Montblanc - over and out

Jan 14, 2019,04:43 AM
 

Dear all,


Have been an admirer of Montblanc - let's clarify - Minerva calibre timepieces since the beginning.

Purchased in 2014 the Minerva Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph with Minerva M13.21 calibre.
This watch was made in a LE of 90 pieces with only 1reference made, namely RG case with white dial.

In 2015 then purchased the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter with Minerva 16.29 Calibre.
Initially launched in RG (black dial) in a LE of 100pieces.
However quickly following a stainless steel version in blue dial, a bronze version with grey dial, a bronze version with salmon dial,...
needless to say they have made much more then 400pieces of one reference!
Immediately felt betrayed as a loyal customer - and happy to have decided to sell both Montblanc timepieces with Minerva calibre. 

What even more annoyed me with the 1858 collection, is that exactly the same lay-out was used in the line with Mont blanc movements at 1/5 of the costs of the Minerva timepieces.
This was not the case with the Meisterstuck heritage Pulsograph.

Now @ SIHH 2019, Montblanc still did not learn how to differentiate the Minerva Calibre's from the rest of the Montblanc watches.
They launch a quite impressive Heritage Pulsograph (Minerva calibre) at 28K.
But at the same time exactly the same dial for a Heritage with normal Montblanc movement which probably costs 1/10 of the Minerva calibre.

Happy not to own any more timepieces from Montblanc.
Lovely movements, but they just don't understand their customers purchasing Minerva calibres. A real shame, and think I am not the only one with that point of view.







More posts: 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter 1858 CollectionCalibresHeritage Spirit CollectionHeritage Spirit Pulsograph

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I totally understand your point of view. Still, this Heritage Pulsograph Chronograph is very much my taste, I must say. And it would complement my 1858 Tachymeter very well, since...

 
 By: amanico : January 14th, 2019-05:21
It is not the same manual winding Minerva Chronograph movement. What a pair it would make. It's been a very long time I don't trust the LE concept, so I am not disturbed with that kind of behaviour anymore. The only interest I have is in the watch. It ple... 

This golden goose is being cooked, but what a glorious meal

 
 By: jmpTT : January 14th, 2019-05:27
The new Minerva chronographs watches are beautiful, the complete package. Though a more ornate dial may better match the price point, my initial impression is that this dial is perfect for a traditional chronograph. Why add $6000 to the MSRP and land up w... 

My exact thought from the get-go.

 
 By: M4 : January 14th, 2019-05:45
Brand these high-end movements as Minerva watches, not Montblanc. It seems so obvious. M4

Let me tell you my story. I always wondered why some were so crazy about Patek Watches. I suspect that some buy Patek watches just for the name on the dial... Then...

 
 By: amanico : January 14th, 2019-05:45
I said to myself that I will never buy a Montblanc watch. Which is the same way of thinking than those I suspect to buy a Patek just for the name on the dial, in fact. Till the day I fell on the 1858 Tachymeter... Since then I focused on the whole watch a... 

Movements to die for: far above Patek/Lange/... in my opinion

 
 By: ambel : January 14th, 2019-05:54
Only bothers me that same dial is used in the Minerva calibres, Montblanc calibres and is even used on smartwatches...

wait till you check out the Mont Blanc Orbis Terrarium and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Tradiontionelle World Time

 
 By: vkeong : January 14th, 2019-06:42
talking about betraying VC customers - think Richemont Group cares?

While I fully respect your view, Alex...

 
 By: KMII : January 14th, 2019-22:31
I find the issue not to be quite as black and white. Many watch manufacturers maintain great differences in their price levels within the same line, which is considered normal. Some also maintain fairly uniform looks between relatively entry level and fai...