Montblanc

Notice a big difference?

 

 Before

 

After

 

Before

 

 Photo credit: Richard Paige

 

After

I thought I would just show a few pictures before Don's next installment reviewing the dramatic changes in fine finishing from the "Minerva of old" to Montblanc's Villeret Collection using the the new Minerva movements.  Definately a lot more detailed work and good old elbow grease.

Enjoy, Mike

 

and I love the trademark arrow tip too

One thing about the Montblanc Villeret 1858 Monopusher whichwe performed an on-the-wrist review that I didn't like was the solid hunter caseback.  The hunter lid detracted from my ability to fully enjoy the finishing of the movement because it limited the angles of how I could view the movement because the lid would block the lighting.

Does anyone know if the caseback hunter lid has any historic relation with Minerva?  If it doesn't, then I hope Montblanc considers removing the hunterlid caseback sometime in the future because it sort of ruins the experience of appreciating the immaculate finishing IMO.

Cheers,
Anthony 

the subtle details are often overlooked : polishing of the countersink, the perlage underneath the  balance wheel,  the edges of the screw heads are anglaged by hand, even the collar of the anti-shock device over the balance wheel jewel is polished!

   I also enjoy the contrast between the different types of finish: the cotes de Geneve, the Cotes soleil with the "frosted" like finish on the crown and barrel wheels, and the polished effect of the anglaged surfaces of the bridges and levers.

I'll ask about the hinge back.  Perhaps it pays tribute to their past with pocketwatches.  Maybe it is just a small hint that the beauty of the movement should only be observed by the owner of the watch and not shared via photographs on the internet   (although your pics are darn good) !

 

Best, Mike

and great Movement/Finish of course.!

  Tony

thanks for sharing

I especially love the movement in the 1858 monopusher.  I can't wait for Don's report now! 

Cheers,
Daos

always pointing in the same direction? It appears they have all been made with great symmetry, stunning beveling of the edges and finishing touches. Is there a historical significance?

among other things Goddess of War and one of the Minerva Watch logos was an arrow head.

Don

 

If I am not mistaken the first (old) calibre (before picture) is a Minerva calibre 13-20 and the (new) caliber (after picture)  is of the 47 mm monopusher.

Below is picture of my watch, one of the latest worked-up Minervas, just before it was sold to Montblanc, with same caliber 13-20

 

 

That is a wonderful chronograph and piece of history.

How long have you owned this watch.  Is the chronograph smooth?

 

Best, Mike

I am wearing the watch while I am writing this message new. I have the watch now for 1.5 years and bought it on a local watch market. (Yes you stil can find treasures if you look for it). The chrono function is amazing. When I bought the watch, this was the frist thing I noticed a butter soft operating of the chrono. Note also the with this watch, you do not pull the crow. Actually there is a cap covering the crown which has to be pulled.

I realized that I have already this picture a few times, let see if I have a few new ones:

This message has been edited by bon092 on 2009-06-03 09:34:19

Thanks for sharing!  

Until I see your beautiful Minerva watch here!
The agony of trying to say I have completed my collection.... when a watch I adore is still not in my watch box...

I envy you! great watch you have and very nice photos! Thanks for sharing

Cheers
Robin Wong

How could I miss this one!

That makes me want to tey y luck with this old Minerva Monopusher I saw in a friend's collection...

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-06-07 22:45:17

When reading this old post I realized that I have this watch already for 5 years. I do not wear the whatch that frequently, while I treasure it more now. One year ago I lost one of the pusher buttons and I had to turn in to the AD for repair. This resulted in a complete overhaul of the watch. This was very expensive, so I am more careful with the watch. The watch is still in an as new condition and is one of my favorites still.

Regards Wim

It's a good thing to have a consistent favorite five years later!