Wristshot
TeutonicCarFan's recent vacation provided an unexpected opportunity to experience several highly sought-after timepieces firsthand. His candid impressions of the Montblanc Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama, the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE, and various Gerald Charles models offer WatchProSite readers a unique perspective on these horological marvels. This article synthesizes community insights, adding depth to TeutonicCarFan's initial observations.
The Montblanc Villeret collection represents the German manufacturer's ambitious entry into haute horlogerie, drawing inspiration from traditional Swiss watchmaking while establishing its own identity in the luxury segment. This particular tourbillon variant showcases Montblanc's commitment to serious complications, moving beyond their heritage in writing instruments to compete with established Swiss houses. The Villeret line has become central to Montblanc's horological credibility since its introduction.
The dial architecture presents a striking asymmetrical layout with the tourbillon aperture prominently displayed at 6 o'clock, while the main time display occupies the upper portion against a deep aventurine backdrop. The visible tourbillon mechanism features traditional blued steel components and demonstrates Montblanc's manufacturing capabilities in producing complex mechanical movements. The case construction appears substantial, with polished surfaces that reflect the brand's attention to finishing details typically expected at this price point.
Within the contemporary luxury watch market, Montblanc's haute horlogerie pieces occupy an interesting position as relative newcomers challenging traditional hierarchies. The brand's tourbillon offerings provide collectors access to visible complications from a recognized luxury house, though they lack the centuries-deep provenance of Swiss rivals. Market reception has been measured but positive, with collectors appreciating the distinctive design language and competitive pricing relative to comparable pieces from Vacheron Constantin or Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The MB is not a small watch, needs the size to hold large movement but again, you carry it well. Just one observation, the metal piece that separates the time sub dial and the tourby, is that really necessary?
That metal piece with the script - remove it! Otherwise that watch is incredible. Having villeret pieces I adore the finishing. The UN does seem to fit for size on the wrist. Maybe smaller feeling because no crown. Black and RG does stand out. I wish it were Ti and not DLC coated Ti. They make a navy version with carbonium ? Bezel and that is different vibe, canât say if I like better or worse. With this UN however I find it hard because I donât think they sell many - not many sources on say str
I ask as I had sold mine last year at an auction. It was number one. Lovely watch but it had to be returned twice to Villeret in my first six months of ownership so I decided to sell it.
This watch was at an AD in Florida USA. I thought it was odd that they would even have one as they were and AD and not a boutique. He did say he just sold an unveiled secret so maybe those do make it out from the boutiques. Now that I was thinking about it, I was trying on watches and we began talking villeret, and he showed me this. I didn't think to ask if it was new or not, but on recollection there were no tags on it. Sadly I was in a rush for dinner plans and just took a sloppy picture of t
I was wondering where my watch finally ended up at so I hope it has gone to a collector rather than to a shop. These watches even though they were produced in small numbers never sold well. I was surprised that three years after its launch, I was able to secure number one which makes me wonder if the other seventeen pieces had been sold. A great watch to ogle at ............when it is working!
The Montblanc tourbillon is mesmerizing in action, but beyond the size the case feels dated and unrefined. Also the finishing on the back side doesn't compare favorably to earlier pices like your chronograph ... Could be great with some updates, alas unlikely to happen.
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