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Montblanc

I don't believe its chronometer-rated

 

There is no mention in the official literature of a chronometer rating for any of the new Chronometrie Collection.  Its a matter of semantics, chronometry vs chronometer, with the former referring to "the science of the precise measurement of time" according to the Societe Suisse de Chronometrie, while the latter is a trademarked performance standard of Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres.


I believe their philosophy was expressed by Monsieur Cabiddu when we visited the Villeret atiliers in 2013 and I asked why no chronometers.  He replied through an interpreter that the movements were inherently superb timekeepers and it would be redundant to target the minimum COSC standards.  This is why each Villeret watch at that time came with its own internal timing certificate.  I absolutely agree with that point, however, there are traditional Observatory trials available, in particular the Concours International de Chronometrie, and a good placing there can only enhance their chronometric credentials.

Excellent write-up, by the way, Robin.  I'm looking forward to your next installment.  Further to this discussion, can you tell us if the 500 Hours QC program (80 hours of timing observations) are applied to the Chronometrie Collection, or something else?  Is there a timing certificate and, if so, what does it look like?  Thanks in advance smile

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The Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Collection Part 1

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 26th, 2015-04:36
Since 2014, Montblanc adopted a new slogan and philosophy “Sharing the Passion for Fine Watchmaking”. With that came a few key changes from my observation. Firstly, Montblanc went back to the classics and produced a successful new line called the Heritage...  

A question about Montblanc chronometry

 
By: MTF : June 26th, 2015-06:32
Robin, Thanks for the report about Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Collection. In fact, it looks like more parts in a series are planned. I have a question about the Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim. How do they ascertain its chronometry if there is no se... 

I don't believe its chronometer-rated

 
By: Tick Talk : June 26th, 2015-23:12
There is no mention in the official literature of a chronometer rating for any of the new Chronometrie Collection. Its a matter of semantics, chronometry vs chronometer, with the former referring to "the science of the precise measurement of time" accordi... 

Thanks Dean for sharing your insights

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 27th, 2015-20:49
Always a pleasure to meet Mr Cabbidu and learn from the master! Yes there are 5 Tests for the 500 hour Montblanc Laboratory test and all models of the Heritage Chronometrie collection will go thru these tests. One of them is indeed the 80 hour continuous ... 

Accuracy testing

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 27th, 2015-20:45
For the entire Heritage Chronometrie line is done as part of the 500 hours Montblanc Laboratory test. More details in Part 2 of my post Cheers Robin

Still a technical challenge without a seconds hand

 
By: MTF : June 28th, 2015-00:35
We await part 2 of your report. Still, it is a technical challenge to test chronometry over a 24 hours epoch if there is no seconds hand...? Acoustic sensors just calculate extrapolated timing parameters based on pallet fork oscillation tic tacs over a fe... 

I see MTF

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 28th, 2015-03:32
Yes it\'s only using acoustic testing. I will give more details based on what I know on part 2. If you have more questions let me know and I can check with Montblanc for more details Cheers robin

Great report, Robin! :)

 
By: blomman Mr Blue : June 28th, 2015-04:02
Love the old document and the comparison! :) As for the watch, very nice and clean! Good size, not over exaggerated. One to be seen in real, my friend. Best Blomman

Thanks Blomman :)

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 28th, 2015-16:30
The old documents are charming yeah? I hope to see some of them one day when I visit Villeret Cheers Robin

Very interesting post. One question: How the Ultra Thin Chronometer can be a Chronometer,

 
By: amanico : June 28th, 2015-12:35
Since it doesn't have a second hand? Very nice Watch, but this question bothers me a bit... Best, Nicolas

The series name is Heritage Chronometrie

 
By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 28th, 2015-16:29
With inspirations drawn from Minerva\'s pursuit of precision But Montblanc didn\'t say any of these models under this new line is a certified chronometer, inc the new Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim. They do go thru the 500 hour tests which I will detail...