AndrewD
[HoMe Moderator]
12829
Minerva and Montblanc
There are many examples of watch manufactures changing ownership but retaining their original names. LVMH, Swatch and Richemont have made an art of it.
I assume that Montblanc felt there was more cachet in having their own name than the historical Minerva name on the dial. I realise they have retained the Minerva branding on some of the movements.
Did they make the right decision? Interested in your thoughts.
A
Minerva and Montblanc
There are many examples of watch manufactures changing ownership but retaining their original names. LVMH, Swatch and Richemont have made an art of it. I assume that Montblanc felt there was more cachet in having their own name than the historical Minerva...
I think the Montblanc...
...name carries some brand value across a variety of clientele, including non-WIS who maybe came to these watches through the world of pens, so I don't think it's a mistake that they chose to brand their timepieces as they did. However, for me personally,...
I personally would prefer they retain the Minerva brand
Montblanc does not have heritage or tradition of making fine watches.
I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on this...
I respect your opinion happyguy1688 but I was wondering if you could help me understand your reasoning. So you would prefer " Minerva" on the dial all by itself? Okay, so in the two-three year history when the company was transformed by the Italian group ...
High-end...
Hi Mike, I think you're probably understating it, if anything. I don't think Minerva produced anything that would be considered high-end. Perhaps one or two pieces, but the VAST majority of their output was middle-of-the range at best. nick
Oh yes, they were producing high end watches, exactly the same as the first four Montblanc
Villerret (sans logo and dial). But they had no means to promote and market them. If I recall correctly, the Italian owner did not allow them to spend significant money for marketing. I think this highlights the difference of being a company and an indivi...
That is the diplomatic explanation :-)
Magnus is right. In the end I think Minerva failed because it was poorly managed by its previous Italian owners, not a reflection of the skills of the Minerva employees which they aptly demonstrated with their finished watches. I'm hoping this new reincar...
But only for ...
Agreed. But only for the last few years of their existence. For the other 100+ years their output was resolutely mid-range, and their longevity was based on stopwatches, which is hardly an haute horlogery selling point I've been collecting Minerva for yea...
Yes you are absolutely correct Nick
sorry for the late reply to your post. I'm trying to comment in between surgical cases It is only the past few years that the level of finishing has dramatically improved. I know that people are starting to compare the finish with PP, VC etc...Even for th...
So the next question is …
… why did Minerva fail as a brand when, as you mention, conditions should have been optimal for success. They have a long history with some classic designs to draw on. Is there any concern with keeping Minerva as Manufacture Montblanc, just as Lemania bec...
Hi Andrew,
see above for a very breif answer to your questions. On whether or not Minerva will be a sole manufacture for MB only I've also asked Alex to address this question! BEst, MIke
I hope to get the official Montblanc logic behind this for everyone soon
it will be from the business director of the Villeret 1858 unit, Mr. Alexander Schmeidt. Andrew, perhaps your question can be better addressed after hearing Montblanc's thought process. It is a valid question and concern for every Purist but I prefer to s...
What’s in a name?
Hi Mike, I don’t know the correct answer to this question myself. I didn’t want to elicit dividing comments amongst our Purist Brethren, but I also expected there to be strong opinions. I appreciate you seeking some comment from Montblanc directly. Daos i...
Differing opinions are good and to be expected
I am glad you asked the question and I hope that there would be some disagreement within the community. You know something is not right when everyone agrees... What I meant in my post is that I hope the final consensus amongst the community over the union...
Montblanc did the logical thing....
Montblanc wanted to upgrade and became a real high end watch company. So the deal that was presented to them by Minerva was logical They bought a firm that made good and solid movements , invested and hope to harvest in the years to come They did come out...
Hi Pink Panther
The MB Rieussic model line I think will compare well with JLC and GO. It will take only another year or two but I believe they will be the "sleeper" pick within that price range if the watch enthusiats can get over the " It's a Montblanc" mindset. The Vil...
I do have some doubts....
if Montblanc could reach that level this soon However I would like to be proven wrong as I am firm believer of antagonism- it would make the other brands improve and compete even more- a collector's dream. I think that MB move with Minerva, as I said befo...
No worries. Just out of curiosity what would you need to see
from Montblanc's Villeret collection to erase any doubts from your mind? glad you are here, Mike
it would be nice....
to see some comparison photos with Lange, GO and JLC but I do think that the predominant opinion amongst watch collectors at the moment is that MB has not reached their level yet cheers