Tick Talk
[Moderator Emeritus]
2357
A valuable discussion Mike
Not to worry, I put myself "on the spot" enough...Yes, I won a contest and a trip to MB Villeret courtesy of the Manufacture. I do not feel any obligation after the trip report, so my words are my own just to be clear. I like their cheeky independence and adherence to old world craftsmanship. Only time will tell if Corporate MB changes their current vision and labor-intensive practices inherited from Minerva for less soulful practicalities. If that happens, I will not be interested in the marque any longer. And FWIW, I do not subscribe to your assertion that the customer is always right. For the artist, this is not the case. If enough patrons agree with the artist's vision, they will purchase and the artist survives; perhaps even does well. That isn't pure capitalism, but it works for things of intrinsic value. Perhaps this is simply a left vs right brain argument; as art is subjective while "perfection" as you've described it is a measurable, tangible quality.
Regarding chronometry, I have seen their in-house timing certificates and was surprised at how close their procedure was to traditional Observatory tests. This is why I brought up the question with Mr. Cabiddu and agree that they are missing an opportunity to demonstrate their timekeeping excellence by not considering 3rd party, even competitive, testing. While standard COSC is unsuitable and the COSC-sponsored Concours International de Chronometrie seems to have been stillborn , the nearby Neuchatel Observatory would be an outstanding partner as Besancon and Glashutte have already demonstrated.
Montblanc Memories
This June, my wife and I were guests of the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. This dream trip was the result of my good fortune in winning the Purists TimeWriter II Chronographe Bi-Fréquence 1000 contest last November. I’ve already posted a few photos of...
Great post...
Hello tick-talk Really enjoyed seeing the workshops. Thanks for sharing your visit. Kind Regards Anthony
Great report and looks like a fabulous trip
If price were no issue, which Villeret piece would you want to own and have on your wrist? :) Cheers, Anthony
Size is an issue for me Anthony
I noticed Mr. Cabiddu was wearing a 40mm "small" model and I would also seek this, being of similar build. The black dial Monopusher Chronographe is stunning and I feel drawn to it most.
Excellent report!
What a pleasure to (re)discover the links between the Past and the Present, the richness of the Minerva collection. Did you happen to see Florian's Chronograph? Since I saw it, I had and still have no rest before i find one! ;) Superb place, too. Thank yo...
Nicholas, that hairy wrist is Florian's
the one without a watch! Sorry to say that I don't know what his timepiece is. Florian, if you are lurking please post a picture ;-)
A superb oversized Vintage Chronograph with an officer case back.
Is my memory correct, Florian? ;) All the best to both of you. Nicolas 5 who met you in Vegas, Florian. )
Great report
and brings back great memories as was there a few months ago with MB and staying at the Palafitte. Looking forward to the next installment! Cheers Andrew
My memory is
that I didn't win that contest :( :) Beautiful report Thank you very much for sharing great days with Montblanc you had Sincerely Damjan
They were very interesting in knowing
how difficult I found the contest and seemed relieved when I confessed to spending a couple of days researching before attempting the answers.
Splendid Mr Tick-Talk, absolutely splendid report and pics....
and you are definitely an extremely good diplomat, at least from my view point. You can instill in me the want, to at least consider Montblanc as a watchmaker. The fact that Montblanc retained, not only the Minerva history "name" and legacy but moreover i...
The highest accolade Francois
is that my brief visit as a humble but appreciative watch aficionado would inspire you as it did me. I am, and will continue to be, skeptical of those who seek to purchase their history rather than earn it. In this respect, I think that Montblanc's roots ...
What a trip!
Thank you for sharing your experience in Switzerland! I have stayed at the Palafitte as well: such a beautiful hotel that I would love to visit again. I am impressed by what Montblanc is doing with their Villeret collection, and it seems like there is a l...
The long walk back to Geneva
Bill, it was a spiritual journey to walk the long-abandoned carriage lanes from the repassaients along the Jura to the etablisseurs of Geneva. We would spot the large stone 200+ year-old farm houses with their stables on the main floor and a row of window...
What a great trip.
If this is your first time to a watch factory, you may be in for a disappointment upon future visits to other factories. Some other factories are not as incredibly hands on as the Montblanc Minerva Villeret factory. I can't think of any other factory that...
The lady had a good time
Hello Patrick, thanks for inquiring about my wife's impressions. From her smiles, I hope you can tell that she thoroughly enjoyed our watch tour...she does own several wrist watches and even a couple of vintage pendant watches. A WIS in training ;-) And t...
Thanks!
I've never seen that before in any of the watch factories I've visited. Hoping to see it in person someday. Thanks!
More Manufacture Pics
After the very inspiring hike through the Swiss Jura, I'm off to do a little climbing Rocky Mountain style. Before I can leave with a clear conscience, I must share the remaining pictures of the Montblanc Villeret manufacture! Cheers, Abbot Pass Hut await...
Dials dials dials!
Thank you for the pics! Really like the one with the watch dials. That'd be a nice work of art in any collector's home.
Bravo Dean!
Love your photos and report! Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Now you have me thinking about mb villeret again. .... Arghhh! :) Cheers Robin Wong
It's not going to cure itself!
A great watch from an even more impressive factory. But of course, you already knew that!
Thank you, thank you!
It is great to see the human side of the Manufacturers. If it weren't for all those smiling faces, and the willingness of the people that carry them, the industry, and our hobby would be so dull and cold. Your report is wonderful and showcases just how mu...
Thanks for the report however I have one comment/argument for Mr. Cabbidu
I completely respect his achievements and I also admire his answer: “We make watches for humans”, he recalled telling the frustrated client. “Machines can give you perfect angles and finishes, but people give character and nuance to their work. No, it’s n...
I agree with you Mike but....
I agree with you not just for MB villeret but for every single timepiece at those prices regardless of their brands. Somehow I feel I (speaking for myself) tend to be more critical of MB and more easily satisfied with my patek or lange (I am likely a vict...
Hi Robin, yes my comment/argument can be applied to most of the H/H
brands today. But specifically to Montblanc and any new manufacture trying to gain foothold in the Haute Horologerie market the argument should be that much more important. You are more critical of MB and more easily satisfied with your Patek or Lange par...
Are you more critical of Montblanc than you are of Patek because of...?
Are you more critical of Montblanc Villeret watches than that of Patek Philippe for the reasons why mkt33 mentioned (1) Montblanc is less acknowledge and established than Patek Philippe/Lange because they're new versus Patek Philippe who is an incumbent, ...
With all respect Mike,
I think you are misinterpreting his response. Perhaps it was my clumsy attempt to translate the thought? MB Villeret does not promise cosmetic perfection and, although you may infer it a given price, that is your expectation. What they promise is the inve...
Yes, always two sides to every point
I understand. But the old saying in retail is: "the customer is always right" That is why the customer's expectation, no matter how "over the top" is usually respected. Perhaps that is a good interpretation of Villeret...it is the atelier of MB watchmakin...
A valuable discussion Mike
Not to worry, I put myself "on the spot" enough...Yes, I won a contest and a trip to MB Villeret courtesy of the Manufacture. I do not feel any obligation after the trip report, so my words are my own just to be clear. I like their cheeky independence and...
A Fair and Objective Approach...
I agree with you Mike, and you are even more fair and consistent than I am. I personally look at all inconsistencies and defects as "defects." Regardless of whether it comes from a large brand such or a small independent. If it should not be there, then i...
