Montblanc Villeret 1858 Les Secondes au Centre Retour-à-Zéro

Jaseewasee · 2025-03-03T22:12:51Z

Explore Jaseewasee's Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Les Secondes au Centre Retour-à-Zéro. Discover the rare 41mm white gold Calibre 13.18 and Minerva's craftsmanship.

Jaseewasee

WPS member · Montblanc forum

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Jaseewasee's recent acquisition of the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Les Secondes au Centre Retour-à-Zéro offers a rare glimpse into a highly exclusive timepiece. His detailed photographs and personal account of securing this 41mm white gold edition, featuring the unique Calibre 13.18, highlight the enduring allure and unexpected pathways to acquiring such horological treasures. This article delves into the nuances of this Minerva-powered masterpiece, contextualized by Jaseewasee's experience and the community's insights.

Finally took the time today to take some photos of a relatively new addition to the collection. There have been several in-depth posts on this model here before, so I won’t go into too much detail, but Montblanc released these in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Minerva.

There were two different versions, one in 47mm, and one in 41mm. This is the 41mm version, featuring calibre 13.18, which was only ever used in this model. This is one of 8 which was made in white gold, half of which had a white dial. The dial is hand-guilloched in solid gold.

The case features a hunter case back, and when you pull out the crown the seconds hand instantly jumps back to zero.

While on vacation back in 2023 I walked into a Montblanc Outlet here in California and asked if they ever got any watches from the Villeret collection. As luck would have it, the manager said they had just received the first one he had ever seen. He said he didn’t know much about it but would be happy to bring it out for me to look at. I was smitten.

After a few days back and forth regarding the price, we agreed on a deal, and I had them send the watch back to Villeret for a complete service. They prepared me for the fact that it would most likely take a few months to get the watch back. It ended up taking just over a year.

To their credit, both the outlet and the manufacture in Villeret were fantastic to work with. They gifted me a beautiful lacquered Montblanc watch box along with a store credit that covered the cost of another chronograph from their 1858 collection (the ones that use sellita movements). They even set up a video conference between me and the head watchmaker to apologize for the delay and talk about my watch.

I’ve been wearing the watch regularly for a few months now, and I absolutely adore it. The dial is exquisite, the movement finishing is truly exceptional, and the sculpted design of the case is really something. It wears wonderfully as well.

The only thing I didn’t care for is the leather wrapped lug design, which allowed for a way of opening the case back by pressing on the lugs. Neat idea, but I didn’t love the execution. I’ve removed the factory strap and leather wrapped lugs and fitted it with a grey nubuck strap which I like much better.

I feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon this one when I did, and I’m looking forward to wearing to often.

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 perceived undervaluation of Montblanc watches, particularly those from the Minerva Villeret collection, is a recurring theme, despite their exceptional craftsmanship. This bias, often attributed to Montblanc's primary association with writing instruments and limited marketing for their high-horology pieces, can create unique acquisition opportunities for collectors.
The hand-guilloché dial and the Retour-à-Zéro (RaZ) complication with a large center seconds hand are consistently praised as standout features of this reference, showcasing Minerva's horological artistry.
The original leather-wrapped lug design, which doubles as a case back opening mechanism, was a point of contention for some collectors. However, Jaseewasee's successful modification to a standard strap configuration demonstrates that this design element does not preclude customization.
The discovery of such a rare Villeret piece at a Montblanc outlet, years after its initial 2008 release, is highly unusual and underscores the unpredictable nature of the luxury watch market for certain niche references.
Montblanc's customer service, particularly the Villeret manufacture, is commended for its handling of a prolonged service period, including offering a watch box, store credit, and a direct video conference with the head watchmaker to address delays.
The Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Les Secondes au Centre Retour-à-Zéro is recognized for its unique design and technical sophistication, often surprising collectors who are more familiar with Montblanc's contemporary offerings like the 1858 Iced Sea.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Mar 3, 2025

I was very smitten with this. I love the movement and what’s hard to fully appreciate is how well done that guilloche work is. I love the RaZ as a movement function as well with the large center seconds. I was offered one of these in the last few years (maybe this one?) and I loved it on the wrist but didn’t like the strap mechanism. I must admit, I never thought you could just attach a strap on the standard configuration like you did. I think I was thrown off by the lug opening mechanism. I pro

blau

Mar 3, 2025

This is not a watch I was familiar with previously, and I LIKE it!

Mar 3, 2025

I vaguely recall this watch when it was introduced but had long since forgotten it. Huge congratulations to you on obtaining one and persevering through the servicing. Thanks for sharing your top notch photos. M4

Jaseewasee

Mar 3, 2025

I wasn’t sure about the strap at first, either, but with a little fiddling around I sorted it out. And yes, the guilloche work is really gorgeous. Maybe one day you’ll have a chance at another one!

TeutonicCarFan

Mar 3, 2025

Perhaps when you need to change up 🍻

jp884

Mar 3, 2025

I’m really surprised you found this at a Montblanc Outlet? I can see it lingering around a boutique but not a Villeret piece at an outlet. You must have got a screaming deal on this ☝️ congrats again.

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Montblanc Villeret 1858 Les Secondes au Centre Retour-à-Zéro

About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

Specifications

About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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