Complications
Penfriend's acquisition of the Montblanc Collection Villeret ExoTourbillon Rattrapante, reference 111823, offers a rare glimpse into a highly complex and meticulously crafted timepiece. His detailed post, complete with official specifications and personal observations, serves as an invaluable resource for collectors interested in Montblanc's haute horlogerie offerings. This article synthesizes community reactions and expert insights, providing a comprehensive perspective on a watch that challenges conventional market perceptions.
The Montblanc Collection Villeret ExoTourbillon Rattrapante, reference 111823, represents a pinnacle of Montblanc's haute horlogerie, showcasing a blend of traditional Villeret craftsmanship with advanced complications. This timepiece is part of a limited series, emphasizing exclusivity and intricate mechanical artistry within the brand's high-end offerings.
Encased in 18K white gold, the watch measures 47mm in diameter and 18.20mm in height, featuring a cambered sapphire crystal and a sapphire crystal case back. It houses the manually wound monopusher split-seconds chronograph Calibre MB M16.61, which integrates a 4-minute ExoTourbillon at 12 o'clock. The movement, with 422 components and 33 jewels, operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The dial is crafted from solid 18K gold with silver-plated grained decoration and Grand Feu enamel rings, complemented by 18K gold and blued stainless steel hands.
This reference is highly regarded by collectors for its exceptional movement finishing, including rhodium-plated German silver plates and bridges with circular-graining and hand-chamfered edges. The combination of a regulator dial, GMT, rattrapante chronograph, and the patented ExoTourbillon positions it as a significant piece for those who appreciate complex, hand-finished movements and unique horological innovations. It was produced in a limited edition of 18 pieces.
If they had left it as Minerva, it would have been a different story as the watches produced are some of the best finished in the market. Well done on your masterpiece!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but for sure this is amazing how they fit all those 422 pieces into a case
with the 1858 it is a module which is "applied" onto the 16.29 chronograph caliber
a) the Minerva finish was a lot less in quality than the MB-Minerva finish. I don't think they would have upgraded Minerva without the MB logo b) this price point was something that Minerva could not justify - an upgrade in finish and branding was thought to be necessary The fact that the general market has not appreciated the branding to full extent is a pity, but imo there were some not so good decisions after 2014 that lead to the point we are right now. It is hypothetical whether a pure Mine
Flippers and people who want to make a safe purchase investment-wise will always follow the brand. Only few others do not care at all times about the the brand. For me personally I consider my watch assortment as a portfolio: some are doing very good, many are stable and a some suck, so the general outcome is ok. In the end it is important to be happy with every single piece and wear it without fear.
but for the used values of a watch, definitely the name.
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