a tribute to this time tested chronograph display.

Here is Montblanc's new Vintage Chronograph.

  The Breguet Ref. 5247 was released at Basel 2008.

You can read about it in our Basel 2008 report by Tim: click here

 While the similarities are  apparent at first glance, you'll see many differences upon a closer inspection.

Size wise the Breguet is 39mm while the Montblanc is a more contemporary 43.5mm.

Both dials are made from Grande Feu enamel.  Besides the snail design itself, there are also the differences in function.  Notice that the Montblanc Vintage chronograph actually has two functions: a telemeter and a tachymeter while the Breguet only has one function.

One aspect of the Breguet dial that I like is the "sunken" display.  We'll have to wait for the real pictures of the Vintage Chronograph to see if the Montblanc version also incorporates this feature.

Picture Credit: AyTy

The most obvious is that the the Montblanc is a monopusher chronograph while Breguet utilizes the tradition two pusher setup.

The Montblanc uses the caliber 16-29.  The balance wheel is large 14.5mm with an oscillation rate of 18,00vph and a 55 hour power reserve.

The Breguet utilizes the Caliber 533.3 which is a modified Lemania design running at 21,600vph with a PR of 48 hours.

Picture credit: Tanakawatch

The other similar characteristic?  Price...there is only a small difference between the two recommended retail price.

If I had to pick, you know which one I would choose

Cheers, Mike