ztirual
1269
Many thanks for your report, Boreale
and for your personal views.
I shared initially the same reservations about Montblanc's credentials in the world of watchmaking. I am glad to say this is no longer the case.
Like you I was drawn to the 'grand feu' vintage chronographs. But now with reflection, I feel the series possesses too much of riches. No complaints what's so ever on the movement and the case, on the contrary. But I find the vintage look of the dial, well... very vintage. I am naturally drawn to vintage chronographs such Longines 13ZN and collecting them satisfies completely all my cravings in that respect. I love the idea of a 'grand feu' but not on a chronograph. Minerva themselves stopped making enameled chronographs by the early 30's, and this for two good reasons: cost and fragility. So an enameled dial on a modern chronograph with a strong retro look is, at least for me, a double contradiction.
Having said that, I saw and tried on my wrist, Montblanc's Tachydate (no enamel dial and less of a retro look) and i was COMPLETELY smitten. I am not a rose gold aficionado, but in this case I completely saw beyond the colour of the metal, and I was mesmerized by the beauty of the dial and especially by the beauty of the movement. I hear it is available in white gold, yet with another hue of dial. I can't wait laying my hands on one of them.
Maybe this is one for you too?
Best regards
Z
Quick AD visit: Vintage Chronos 1858
Hi everyone, I just had recently the opportunity to discover some MB timepieces. To start with, I'd like to say that, as I always knew MB for their "writing instruments", I didn't pay any attention to their new arrival in the watch sector. To me, it was j...
Here is a third one, for your consideration.
The P 10. 43 mm case, but a splendid version. I have to disagree a bit on what you said about the coaxial monopusher, I find it very nicely integrated, and with the enamel dial one of my favourite. The Black monopusher you showed is highly desirable, too....
Yes another version for this P10
I discovered it while searching posts about this watch on the forum. A very nice choice as a P10 watch. I was more willing to look at WG cases but I think I'll go to have a look to the RG/black dial Pulsographe too when I have time. Thanks for your input ...
The black dialed one is very interesting ...
Boréale, Thank you for this great introduction. I know that MB will never accept but this white flower on the pusher should go or to be more subtle. I have watches from several brands and most have the crown signed but subtle. Besides of that, it looks a ...
Something to be seen
Yes Nilo, it's a really stunning movement and I'm sure it would please you as well. Concerning the MB mark I was thinking about the same: I would also have prefered engraved or forged process. Nothing is perfect :p Best, Mark
Great pieces...
Mark, I'm so happy to hear you have tried these on your wrist. These are truly the best watches, in terms of haute horlogerie savoire faire, one can buy from any large brand. I personally would buy a chronograph as well, as this is the most representative...
I see you're as excited as I am
and it is trully a beautiful finish. But I would not compare to Lange yet as I would need more time to (as a Lange as well :p) My favorite as of today would maybe be the RG/black dial Pulsographe (that I still have to see in the flesh) and I agree with yo...
I truly find the Villeret pieces to be exceptional...
And I truly recommend that you compare it to Lange. You will find that it is truly exceptional, even when compared to Lange. Lange employs a lot of very special manufacturing techniques (virtually none of the movement gears are stamped, almost all parts a...
Glad to see . . .
. . . another admirer of Montblanc - Villeret! Welcome to the ranks, Mark. Whenever the subject of movement finishing arises, Villeret belongs at the head of the class, in my humble opinion. There was a rewarding conversation on this topic three years ago...
You emphasized everything right ...
and I believe the ranks will grow but not decrease once your in. There will be new afiscionados and it deserves the best attention as it is of the highest finishing standard. As of today, I know and have seen many watches and hence it's difficult to find ...
Thanks for your thoughts Mark on these Montblanc Villeret pieces
What you write is exactly what Montblanc has been trying to convey for the past several years, so at least we know their message is making its way around. You have an interesting point regarding the crown. At the price point that these Villerets are at, I...
Crown.
Interesting questions you rise here. I guess we can go deeper concerning this element. First, for me, this decoration doesn't really "cheapen" the Villeret collection. The problem is more that I know this brand for their pens and leather goods. That's wha...
After you raised the point about the MB crown inlay on these Villerets, I too would prefer
if they leave it out of the crown. Why? Because I'm not used to see this added decoration on any higher priced watches. I feel it's a distraction and that's why expensive pieces try to keep a "clean" look. So I would recommend to MB to leave out the crown...
Agreed, but I would do the same with the dial, too. Unsigned.
Does Beauty have to be signed? Best, Nicolas
The dial should definitely be signed
That's part of the branding and it needs to stay on when you're trying to build your reputation IMO. Once the Villeret collection is well known amongst the watch collector community and is selling like hot cakes, then MB can make a version without having ...
Actually, it would be an excellent way to distinguish yourself from the rest of the world.
Montblanc, the brand who doesn't need to have his name on hiw watches, because it is obvious... An evidence of strenght and self confidence. Food for thought. Nicolas.
It would be but don't think it's practical for business reasons
Branding is key in the luxury world. You need your logo and name out there, especially at the start, so I don't think an unbranded Villeret piece will happen for a long time. Yes the watch will look more "clean" and I would prefer it as well but it doesn'...
Montblanc needs more recognition and they deserve it, no doubt.
Now, look at this: The dial is not signed JLC, and the watch is hot... Ok, Montblanc is not JLC, yet, and the way is long, but the outcome is really cool. Best, Nicolas ...
An iconic watch!
Icons can indeed do without anything else. Think Reverso and you think JLC and vice versa. Think Montblanc...and think you know what... So I do not think Montblanc are at that stage, yet. Best Z'
There are pros and cons, here...
The dangerous thing, with the example of the brave choice to just put " Reverso " on the dial, is to sum JLC to the Reverso, when this is just a small part of their RICH story. When I think Jlc, I think Memovox, Reverso, Geophysic, Polaris, Futurematic, C...
I see,
In fact it would be smarter to just put JLC, and just that. Back to square one. :-) Best regards- Z'
Many thanks for your report, Boreale
and for your personal views. I shared initially the same reservations about Montblanc's credentials in the world of watchmaking. I am glad to say this is no longer the case. Like you I was drawn to the 'grand feu' vintage chronographs. But now with reflec...
Indeed still things to discover from them.
Thanks for your input Z'. These are elements to consider and, as it is quite new for me, I guess there may be other models to discover. I'll follow your advice and keep looking other versions too. A question about what you said concerning enamel dials: yo...
No real concerns
about the solidity of the grand feu. After all who would go bungee-jumping with a precious gold watch? No, for me the disruption intervenes at an intellectual level. Why make a vintage looking dial ( a late 30's- early 40's type colimacon f. example) with...
I see your point now,
and I fully understand it. You also have a greater vintage knowledge than me on these kind of watches and this also must come into your decision. I must admit that I don't have this background and the more I have, the better. Without contradictions either...