Montblanc 500-Hour Testing Expansion

mkt33 · 2013-11-20T19:10:42Z

Montblanc expands its 500-hour quality testing to all manufactured movements. Discover how this impacts brand credibility and collector perception.

mkt33

WPS member · Montblanc forum

32 replies7469 views1 photos

Mkt33's post introduces Montblanc's significant expansion of its 500-hour testing protocol to include every watch with a manufactured movement, a move aimed at bolstering the brand's credibility as a watch manufacture. He explores the implications of this rigorous testing for Montblanc's market position and collector perception, drawing parallels with other esteemed brands.

A few months ago I wrote:

"2% of all watches are pulled randomly out of production and tested in various manners for 500 hours"

Imagine my surprise to learn, from Montblanc's website, that the testing protocol is now being expanded to include EVERY Montblanc watch with a manufactured movement. A very expensive proposition I am sure.

500 hours to simulate the first year's life cycle of each timepiece.

Will this certificate help sell Montblanc watches? Yes. From personal experience, the 1000 hour Master Control test was the deciding factor in my purchase of a JLC watch many years ago.

I also think it is a nice touch from a product presentation point of view if special paperwork will be issued. I still enjoy reviewing my COSC and Grande Seiko timing certificates on occasion. And looking at a Bulletin D'Observatoire always bring back fond memories of the first time I purchased my Roger Dubuis.

Now this, imho, is a very positive step for Montblanc. The company continues to find ways to establish its credibility as a watch manufacture.

Best, Mike

Key Points from the Discussion

The 500-hour test, while significant, is equivalent to only 42 days of continuous operation, leading to questions about why Montblanc didn't opt for a longer duration like JLC's 1000-hour Master Control test for a more direct comparison.
Montblanc's 500-hour test involves specific checks, including 4 hours for winding performance and 80 hours for accuracy in all positions, aiming for a -6.0 to +4.0 second deviation per day, aligning with COSC standards.
Despite the implementation of the 500-hour test, there was initial uncertainty among owners and even within Montblanc regarding the issuance of a physical certificate with each watch, with some earlier manufactured pieces not including one.
Montblanc confirmed that each manufactured timepiece would be tested and shipped with a 500-hour quality certificate, suggesting it would become a key sales tool, particularly for new or inexperienced buyers.
The effectiveness of a testing duration, whether 500 or 1000 hours, should ideally translate into tangible customer benefits such as extended warranties or reduced service intervals, rather than just being a marketing metric.
The 500-hour testing process is not continuous but involves various stages, with the watch being examined and moved between different tests over approximately three weeks, simulating a 'break-in' period for the cased movement.

The Discussion

Luis6

Nov 20, 2013

So glad to see Montblanc contimuing to make efforts to establish the brand.

ling5hk

Nov 20, 2013

If yes, will it cause immediate wear and tear on the parts even before the watch is delivered? Regards Ling

social

Nov 20, 2013

Mr. Jerome Lambert is seriously bringing spirit of JLC into his new job! hope Montblanc would step upward!

amanico

Nov 20, 2013

A good thing it will be able to communicate on all the serious of the brand, the tests, the rssistance of their watches, and so on. Thanks for the information. Best, Nicolas

patrick_y

Nov 21, 2013

It's kind of like Jaeger LeCoultre's 1000 hour test. But why only 500 hours? JLC does 1000 hours... Still, 500 hours is a lot of hours for testing. Three weeks! I hope it doesn't need three weeks of testing every time it's serviced...

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 21, 2013

but will it cause some wear and tear before I even buy it? Not sure how JLC does this either. If MB does this for all watches, it will be amazing! cheers robin

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