Montblanc

mkt33
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A visit to the Montblanc boutique in Atlanta, Georgia

Two weeks ago I was in Atlanta on business and I took the opportunity to visit the local Montblanc boutique .

Located in the posh neighborhood of Buckhead, I distinctly remember walking through the Lennox Mall when I attended Emory University about 15 years ago.  Living on an extremely tight budget, the only thing I could afford back then was a snack at the food court.  However these empty shopping trips reinforced the drive and motivation to be successful.  Superficial?  Materialistic?  Perhaps.  But at the time the sheer thought of one day having the opportunity to enjoy the finer things provided the necessary stimulus to survive the grueling existence of being a medical student.

As I strolled through the shopping center heading towards the Montblanc boutique, I realized how different my life had become.  With a bit of a stretch, I could now purchase many of the things that once were unattainable.  In a flash, I remembered my father's advice:  "When you think you have achieved success, never forget where you came from."

Unlike the Beverly Hills boutique  click here ,

unlike the Las Vegas boutique click here ,

and unlike the Singapore boutique click here ,

the Atlanta store is small and narrow.  I was surprised by it's small footprint because this was the only boutique in all of Georgia (ranked 10th in population, 10th in gross production, and 21st in size for the USA). 

What this tall, slim store lacks in size, it makes up for in its attentive sales staff who graciously tolerated my presence while catering to other clients without missing a beat.

Take a look at the selection found in Atlanta's boutique.

Yes, only the Timewalker, Sport, and Star collections.  Was I disappointed?  Should I have politely cut my visit short since there were no new Rieussecs or Villeret models to inspect?  I was told that clients in Atlanta focused only the basic Montblanc timepieces and in the past three years only a few customers have walked in requesting to see a Rieussec Chronograph.  No one has walked in to talk about Villeret.  So the boutique stocks timepieces which could sell.  Any higher end watch from the Montblanc catalog could be requested and the staff would try to obtain a sample for proper viewing.

"When you think you have achieved success, never forget where you came from"

I decided to stay and inspect some of the watches available from the prospective of a customer who doesnot know a lot about watches looking for something nice from a well respected luxury brand.  Our passion for watches all started from somewhere and fifteen years ago I would have hesitated to ask for the opportunity to hold a watch costing more than a thousand US dollars.

Let's take a second look.

I re-evaluated the basic Timewalker automatic, a simple three hand watch with a date display.  It would be an extremely good choice for a contemporary dress watch.

Thinner on the wrist than I expected

The Montblanc design team succeeded in their goal of creating a modern yet classic look.

Of course I have already shown the Timewalker Retrograde

And for the customers who want the ultimate sport watch, the Atlanta boutique's top of the line Tantalum Chronograph

At the end of my hour visit, I realized the variety of choices which Montblanc offered to enthusiasts.  All with solid build quality.  All deserving of the Montblanc symbol of excellence.

As Montblanc continues to expand and push its timepiece collections upscale with the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph collection

And to the haute horology level with the Villeret Collection

I sincerely hope that they succeed in their quest to a become a well regarded watchmaking brand. 

And when Montblanc reaches that peak, I also would remind them of my father's words: "When you think you have achieved success, never forget where you came from"

Focus and streamline the Timewalker, Sport, and Star collections.  Please continue to provide true value and quality for watch enthusiasts and the brand's reputation will grow.

What else caught my eye at the boutique?

Check it out.

Nice...

Enjoy,

Mike