Sandgroper
3262
Well! First thank you very much Robin for this.....
nice review. Then, you're asking a very tough question. As I have never seen the MB in the flesh, I cannot possibly give an opinion about its Enamel Dial and I understand that a picture can't capture nor give the feeling which one gets when seeing it live. As for the aesthetics of the dial, I prefer the Dato, it is unique with its "off centre" subdials and the big date and in my opinion it works very well. When it comes to the movement, I tend to follow your thoughts, the Dato has a "wow!" effect that no other movement can provide, but this said, the Minerva is splendid as I think the Lemania in the PP, VC, Breguet is. There is much less "wow" but more subtlety, more elegance in my opinion. There are just two different schools, the German and the Swiss, neither is "better or worse" just different and I find myself wondering at the Lemania of my VC more often than at the Dato movement. In this case both movements are at the top of the tops so it is only a matter of taste, is Beethoven better than Mozart?
Two very nice pieces of horology you have here Robin, congratulations.
Cheers
Francois from Down Under
Montblanc Villeret Grand Datograph - I never tire of these 2 titans of Chronographs
I am so happy I have with me my 2 favorite watches today. Both are high end chronographs, beautifully finished, white precious metals, extremely nice pusher feels and black dials. It is always easier to take photos of the Lange Datograph than the Montblan...
Virtuous trophy! LOOOOL!!!...
Good one dear Damjan, lets have a drink to that:) Cheers Francois from Down Under
Only one??!!!
Tssss I know that you guys from down under can do much better than that ;) Sincerely yours D
My friends from down under are the fastest drinkers I know
Even if they do one, it will be a LARGE one like the one on my avatar. You guys are always so funny! I love it! :) Cheers Robin
Then you will have the best of both worlds!
No watch can have the quality of a virtuous trophy. .. cos that will be the Perfect watch. If such a watch exists and we got it, we won't have excuses for the next watch! :) That's why I like it that each watch always has its pros and cons so we can never...
Well! First thank you very much Robin for this.....
nice review. Then, you're asking a very tough question. As I have never seen the MB in the flesh, I cannot possibly give an opinion about its Enamel Dial and I understand that a picture can't capture nor give the feeling which one gets when seeing it live...
Thank you Francois
There are many truths in your point of view. I am glad you enjoyed my post and shared my joy. Thank you my friend Cheers Robin
Both stunning!
And it's great to see you giving MB the credit it deserves! I love the big date and that puts the Lange over the top for me. I would be torn on which I would prefer between the MB and the 1815 chrono though! (
Thanks for your inputs!
I forgot to credit the Dato with its very well designed big date 1815 chrono... a very finely made chrono too. Actually it is under appreciated, like many Montblanc Villerets. I like it alot too. Thanks for reading and your inputs! Cheers Robin
I like both of your wives, Robin.
That's the great thing about watches, you can always be a polyhorologist!
Hahaha! very true
Without getting into troubles with the law or going mental. Glad you dropped by and enjoyed the read. Always enjoy your sense of humor here! Cheers Robin
Obviously biased but I like your virtuous wife
Obviously the Lange came first, but Montblanc stayed on the mind. There are too many trophy wives anyway, very few virtuous ones. I think most men would agree with this :-) Best, Mike
Absolutely Mike
It's very easy to develop a crush for a hot babe like the Lange Datograph. Love fast and furious. The Montblanc Villeret however remains in my mind even after getting the Datograph. I got it 4 months after the Dato. It was like a love I could never forget...
Montblanc wins in my book...
The Lange is truly a formidable opponent. But the Montblanc Villeret is truly the winner here. For more than one reason. Lange advantages: - date Similarities: - Both have slower beats and relatively large balance wheels. - Both are very highly finished. ...
Very well put Patrick
The new Datograph up down and the jubliee Montblanc Villeret chronograph enamels of which mine is one of them (to mark the 150th anniversary for Minerva) are around the same price though (Dato up down a bit more expensive). That's why the new Meisterstuck...
You're welcome!
For the forum's knowledge. I have been to Lange's factory, twice, and many Lange appreciation events. I haven't been to Montblanc's Villeret factory yet. And I've had the pleasure of visiting other factories as well. But from my admittedly rudimentary und...
