Comments:
Looking at the case design, I find it very consistent with other Montblanc Villeret cases with the hunter case back. It is very similar to my Montblanc Villeret grand feu enamel chronograph's case. Smooth side profile curves, the "onion" crown with the mother of pearl Montblanc emblem, the secret catch to the hunter caseback, the lug designs etc - all very consistent across the Montblanc Collection Villeret range. I hope all Montblanc friends here have a chance to handle such a case in the metal. It's crafted in a very fine and luxurious way that I cannot describe in words (and I hope the pictures help a bit). Opening the hunter case back by "twisting backwards the strap" to activate the hidden hunter back catch is such a joy (and a very personal bonding exercise if you are a Montblanc Villeret owner). Only the owners get to see the movement, otherwise it's hidden (and many won't know this is a hunter back or even if they know - how to open the caseback is another challenge as the catch is hidden). I love these details
Montblanc Villeret ExoTourbillon Chronograph
Montblanc released the new Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph during SIHH 2015. This is another example of the collaboration between the 2 manufactures of Montblanc, the manufactures in Villeret and in LeLocle, something which Montblanc's CEO, Jerome Lambert, started doing since SIHH 2014.
The ExoTourbillon was actually first developed in the Villeret manufacture and now deployed in LeLocle too, in the form of the new Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph. It is the first tourbillon system whereby the balance wheel (I love those very large Montblanc Villeret balance wheels!) is larger than the tourbillon cage and oscillates outside the cage on a higher plane. This patented tourbillon system was first deployed in the Minerva calibre MB M16.60, which powers the Montblanc Villeret ExoTourbillon Chronograph.
I was shopping along Orchard Road in Singapore recently and dropped by the flagship Montblanc Singapore boutique at Mandarin Gallery. This very watch caught my eye and I was very fortunate to be able to see it in the metal! These grand complications from the Villeret range are very rare and I seldom get to see them in Montblanc boutiques (well even "regular" Montblanc Villerets are not easy to spot in their boutiques). Took the chance to snap some pics to share with fellow PuristS here
First impressions of the watch - big, heavy, complex dial, looks and feel very finely crafted. It is a big watch at 47mm and heavy too!
First the dial. First look - hmmm how do I tell the time?? After a few seconds I figured out - it's a regulator watch. The main hand is the minute hand. The sub dial has the hour hand and a second timezone hand. There is also a day/night indicator subdial at 4 o'clock and a seconds sub dial at 9 o'clock. Oh and I almost forgot amongst these "sea of info" - this is a Monopusher chronograph too. I love those Minerva Monopusher chronos! The chrono indicators are at the 3 o'clock sub dial. At the top of the dial is the mighty ExoTourbillon system! Seeing the large balance wheel (14.5mm) oscillate at a leisurely traditional pace of 18,000 vibrations per hour is a therapeutic treat !
Looking at the case design, I find it very consistent with other Montblanc Villeret cases with the hunter case back. It is very similar to my Montblanc Villeret grand feu enamel chronograph's case. Smooth side profile curves, the "onion" crown with the mother of pearl Montblanc emblem, the secret catch to the hunter caseback, the lug designs etc - all very consistent across the Montblanc Collection Villeret range. I hope all Montblanc friends here have a chance to handle such a case in the metal. It's crafted in a very fine and luxurious way that I cannot describe in words (and I hope the pictures help a bit). Opening the hunter case back by "twisting backwards the strap" to activate the hidden hunter back catch is such a joy (and a very personal bonding exercise if you are a Montblanc Villeret owner). Only the owners get to see the movement, otherwise it's hidden (and many won't know this is a hunter back or even if they know - how to open the caseback is another challenge as the catch is hidden). I love these details
The calibre MB M16.60 is a very finely finished large movement. One first looks, it reminds me a bit of the Montblanc Villeret chronograph movement 16.29 with all the sexy chrono lever curves and the Minerva arrow tip found on every Minerva movement. I sometimes wonder why Montblanc would rhodium plate their movement plates which are made of German silver. Leaving it untreated would give a golden patina color which Lange lovers would love (I suspect the JLC duometre movement plates are also made of untreated German silver). I guess Minerva wants to follow the traditional Swiss style of movement designs (understated colors) instead of the more "colorful" Saxon movement design code like in Langes. Anyone who know more here pls share your thoughts.
Finally, even though I know I cannot carry off such a large watch on my tiny wrist, I mustered my courage to try it
My wrist size is only around 6.3 inches and of course, a 47mm watch will look funny on me. I have seen my fellow moderator Horogasm wearing his 47mm Montblanc Villeret grand chronograph and it looks great on him! He has average sized wrists and he could carry such a size well. One of the reason I guess is the curved hunter back and also the leather covering the gap between the lugs. These details help the watch wear smaller optically.
I wish I have a bigger wrist... 
Or if Montblanc makes a smaller cased ExoTourbillon! ))
))I am looking forward to seeing the new Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph when it comes to Singapore! At 44mm I have a low chance but I will still try !
Cheers
Robin
At 44 mm, it would be better, I find. In terms of wearibility and aesthetics, too.
Other than that, I have to spend more time seeing it in the flesh...
Thanks for the write up, Robin.
Best,
Nicolas
Agree Nico
44mm will be better. I'm also looking forward to seeing the new Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph. Want to try it for size!
Cheers
Robin
I must say that the watch which intrigued me the most was their World Time.
Don't worry, I will elaborate on that very soon.
Next week!
Best,
Nicolas
Thank you in advance Nico!
