Montblanc

Since posting the macro pictures a few days ago, I've received a few emails from new posters asking about the quality of the finish.

This is an extremely difficult question to answer because for many enthusiasts, finish is EVERYTHING. 

I can't count the number of times I've heard the phrase: "The finishing is not good, so I didn't buy it". 

Then there are the numerous times that I've heard:  "The finish isn't as good as Lange's (freely insert any brand here), so I didn't buy it".

So I always ask... What about the rest of the watch's merits? 

 --Like a hand poised balance wheel

--Like the custom main spring utilizing a proprietary metal which is hand wound and mated

--How every pallet jewel is hand adjusted to perfect its interaction with the teeth of the escape wheel

--The Mise en fonction process as a method of quality control for each chronograph

There are many other fine points which highlight the Villeret 1858 collection but these points are usually not emphasized and can only be appreciated when discussed in a forum or shown in real life.  I cannot demonstrate these points in pictures unfortunately.

But how do I answer the question:  " How good is the Villeret collection's finishing?" without being biased, without over emphasizing its importance?  I think the most effective way is to list some of  the basic aesthetic finishing rules at the Minerva manufacture. This way enthusiasts have a standard method of evaluating and making comparisons themselves.

-- All screw holes have polished counter sinks

--Screws are faceted and polished

--All the wheels are gold plated, finished with circular graining, spokes are faceted

--Steel pinions have polished end faces

--Wheel hubs are mirror polished

--All plates have 45 degree anglage, the width of the bevel must be constant along the length or circumference or the respective component.These are mirror polished as well

--All flat surfaces, visible and NOT visible, are finished with either Cotes de Geneve or Perlage…even the inside of the spring barrel

I've highlighted some of these points on the macro shots below

In the end really what matters is the beauty of the movement itself, of which finishing is a component, and we all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So which one is more beautiful
 

This?

or this?

(Picture by Steve G)

I hope you can see why I don't personally use finishing as the sole purchasing criteria...it just too hard to pick!

Carry your loupe and visit the nearest MB boutique which showcases the Villeret Collection.  Spend a few quiet moments in the VIP lounge to inspect the watch.  I think this act alone, more than any words I can ever write or photos I can ever show, will settle any enthusiast's doubts about the quality of the finish.

Best, Mike

 

 

I, like many other PuristS members, pay a great amount to the quality of finishing. Perhaps my largest pet-peeve of finishing is the polishing of the bevelled edge and chamfering.

The Montblanc Villeret pieces I've inspected (I've inspected virtually the entire collection) all feature exquisite finishing.

The finishing on these pieces is so exquisite and so complete, that it really has to be seen to be believed. In fact, if I were to compare a Montblanc Villeret with say, a Patek Philippe 5959 (I like the single button chronographs from Villeret and Patek), there are even some parts of the Montblanc Villeret that have a finishing that exceeds those specific parts on the Patek Philippe 5959. For instance, the tall bevelled headed screws on the Montblanc Villeret collection are extensively polished. To be absolutely fair, the column wheel on the Patek Philippe 5959 is completely polished both on the screw and on the cap; and therefore very beautiful. However, you don't see the slotted column wheel itself, since it is completely covered with a cap.

Overall, I think the Montblanc Villeret collection is tremendously beautiful. And TRULY, UNEQUIVOCALLY, and ABSOLUTELY comparable to some of the best manufactures out there in terms of quality finishing. Absolutely on the same level as A. Lange & Sohne and Patek Philippe. The finishing on the Villeret pieces even rival that from the famous small independents!

There are some watches where I can just stare at the back for many minutes and admire the finishing of the movement. The Montblanc Villeret collection is no exception and one to stare at for much time. However, since they are so rare, they will only be seen by a very privileged few. How many people in the world have heard the chiming of a minute repeater? Even fewer have seen the backs of a Montblanc Villeret.

The finish of the teeth, pinion, and leaves... all points of contact where excess friction and stresses can occurr.

The skeletonizing of the wheels to reduce mass and the energy needed to move them. The spokes of these wheels are also beveled and finished.

The tactile sensation of the chronograph's acuators is a subtle key to the finesse of the Villeret collection.

Yes,  the finish is comparable in the most general sense to the best brands/smallest independants.  The only catch is that the production capability of Villeret is only about 200-300 pieces per year right now.  This allows for tight quality control.  I don't know if they could replicate this on a larger scale...this is one area where I admire the larger brands.  Time will tell!

Thanks Patrick and Merry Christmas

Mike

 

Below are some macros pics I took of from the Villeret 1858 Grand Authentique I reviewed.  Finishing is spectacular IMO.

Notice the magnification of the pictures and look how flawless the finishing is.

Cheers,
Anthony

I never tire of seeing macros of this movement. Wonderful photography, Anthony! If you ever leave your day job...

m

No message body

No message body

. . . or Vermeer?