2 chrono's
Nice pair of chronographs, thanks for sharing your thoughts on your personal experience with these two chronographs. Which one do you find yourself wearing more often? Regards, ED-209
Equal wrist time!
Each gets 1 work day per week in the office. When I travel for work, both have been on biz trips once each with me. Now I got my Montblanc Star Worldtime, that has become my regular biz travel watch (the 2 chronos worry me a bit when I travel). When you h...
What a movement shot!
I learned a trick from you. Turn the Montblanc Villeret case upside down so the hunter case doesnt block the light as much. I will try that next time! :) Cheers Robin
Robin, sorry I got to this post late
All the others have captured my perspective. I really would love to see the MB in person. Owning the Lange, and having several Lemania, the MB to me, from your outstanding write up, is the missing link. First, horology is the only area where you can have ...
Good points Joe
and thank you for your kind comments! Glad you enjoyed the post. You are right - I lack a Lemania movement fine chronograph. An older VC Malte Chrono will be something I like alot. Good idea! As for your collection, not to worry. There are a few beautiful...
I haven't seen that Montblanc till i read this article.
First look will generally choose Datograph as Lange is in a better position in horology but i liked the Montblanc equally as the movement and the dial also affected to own. Best regards, Bülent...
Glad you like the Montblanc Villeret too!
Thank you Bülent for your kind words. I am thankful I have both these finest chronographs indeed. I am happy you like the Montblanc Villeret. It is easier to appreciate the Datograph imho but harder to see the "inner values" of the Montblanc Villeret move...
A tale of two chronographs : Montblanc Villeret and Lange Datograph
Bravo, Robin! Great pics, great commentary comparing your Lange Datograph and Montblanc Villeret chronographs. The sign of a great article is when, regardless whether I agree with all the comments and conclusions or not, I finish reading the article feeli...
Hahaha! Trophy 'wives', virtuous 'wives', a few 'girlfriends' and 'mistresses'...
Only possible when they are watches! :) Very glad you enjoyed reading it. Thank you Thomas for your encouraging words! cheers robin
Villeret vis-a-vis Lange . . .
. . . is kinda like comparing Raphael . . . . . . with Vermeer. There's an element of hyper-realism in Vermeer's work that, on first glance, is so realistic that one's first impression is that of a photograph, not a painting. Same with Lange: the sublimin...
Art ... indeed
I like your comparison too! Reminds me of the Montblanc Villeret Retour a Zero review you did. I love that review. It was one of the reviews that made me fall in love with Montblanc Villerets! Art the Artistic indeed :) Cheers robin
I would add a third one, in this category.
Certainly the most original, from an horological point of view... The JLC Duometre. You've done 2 Third of the trip! ;) Nice article, my friend. Best, Nicolas
I respect the JLC Duometre
You are right Nicolas. The JLC Duometre is also one of the finest modern chronos available today. I really like the movement finishing, layout and innovation. It is unfortunately a bit too big for me when I last tried it. But not too big so... still in my...
Cost Comparison Montblanc Villeret Chronograph vs Lange Datograph
Robin, Thanks for the review. I have Lange Datograph but not the Montblanc Villeret so I am half biased. ;) Seriously, I thought the Montblanc Villeret watches beyond my budget so the Lange Datograph was relatively .....well....cheap! I agree with your ob...
Bang for the buck
Is important indeed when we compare watches (does not apply to choosing wives or husbands though!). :P Hmmm, let me try to analyze: The Montblanc Villeret Chronographs with calibre 13.21 has a few variants. The Rose Gold LE 58 is less expensive than the W...
Of course....
The Datograph!!! But that was a very biased opinion... :) Both are amazing chronographs... I would say for me, the Montblanc Villeret has a better aesthetic, maybe a more contemporary size, while the datograph is a little uneasy and not for everyone.. Lik...
You are biased! :)
I know you are still very happy with your newly purchased Dato :D Rightly so as it has an awesome chrono movement, regarded as the best by many. Next time you visit Singapore, ping me (we are on Whatsapp now) and I can drop by and let you play with my Mon...
I surely am Robin...
You know that very well… Hope to see you on my next trip! Cheers Sam