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mkt33's post offers an exclusive look into Montblanc's "Black and White" event in NYC, where the SIHH 2014 novelties were first introduced in the US. The author provides a vivid account of the event's setting in TriBeCa and the transformation of a storefront into a showcase. This article captures the excitement of a press preview, featuring a watchmaker demonstrating the intricate mechanics of a Rieussec movement.
About two weeks ago I was invited to a Montblanc press event in TriBeCa where the SIHH 2014 novelties were being introduced for the first time here in the US.
For those unfamiliar with New York City, TriBeCa is a neighborhood located in lower Manhattan. Its name is an acronym derived from its location "Triangle Below Canal Street". An industrialized zone for most of its history, the area started to transform itself into an upscale residential neighborhood in the late 1980's attracting artists and celebrities. Now its Neo-Renaissance buildings house some of the most expensive lofts in New York.
Despite the artistic tagging, TriBeCa is actually one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.
For this press event, Montblanc rented and transformed an available storefront.
Inside, a familiar face was already at the front of the gathered press to deliver his vision for Montblanc.
This empty space was transformed by the US Montblanc team in less than 4 weeks for this showcase event.
They brought in a watchmaker for the event who "tore down" a Rieussec for interested members of the press. For most of the time I was the only one around the bench!
Up next, the goodies from SIHH 2014 and some surprises...
Enjoy, Mike
I was greeted by Mike Giannattasio, the new President and Chief Executive Officer Montblanc North America. Mike was grinning ear from ear since he was able to abscond with the new Timewalker Chronograph 100 on his wrist. Of course the first watch I wanted to see was the Homage to Nicolas Rieussec chronograph. IMHO this is the most successful and attractive interpretation of the Rieussec to date. The redesign of the chronograph subdial also is a perfect link historically. The ceramic hours ring w
Looks like another very successful Montblanc event to showcase their 2014 novelties. Great pics Mike! The Homage to Nicolas Rieussec's mysterious lume was especially well taken and illustrated by you. I am so in love with the Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar. Like many of you, I did feel the sub dials were too cluttered around the center due to the smaller movement but I was more concerned about their readability based on pics I saw online. Seeing and feeling the watch in person complete
and no I don´t speak about the last pictures :-) Thanks a lot for sharing! Oliver
I wasn't sold at first either however it has grown on me. I still am on the fence with the gold numbering on the steel case just because I prefer the rhodium polished numbers and hands supported by the stainless steel case that is common with the star 4810 or time walker. I will say though Robin if, and when, I have the money for a Greytech and I am unable to locate one this would be my next purchase as it is in the similar price range. Todd
with Montblanc. It doesn't matter if the event is in Singapore, London, Shanghai, or NYC...Montblanc knows how to market well. Best, Mike
in regards to the gold numbering and hands, I think artists really like "tension" and contrast on their dial designs. I custom ordered a watch before and wanted to keep the dial simple but was convinced by the watchmaker to reconsider and have this type of contrast in the dial design. He was right. Visually it is more appealing from a long term perspective imho. Thanks for your thoughts and look forward seeing you with a Greytech :-) Best, Mike
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