Montblanc Boutique Tokyo + Chronos Japan Event

KIH · 2010-11-06T08:30:14Z

Explore Montblanc's watchmaking prowess at the Tokyo boutique event, featuring the Nicolas Rieussec and Villeret 1858 collections. Discover unique designs and Minerva heritage.

KIH

WPS member · Montblanc forum

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KIH provides an insightful photo report from the Montblanc Boutique Tokyo and Chronos Japan event, highlighting Montblanc's significant strides in watchmaking. The post details the Nicolas Rieussec collection and the esteemed Villeret 1858 line, showcasing Montblanc's unique approach to horology, from its writing instrument heritage to its impressive annual watch production. This is a crucial read for understanding Montblanc's dual identity in the watch world.

Today I attended an evening event at Montblanc Boutique Tokyo organized by Chronos Japan. Here is the photo report.

Montblanc Boutique located in Ginza area where many watch retailers and boutiques are nearby - the other side of the street is AP boutique, the very next building is the big retailer, Shinseido, and a few building to the left is Hayek Center for Swatch Group.

This is today's main character - Nicolas Rieussec Collection (43mm, SS)

Unique design - lower half houses chronograph mechanism and the upper half houses watch mechanism. Power reserve meter is on the upper half of the display back.

RG version.

YG version (non-open date)

WG version (non-open date)

This is the replica of the "First ever Chronograph" made by Nicolas Rieussec" in 1821. When the stop button is pressed, ink will drop on those "minute" and "second" dials, thus "chrono" "graph". Montblanc was writing instrument brand and this "ink" somehow connected to start watch making in 1997. Today, Montblanc makes 100,000 watches annually (!).

This is Mr. Alexander Schmiedt, Director Category Management Watches of Montblanc International GMBH, personal watch (46m, prototype) whose concept came from Minerva side. More later....

Now the presentation time. Mr. Matsuzaki, CEO of Chronos Japan.

Mr. Nick Waddington, CEO of Montblanc GBU Japan made opening remark in fluent Japanese.

Mr. Hirota, one of the most famous watch journalists in Japan, explains how good the design of Nicolas Rieussec is.

Now, this is "the other side" of Montblanc - Collection Villeret 1858.
Black enamel dial, chronograph, 41mm, LE of 8.

Conventional Chronograph movement (unlike Nicolas Rieussec series) - clearly has Minerva signature.

Grande Seconde au Centre Retour-a-Zero - Zero stop mechanism. Note the very short hour hand. Also LE of 8.

A watch maker from Switzerland demonstrated de-assembling of Caliber MB R100 of Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph.

Honestly, I was not expecting much before I came to the boutique for the first time ever. But I was VERY wrong. Montblanc now is a serious watch manufacteur with the heritage of Minerva and own new chronograph movement design. Although 43mm of Rieussec may be a bit too big for some of us, the strategic price point must be very appealing. It also appears that they have very interesting new model to be launched next season and I can't wait to hear/see them.

Thank you very much, Messrs. Matsuzaki, Furukawa, and Hirota of Chronos Japan for organizing the event.
Also thank you very much, Messrs. Schmiedt, Waddington, Murakami (Montblanc, Richemont Japan), and Kawazoe (Boutique Manager) of Montblanc Team!

Best,
Ken

This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2010-11-06 15:08:11

[typographic edit only]

This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-11-06 19:25:57 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2010-11-15 07:52:24

About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.

This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.

For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.

Specifications

Caliber: Boucheron 1858

Case: 18k white gold

Diameter: 38mm

Dial: Silver

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Montblanc Star Rieussec Chronograph has been affectionately nicknamed 'Bull Face' by the community, a testament to its distinctive design.
Montblanc Villeret timepieces are recognized as some of the finest mechanical watches produced by a commercial company, celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and horological significance.
Collectors are consistently impressed by the Montblanc Rieussec and Villeret lines, praising the brand's commitment to unique and mechanically appealing watches, with models like the Retour a Zero and Vintage Chronograph being particular favorites.
The Villeret collections, especially the Zero-Stop piece, are highly regarded for their wonderful mechanism with a clear Minerva signature and impeccable dial, captivating even those with an open mind towards diverse watch designs.
The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec chronograph, despite its unique design, is noted for wearing very comfortably on the wrist.
There's a distinction in manufacturing origin within Montblanc's watch lines: the MB100 caliber is produced in Le Locle, while other movements are made in Villeret, reflecting the brand's dual production facilities.

The Discussion

Hororgasm

Nov 6, 2010

the mb100 is made in le-locle, whilst the other is made in villeret

dxboon

Nov 6, 2010

I've been very impressed with the Montblanc timepieces I've handled from the Rieussec and Villeret lines. I think Montblanc is putting forth great effort to make their watches unique and mechanically appealing. The Retour a Zero and Vintage Chronograph are my current favorites. Cheers, Daos

MTF

Nov 6, 2010

KIH, Thanks for the Tokyo report. I see that Japanese PuristS are similar to our brethren in all regions......we like the Rieussec Chronograph (Bull Face model) Regards, MTF

MTF

Nov 7, 2010

click here I nicknamed the Montblanc Star Rieussec Chronograph as 'Bull Face' and Anthony Tsai made a nice illustration gif-file to show at the LINK above. MTF This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-11-07 15:23:53

Kong

Nov 7, 2010

Glad you are a paradigm shift Which piece/s caught your eyes, Ken? Kong

KIH

Nov 8, 2010

... I am hooked by those Villeret collections, particularly Zero-Stop piece! Wonderful mechanism with Minerva signature and impeccable dial! Btw, I am quite open-minded, I think.... Thank you! Ken

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Montblanc Boutique Tokyo + Chronos Japan Event

About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

Specifications

About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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