Montblanc Minerva Complications: Collector Advice

MTR · 2022-04-16T11:01:05Z

Explore MTR's dilemma between a Montblanc Exotourbillon Suspendu and GP Neo Tourbillon. Expert insights on Montblanc's resale, service, and unique winding.

MTR

WPS member · Montblanc forum

70 replies14625 views4 photos

MTR's encounter with a Montblanc Exotourbillon Suspendu at Bucherer in Geneva left an indelible mark, challenging his prior intention to acquire a GP Neo Tourbillon. His detailed post delves into the emotional aspect of high-end watch acquisition and raises critical questions about brand value, service logistics, and the unique winding mechanism of this exceptional timepiece. This article synthesizes community insights to help collectors navigate similar high-stakes decisions.

70 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Dear watch friends,

last week I had the delight and honor of being invited to visit Bucherer in Genève (first day) and Girard-Perregaux in La-Chaud-de-Fonds (second day).

After an interesting sightseeing tour through the city of Genève and a delicious lunch we were shown some wonderful and very exciting watches by the very kind managing director of Bucherer Genève.

One watch really blew me away and has made a lasting impression so far. And it messed up my preconceived plan to buy a GP neo Tourbillon … a bit.

I just saw that Nico posted it a few days ago:

A Montblanc Exotourbillon Suspendu with a gorgeous deep blue aventurine and enamel dial.

It might even be the same piece Nico saw recently at Watches & Wonders.

The watch is an absolute dream.

I have written to you again and again that buying a watch is always a very emotional thing for me and that it has to be a 100 percent "yes" without ifs and buts.

Investment considerations with the aim of increasing value and resale are of secondary importance to me. Also, I'm not a brand freak (a watch doesn't get better or worse for me because it belongs to a certain brand that's currently "in" or not).

Nevertheless, in this case there are three essential questions I ask you for your advice:

1. The watch costs well over 100,000 euros. Even though I buy watches to wear and don't see them as an investment, I still find it difficult to accept a 50 percent drop in value just because I just left the shop. What do you think of a brand like Montblanc in this price range?

2. Is it true that every Montblanc boutique sends the watch to the Headquarter in Paris right away for every little thing and doesn't do it itself? I don't see that as a problem with a service (many watch brands handle this as well), but if I find out after a few days that the accuracy needs to be readjusted, I don't want to have to send the watch in for four months because of something so trivial.

3. Only Nico will probably be able to answer the last question: the watch was wound up very tightly. I had to use an unusual amount of force. The seller said this is normal for this model. Can this be?

I am looking forward to your kind answers and am very curious about them.

All the best

Thomas

P.S.: Please forgive the photo quality, but the light conditions in the shop were not the best.

Key Points from the Discussion

The resale value of Montblanc's high-complication pieces, particularly those from Villeret, is a significant concern, though some collectors note a stabilization in the 35-50k Euro range and a trend of new models selling out quickly. However, for six-figure watches, reliable sales statistics are scarce, as these pieces are often bought to be worn and kept by collectors.
Montblanc's digital presence for its Villeret collection is notably poor, with little to no mention of these high-complication models on their official website. This lack of online visibility is seen by some as a contributing factor to lower secondary market values, despite the exceptional craftsmanship of the watches themselves.
Service for Villeret pieces is typically handled directly at the Villeret manufacture, not Montblanc's Paris headquarters or local boutiques. While this ensures specialized care, it implies longer service times, which is a consideration for owners concerned about minor adjustments or repairs.
The 'tight' winding sensation described by MTR for the Exotourbillon Suspendu is not necessarily abnormal for Villeret movements. Another collector noted a similar 'chunky' winding feel in their Caliber 16.29, contrasting with the 'buttery smooth' winding of other high-end brands, suggesting it might be a characteristic of Minerva movements.
While the Montblanc Exotourbillon Suspendu is lauded for its refinement and technical superiority, particularly its energy-efficient Exo Tourbillon design, the Girard-Perregaux Neo Tourbillon is often favored for its 'coolness' factor. Both are considered exceptional pieces, making the choice highly personal.
The decision to purchase a high-value tourbillon should involve careful consideration of long-term enjoyment, serviceability, warranty (e.g., 2 years for Montblanc vs. 5 years for GP), and overall costs. It's advised to take ample time to ensure the watch remains captivating beyond initial infatuation.

The Discussion

COUNT DE MONET

Apr 16, 2022

What this one has got, but not the GP: an in-house balance spring.

To me, this detail is very appealing for a collector. I don't think that accuracy is a problem with this high level watch. The price? Well, I am sure a discount is in it and at the end of the day, if you can afford it than do ... .

MTR

Apr 17, 2022

No discount… 😏

Thanks a lot for your reply, Moritz. ☺️ A main point of the movement construction is that the large balance wheel is positioned outside of the tourbillon's rotating cage. It is raised 3.2 mm higher than the dial („Exo" stands for "external"). So the mechanism delivers an improved efficiency and energy usage. The Exo Tourbillon is said to be far more energy-efficient than a conventional tourbillon execution. A fascinating thing…

GWIS

Apr 16, 2022

Lucky you Thomas!

I do love an aventurine dial. All the best Jon

MTR

Apr 17, 2022

Thank you, dear Jon.

But this MB still has to prevail against two wonderful GP neo tourbillons. So I'm still in the decision-making process

christianch

Apr 16, 2022

if you are worried about value retention I can tell you that Montblanc might not be ideal

" I still find it difficult to accept a 50 percent drop in value just because I just left the shop. What do you think of a brand like Montblanc in this price range?" As a Montblanc owner ( Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours) I can confirm as the value retention very weak on Montblanc. I enjoyed the watch very much so it is not an issue for me -- and it was in different price range -- but for a Tourbillon at over 100K I would stick to traditional watch brands. Taste and impressions change ov

MTR

Apr 17, 2022

Thanks a lot, Christian, for your

personal opinion. I am not so sure about “traditional watch brands” because this can always change. To hold the value is not the main point. Because if I buy a watch like this I think I wouldn’t want to sell it anyhow. It’s more of this vague feeling of not doing some complete economic nonsense. Even if this eventual loss were only virtual. Best Thomas

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Montblanc forum with 70 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Montblanc Minerva Complications: Collector Advice

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

Related Articles