Montblanc

Exhibition of some 2016 novelties at the Montblanc boutique - Paris Capucines

 

A few days ago, I presented you the exhibition of some 2016 novelties which took place at the Montblanc Champs-Elysées boutique in Paris.Actually, the novelties of the year are still in Paris but now in a different boutique: the Capucines one, by the Opera. But don't get me wrong! I will not present you again the same watches since Montblanc had the good idea to display a different set. I propose you to discover these novelties in the context of this boutique which started its activity last December.

The boutique window is decorated the same way than a few days ago on the Champs-Elysées. You will notice the two Orbis Terrarum watches on the right side.

The exhibition of the novelties inside the boutique features a liner on the background reminding an important step of the Montblanc history:




As I explained with the previous report, the new 4810 watches embody the evolution of the 4810 collection style with more refined lugs and a more elegant case. But the personality is preserved and this collection offers pieces with much more character than, for example, the Heritage one.

The 4810 Orbis Terrarum is a good example of this new stylistic direction. It has a larger case than the Heritage Spirit version (43 vs 41mm) and the central zone of the dial is more colorful. Without any doubt, the 4810 Orbis Terrarum is a more dynamic watch and surprisingly enough, remains balanced despite its enlarged case. At the end, the choice between the 4810 and the Heritage Spirit is a matter of taste. Both use the same movement and are really easy to use and to set. I have to confess that I like the shades of blue of the central map of the Heritage Spirit version.

Both version side by side. Montblanc did a really good job in the enlargement process of the Orbis Terrarum. The 4810 on the left offers a similar dial lay-out and doesn't look unbalanced:




I discovered these lovely cufflinks during my visit! This is a great combo... perfect for a world traveler!

The 4810 Chronograph Automatic uses a 43mm case. I like this black dial version because this color, combined with the little touches of red is coherent with the complication. The watch is less formal than the white dial and looks a bit smaller... what is a very positive point due to the case size.




I explained two weeks ago that the 4810 Date Automatic is more appealing to me with the black dial. I could have the confirmation again today when I handled the  white dial version. I didn't have the same feeling. The 42mm size becomes more perceptible and the guillochage is also more visible. It is the reason why I much prefer the more subtle (to my eyes) approach of the black dial version.

Blue is starting to become a true Montblanc color! Of course, we discussed a lot about the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter during the last months but it is not the only one which offers a blue dial. The 1858 Manual Small Second takes also advantage of the color to give a new atmosphere to this classic looking watch. Frankly speaking, I do believe that blue works much better with the chronograph. I still think that black is the best color for this simple handwind watch but blue remains a nice alternative option.

I discovered this version of the TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph with a very interesting looking bezel made of carbon with red marbling. The very contemporary design of this watch underlines the capability of Montblanc to create a very versatile collection. Contemporary doesn't mean that the watch is not timeless. I believe that this aesthetic approach contains enough classic marks and details to preserve the watch from quickly becoming old-fashioned. I also like the combo between the hands shape and the numerals.

The Heritage Chronometrie Twincounter date is a very classic looking watch.  The two sub-dials give a kind of "chronograph" touch. I'm usually not a fan of this type of watch and I don't change my mind here even if Montblanc did a flawless job. The dial finishes are neat and the applied index and figures improve the perceived quality. But, to make a long story short, I don't feel excitement here. The watch is too reasonable for my taste. The size (40mm) is a bit too large due to the location of the subdials.



The Heritage Chronometrie Dual Time Vasco de Gama speaks more to me. I like the dial lay-out and it offers several nice details like the 24h display on top or the map on the bottom. A practical and good-looking watch.

I took the opportunity of my visit at the boutique to have a look at two watches which were not part of the exhibition.

The Heritage Spirit Perpetual Calendar Sapphire is for me an excellent evolution of this watch. It is maybe a paradox but by becoming more "transparent", the dial looks more balanced. This 39mm watch is very appealing and the PG case brings a lovely touch of warmth.

The Heritage Chronometrie Quantième Complet Vasco de Gama is a  more contemporary evolution of the very classic looking full calendar watches of the past. The moonphase zone nicely decorates the dial and also fills it a bit... what was needed on the lower part.

The exhibition allowed me to discover in details the boutique. Actually, since it was opened a few months ago, it was decorated following the latest brand image principles defined by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance. The main idea is to find the right balance between classic elegance and contemporary design. It is the reason why the style is purer in order to emphasize the use of materials like wood. Moreover, the objective was also to improve the interaction between the customers and the boutique. 

I give you two examples of this interaction:

- the first one is the ink wall you will find on the back (in blue when I took the picture)

- the second one is the screen which allows to browse the collection

The customers have to feel comfortable in this place full of curves... inspired by the cursive writing!

Montblanc is a brand on the move and the boutique design is also a significant part of this strategy.

I would like to thank a lot the staff of the boutique for the warm welcome. Please note that the exhibition at the Capucines boutique will last till the 30th of June.

Fr.Xavier
This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-06-18 15:08:33