Bruno.M1's captivating photo essay documents an exclusive visit to the Minerva-Villeret manufacture, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of Montblanc's high watchmaking. This detailed account, from a private jet journey to intimate workshop tours, underscores the brand's commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship and the unique heritage of Minerva movements, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of haute horlogerie.
Just back home from a magnificent day in Switserland
This morning we went to Wevelgem where a private jet was waiting for us
This was a jet owned by Richemont and we feel very privileged that we got the chance th fly with it. I'm sure this is something not many clients will ever experience.
as you can see, the Cartier plane
Inside the private jet, enough space for 10 of us …. and yes it were the usual suspects .. The Belgian gang LOL
We all know each other for several years
just a picture taken above the clouds
almost 1000 km/h
let's take a look in the cockpit
arriving ….
and that was what we wanted to see
A wonderful lady 'Gaëlle' showed us the entire manufacture
we started upstairs for some drinks an a little talk
great furniture with tons of vintage watch parts
old Minerva pocket watches
old enamel dials
a room with a view …
and now, to the workshops
first of all , this really looks like the did it 50 or 100 years ago
I saw several other manufactures but these were always BIG factories, some of them look more like a hospital than a
watch manufacture. At minerva it just ha much more charm
ofcourse they also need big machines , it's not all hand finishing of tiny parts. These make the parts before we start finishing them to a superior level
raw material
and ofcourse they also need some CNC machines. But most manufactures have rooms full of these CNC
machines where at Minerva I think I saw only 3
the tiny pieces ;-)
ready to go to the 'finishing' department
one of their symbols
the room where the did the finishing ( bevelling etc)
calculations
Hand polishing … and one of the best I have EVER seen
but unfortunately my iPhone does not do any justice to this amazing craftsmanship
Believe me, even with e watchmakers loupe this was beyond my expectations !
some boxes and bottles , but just look don't they look great … vintage !!
and what is this machine for ?
ohhh, wait a minute …. Minerva is one of the VERY FEW that makes the hairspring in-house
more hand finishing
2 top chrono movements
making the balance
once again, sorry for the iPhone crap pictures
the finishing is PERFECTION
Ready for dinner …
but first let's have another look into these freak OLD books
after dinner … the Montblanc watches
As we know Minerva works for the MOB brand and indeed they did some things for Panerai too
know 2 things
1 the iPhone does not do justice to these watches
2 these are prototypes so some of them are not finished to the level they are finished when they are sold to clients
the most affordable
but now …. the TOP selection
being a chronograph fan myself, these watches and movements are among the most beautiful I have ever seen
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more sporty
mysterieuse
that was about it
so we had to go back home
with the Cartier Champagne on the Richemont Jet
before I forgot … there are goodies and goodies
This was the best goodie ever LOL
We got a Montblanc pen .. with our name engraved in the pen
a friend can post a picture from the pen, I forgot to take a pic lol
last but not least
THANK YOU to Mr Ronny Haessevoet , owner of the magnificent shop in Waregem who sells MB and other interesting watches, The 2 men from MB and Richemont
What a day ……..
a final note
MB is really much more than pens
Some of these watches are thanks to Minerva on par with the big VC, Patek and others …. but for a much better price !!
