Montblanc

My Montblanc journey also began some way before setting out. It began with an innocent question here some two and a half years ago – and look where that got me. A new hobby, a newfound fascination with all things horological, a still relatively understanding wife and a thinner wallet. And many, many new friends, quite some of which I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know live, as well as during countless conversations on PuristSPro. 

I suppose the final MB ‘bite’ has been administered – how else could it be – by our Lord Vlad in Paris, with the Montblanc Villeret 1858 Tachymeter.

But there is not a single Vlad around, nor is there a single supremely appealing watch in the long Montblanc / Minerva history to haunt one. Speedie74 shoulders part of the blame with his fine collection of Minervas. 

And of course Robin, by getting me my first live exposure to the fascinating world of Montblanc horology, with his killer Villeret Chronograph Grand Feu Enamel, while playing the impeccable host to me in Singapore. To which an iPhone in my hands simply cannot do justice.

There were other moments, like the first opportunity accorded to me to judge the weekly Wristscan, which ended with deBalzac and his Minerva Pythagore as a winner. So I guess the signs have been there. And an accidental discovery of an old post by Magnus showed me that there is some written material on the subject matter that can give me a booster – in the form of ‘Writing Time’ by Gisbert Brunner.

'We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.'
―  Henry Ward Beecher

I am very excited to be embarking on this journey. To give me a fighting chance at ‘winging’ my way through the initial steps, Melvyn has graciously decided to act as my guide. I may have an idea how to play some roles of a moderator, may be confident playing the ‘host’. As for the expert, I will need some patience on your part. But I have been preparing.

I have a pen to capture my thoughts…

I am sadly still awaiting ‘Writing Time’, but that too should be with me in the coming days.

And finally, a further aspect that needs to be considered. The privileges of the moderator role are many but inheriting the watch collection of the predecessor is sadly not amongst them (if you are willing to break with tradition Robin, I would be greatly appreciative ). 

In terms of my Montblanc collecting journey I am also just setting out. And the point of departure is 1996 (for my specimen), just before the first watches graced with the Montblanc logo have been put onto the market. That start is with Minerva. 

This will allow me to explore the evolution Montblanc has made since its start in 1997 to the current day, including the Villeret part - a development of Minerva's work. Quite where it will end, we shall see over the coming years together. I am really looking forward to it!

To finish, I would like to return to Kapuściński. Robin may have passed the baton on to me, as Mike did to him some time ago. I am sure and hope their journeys with the brand will continue, though. Robin, in his new role will certainly not be wanting for challenges and excitement. And I am confident that there is no danger of him somehow losing his love of all things horological, or Montblanc. I hope you will still keep us company and post to the extent your busy new schedule will allow. I for one will be very happy for every moment you will spend with us!

And Mike and Robin, without your relentless foundation work my next steps would not be possible. For that I am profoundly grateful. Likewise to the other moderators and the executive team for having created such a wonderful, welcoming and knowledgeable environment here! I hope to be able to add to that tradition in the years to come.