I really look forward ! )
)I like the Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum too!
Cheers
Robin
I think we'll have an interesting and passionate discussion on that one! [nt]
No message body
First signs of Jerome's technical emphasis
First of all, great review and pictures, Robin; many thanks for sharing.
A few comments from my end:
I have been following MB's development of a solid range of timepieces over the last few years - the Villeret ExoTourbillon Chrono certainly exceeds any expectation, at least for this year. While I do try to read and learn more about the brand, I feel that the move of Jerome from leading JLC to now leading MB will certainly 'lift up' MB at least with respect with the technologies developed and applied in their timepieces.
Jerome pushed JLC quite a bit while at their helm, and the Villeret ExoT Chrono from MB is now another clear indication of his 'touch' for a new direction for the brand (without of course omitting or leaving behind other areas/lines of the brand).
My take is that dial-wise the watch remains to be appreciated fully; I believe that for such a wonderful timepiece its strong points shine much after just the acquaintance or purchase opportunity. The sides and back of the case remind me slightly of the curvy concepts by PP, and the depth and detail of finishing in the movement bring MB even further ahead to a league which has few yet traditionally very strong contenders.
I suppose the size may be a limiting factor for some, however this is not a watch for every day wear; therefore it is rather preferable to be distinctive from a number of sides than trying to limit creativity in order to be substantially marketable.
Once again many thanks for the lovely review - I hope at the MB boutique (Orchard, opposite Robinsons) they still have a copy; working only 2 minutes (on foot) away from them makes me hard to resist paying a visit early this week!
A few comments from my end:
I have been following MB's development of a solid range of timepieces over the last few years - the Villeret ExoTourbillon Chrono certainly exceeds any expectation, at least for this year. While I do try to read and learn more about the brand, I feel that the move of Jerome from leading JLC to now leading MB will certainly 'lift up' MB at least with respect with the technologies developed and applied in their timepieces.
Jerome pushed JLC quite a bit while at their helm, and the Villeret ExoT Chrono from MB is now another clear indication of his 'touch' for a new direction for the brand (without of course omitting or leaving behind other areas/lines of the brand).
My take is that dial-wise the watch remains to be appreciated fully; I believe that for such a wonderful timepiece its strong points shine much after just the acquaintance or purchase opportunity. The sides and back of the case remind me slightly of the curvy concepts by PP, and the depth and detail of finishing in the movement bring MB even further ahead to a league which has few yet traditionally very strong contenders.
I suppose the size may be a limiting factor for some, however this is not a watch for every day wear; therefore it is rather preferable to be distinctive from a number of sides than trying to limit creativity in order to be substantially marketable.
Once again many thanks for the lovely review - I hope at the MB boutique (Orchard, opposite Robinsons) they still have a copy; working only 2 minutes (on foot) away from them makes me hard to resist paying a visit early this week!
First of all, Warm Welcome to PuristSPro Konstantinos !
Glad you have joined our community here!
Like you, I believe Mr Lambert will and already has made a big impact on Montblanc's watch category development.
The ExoTourbillon was developed before he joined the firm as their CEO. However it is now available not just in the Villeret range but also in the new Heritage Chronometrie series which is produced by their LeLocle manufacture.
Agree that such a super watch like this ExoTourbillon Chronograph is not an everyday watch. For special events and special days I guess.
Drop by the boutique at Mandarin Gallery and have a look
Thanks for your wonderful post!
Cheers
Robin
Thanks
for the detailed and well written report Robin.
Have to echo that at 47mm, this would not be a piece for everybody, including myself who can't boast a large wrist. However it is still interesting to see how far MB has come, in producing what is undoubtedly a technical marvel. Will have to see it in the metal myself!
Cheers!
Have to echo that at 47mm, this would not be a piece for everybody, including myself who can't boast a large wrist. However it is still interesting to see how far MB has come, in producing what is undoubtedly a technical marvel. Will have to see it in the metal myself!
Cheers!
Yeah Dylan our wrists are too small to carry a 47mm watch :(
Looking at the ExoTourbillon in action is really a treat for the eyes!
Let's wait for the 44mm Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon - it may fit us better
Cheers
Robin
Perhaps a 40mm MB Villeret one day...
Great review, Robin! The watch has beautiful curves and nice classical look, although the myriads of elements on the dial are rather distracting for a regulator watch which by right should provide a clear and precise manner of time-telling to its wearer.
As per our private exchange regarding this ExoTourbillon, I feel that 47mm is too large for such a classical looking watch. I would very much hope that MB could further miniaturize the beautiful Minerva movement and the impressive tourbillon structure and house them in a more modest 40mm case. With its thin bezel design, the watch would still look substantial in a 40mm case.
By today's standard, 40mm could be considered small. However, most of the classical looking watches have long been crafted in a 33 - 40mm case (think Patek, VC, Rolex, etc) which sits beautifully on most wrists. A classical looking gentleman watch should be a handsome accessory that compliments its master rather than being dominating. MB Villeret is exactly the kind of gentleman-looking watch which would be perfect for being a few mm smaller…
Thanks again for the nice write up and the wonderful photos, my friend
Fully agree Bro
I also think a 40mm version will be even more appealing. Can fit more wrist size and appear a lot more elegant.
I think that Montblanc Villeret traditionally favored large movements to show off their finishing skills
Larger movements are generally more impressive looking I guess
Having said that they also have calibres like the 13.21 which is really nice!
Thanks for your inputs Wayne. Appreciated
Cheers
Robin