Montblanc

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.

for thought indeed

Good one dear Damjan, lets have a drink to that

Cheers

Francois from Down Under

Tssss I know that you guys from down under can do much better than that

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

Cheers

Francois

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 have the perfect watch and hence continue to add new watches to our conditions... in our "quest for the virtuous trophy"

Good food for thought my friend

Have a gd weekend!

Cheers
Robin

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

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

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! (

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

That's the great thing about watches, you can always be a polyhorologist!

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 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

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 no matter how many trophy watches I get - they can't replace true love.

I realize I needed both!

Cheers
Robin

The Lange is truly a formidable opponent.  

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 Heritage Pulsograph with the same calibre 13.21 is TREMENDOUS value for those who like the minerva calibres. Priced to really reflect Montblanc's aim to share the passion for fine watchmaking.

The power reserve for the Villeret is 50 hours I recall and in reality it is around 50 to 51 hours.
You are right Patrick - the manufacturing process in Villeret which is strictly traditional does make the watch feel more romantic. I could almost smell the oil of the Montblanc Villeret emanufacture when I look at the Minerva movement.

Thanks for your additional inputs Patrick. Very insightful!

Cheers
Robin

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 understanding of watch production, I can really say that Lange is among the top. Lange is fantastically different, and modern. All the equipment is all new.

I really love Lange timepieces. They're expertly made and well designed. So I wanted to make sure you and the audience knew that I'm a big fan of Lange pieces with a fair amount of knowledge of the Lange brand.

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

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 have 2 favorites, you need to be fair to both of them!

Cheers
Robin

Fx

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

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.  

and thank you for your kind comments! Glad you enjoyed the post.