Different, yes. Exquisite, both. And yes, I'm speaking metaphorically . . . again. Cordially, Art

Both the Lange and MB you picture are beautifully finished and lovely.  I don't think finishing is the be all, end all of a watch, but I certainly believe that the Villeret Collection is very highly finished and charmingly decorated.  I would be proud to wear a Seconde au Centre Retour-à-Zéro, that's for sure!  I was very impressed when I saw pieces from the Villeret Collection in person at my local boutique.

Cheers,

Daos

Daos brings up a very important point. I think we watch-lovers are sometimes so enamored about the finishing that we forget to consider additional aspects. For instance, the overall elegance of a watch is dictated by its size and use of materials. For instance, I can have a watch that is finished extremely beautifully but if it's the size of hockey puck, it's not going to be worn often.

Say for instance, the Lange Double Split, which is a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS watch. With beautiful finishing. However, it's a bit big, it's very thick, and it is quite heavy. Overall, it's not very wearable; it's not a watch you'd wear often, only for special occasions. But it's got beautiful finishing. We can't just judge on the finishing, we need to make sure the watches are equivalent based on other terms.

Personally, I like reasonably complicated watches that remain relatively thin and still have excellent finishing. The new F.P. Journe minute repeater is a tremendous accomplishment!

Finishing isn't the most important thing, the Montblanc Villeret watches is not only very highly finished, but is a reasonably technically sophisticated watch that isn't overly thick, and reasonably complicated.

I'd say, some of the best chronographs on the market right now are; Montblanc Villeret's Grande Chronograph (nice movement, German Silver), A. Lange & Sohne's Datograph (German Silver, German Movement, German Design), JLC Duometre (very special movement design), and maybe the F.P. Journe Centigraphe (solid gold movement, I haven't played with this one extensively enough). Out of these, which one is your favorite? Which one has the things you value? The best may be different for different people. These are also probably all in the same league and comparable.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 

Cheers,

Daos

I  have certainly taking a liking to the montblancs but I have to say with those two movement pics the Lange gets my heart racing. Its the colors, the contrast of shades and finishes. I respect the heck out of the montblanc and would be proud to own it but wow on that Lange

...are gorgeous!  I too enjoy the contrast and colors found in their movements.  I have macros of them hanging in my office. 

Cheers,

Daos

Since we interact with all of our chronographs primarily by touch, this should be the ultimate criteria.

Yes the Lange with the blued screws has more visual contrast, some like the longer flowing levers found on the Montblanc.

Ultimately it is the feel of the actions on the pushers which makes me buy a chronograph or not.

Everyone has their own personal preference on how these actions should feel.

Between the Lange and Montblanc there is a very clear difference as well.  You can tell these apart with your eyes closed (at least on the two pairs I've compared side by side)

Thanks for posting!

 

Mike

here is my personal onservation.

Last month, a few watch nuts and I were invited by Mr. Gan (General Manager of MB in Malaysia) to MB boutique to view some Villeret collections in VIP lounge (even though  none of us is qualified to be regarded as VIP - now you know how nice is Mr. Gan).  Except for the price, nobody has any negative comment on the Villeret collections.  After a few rounds of champagne and light refreshment, we discovered a scratch on the tip of the chrono level on one of the watches.  We subsequently realised that it was caused by the friction between the level and one of the wheels (if I remember correctly, it is chrono wheel) when the chrono mechanism was engaged and disengaged.  This was pointed out to Mr. Gan.

I want to believe that this is an isolated case of Villeret collections.  Having said that, with that price point, MB should be extra more careful.

I like both watches that you posted.

Regards

Ling

since it requires these areas to be inspected time and time again under the loupe. 

But for the price MB is asking everyone should inspect the watches very, very closely....

catching the isolated blemish I think will be rare, I believe the inspection will cause folks to appreciate their watches even more!

I heard about the viewing...it sounds like it was a good, fun, and knowledgable group.

I think the pricing level will remain steady.  I too was skeptical about the entry point but I've been pleasantly surprised by the sucess Montblanc is having at such an early stage.  It will turn some enthusiasts away from the Villeret collection, for others it will motivate them to save more.

In the end if the Villeret collection can hold its own on the secondary market, that will be the true judge of whether or not MB priced things right for their elite collectors.

Happy Holidays,  As always thanks for your thoughts,

Mike

 

The finishing is excellent for villeret collection. But if you place the display caseback side by side with the Lange that you posted. The Lange stood out in term of design. The Lange regulator design/base plate and the use of colourful jewel is just mind blowing. But that may come with a different tag attached to the watch.

But the lower end watch that mont blanc has to offer is stunning as well in term case design and build/finishing. Just my 2$ here. Below is what i got for my wife a few years back. I simply love it . Cheers.

beautiful