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The Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Collection Part 1

 

Since 2014, Montblanc adopted a new slogan and philosophy “Sharing the Passion for Fine Watchmaking”. With that came a few key changes from my observation. Firstly, Montblanc went back to the classics and produced a successful new line called the Heritage Spirit collection (previously called Meisterstuck Heritage collection) with fine watchmaking codes and complications at accessible prices. Secondly, the innovations at Montblanc Villeret and LeLocle manufactures were synergized and shared and this in turn produced some timepieces that are of great value to collectors, such as bringing the calibre 13.21 into the Heritage Spirit Pulsograph, which is priced more attractively than the Montblanc Villeret Pulsograph with the black or white enamel dial.


Montblanc continues to share the passion for fine watchmaking in 2015, with the introduction of yet another classical collection, the Heritage Chronometrie collection. For this new collection, other than abiding by the codes of fine watchmaking and having very classical and timeless design elements, Montblanc also sought inspiration from its Minerva roots, i.e. to achieve the paramount goal of precision. Precision has always been the goal of watchmaking, synonymous with the French word “chronométrie”, i.e. highly accurate time measurement. And precision, has always been at the core of the heritage of Minerva, a heritage Montblanc is intent to preserve and strengthen. Hence, the Heritage Chronometrie Collection is created, as an expression of this fine watchmaking heritage from Minerva.


 

The flagship of the Heritage Chronometrie collection, the Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph


Heritage of Chronometric Precision

The tradition of fine watchmaking as practiced by the venerable Minerva Manufacture since 1858 has been continued and responsibly cultivated by Montblanc under its own roof. In the 157 years of the history of Minerva, it has managed to set itself apart as a specialist in one key area of watchmaking, namely chronometric functions, notably in chronographs and stopwatches.









To be such an expert in precision timekeeping, Minerva needed to be able to manage the different frequencies starting from 1/5th, 1/10th up to 1/100th of a second. Minerva’s dedication to precisely measure time intervals up to 1/100th of a second and of course, the associated mastery of the various frequencies motivated Minerva to set itself apart at a very early date as a leading expert in the manufacture of its own balances and hairsprings. This heritage and pride of Minerva inspires Montblanc to develop the movements (either in-house movements or in-house complications, which I will explain more in a subsequent post) for the Heritage Chronometrie Collection.





Heritage of fine watchmaking

Now I must admit, I am quite a young watch collector and I only started in late 2012. Hence, unlike many of you more experienced PuristS, I only knew about the great history and achievements of Minerva through Montblanc. However, there is always a watch I read about, a certain Minerva watch that seems like it had achieved a cult status, i.e. the Minerva Pythagore.

Montblanc could tap on Minerva not just for technical and chronometrie inspiration, but also for inspirations in design elements. In 1948, Minerva introduced the Minerva Pythagore, which is now considered an iconic and legendary watch by collectors. The Pythagore is the perfect example of a truly fine timepiece, with its simple classic elegance and essential functionality, without any pretence. It wasn’t even considered haute horology with exceptional movement finishing but it retains classical fine watchmaking codes with honest pricing. 

The new Heritage Chronometrie line is very much inspired by the Minerva Pythagore. The illustration below shows how the design elements of the Pythagore is inspired onto the Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim (a watch I tried on last week and love it!).






Here are 2 live pictures of the Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim, a manual wind, 38mm simple classic watch in red gold.








And below we have 2 illustrations provided by Montblanc on the design codes of the case and the dial of the new Heritage Chronometrie collection. I am a fan of applied indices and these double faceted applied indices do make a watch look and feel that it’s a high end watch.











Close-up on the crown



See the round, refined horns



The steps on the bezel


I will continue to share the craftsmanship and performance of this new collection in my next post. Stay tuned smile


Cheers
robin 

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