Montblanc

Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Dear Melvyn, I am certainly one of those 'culprits'...

who reminded time and time again on the inheritance of the late Minerva watches (including movements, cases etc. up to the box) by Montblanc. What stroke me always is that this fact seemed to be forgotten instantly by many connaisseurs when Richemond acquired the company. Perhaps because some reports (unintendedly?) gave the impression that the new Montblanc Villeret watches have indeed been developed after the acquisition.

Montblanc has to be commended for (i) understanding the potential the sleeping gem Minerva had, (ii) exploiting it by transforming it into competence center (the institute), and (iii) acknowledging this by engraving the Minerva name on the movements.

I am glad you mentioned the aspect of sustainability. This aspect is not only important for the customer, but of course for the employees as well. I meet Dimetrio Cabiddu several time before and once after the takeover by Richemond. While he was always confident about the technical and artistical abilities of Minerva, his mood and his joyance were quite different!

And finally and funny enough, I had a very similar experience than you at the very end of the italian ownership. I was offered a brand new Minerva 1858 at a very attractive price. I ultimately declined, pastly thanks to the recommendations of several fellow purists - which were based on the long term perspectives of the brand. Today, I could kick myself that I did not follow my heart, as I still love those watches!

This again indicates that watch aficionados are not purely controlled by emaotion as we might think (or pretend in order to justify our purchases). There is some rationality still remaining!

Cheers,
Magnus
This message has been edited by Magnus Bosse on 2008-12-03 00:07:33 This message has been edited by Magnus Bosse on 2008-12-03 00:08:31