Montblanc

Hi.... I was wondering... How has Montblanc changed (or not) Minerva? Minerva had very interesting movements.... but how was their finishing of both their movements and cases just before Montblanc bought them? Any info or opinions would be appreciated... ... 

Before After Granted a lot of the change took place with the previous Italian owners but Montblanc's infusion of capital completed the modernization of the Villeret factory and allowed the transition to continue. You have to admit, without Montblanc there...  

Photos do say a thousand words.... Thanks.... You are correct... Without Montblanc Minerva could not manufacture the calibres that exist today... Is it worth it? Horologically without any doubt... Monetary, well this remains to be seen.... Cheers

no doubt that the Rieussec, properly negotiated, is holding its value in the short term. The Villeret is still a story in progress. I wonder if MB understands that for enthusiasts it is essential that watches not only retain their "wow" value but also som... 

that they do.... Cheers

The previous Italian owners improved the quality of the movements a lot, as can be seen in this example of a cal 13-20 movement. But this can not yet compaired with the quality of the current movements....  

as the movement that you show was a 'left-over' from the era before, the era under the ownership of the Frey family. The current Montblanc/Minerva movements Cal. 62-00, Cal. 13-21, Cal. 16-15 and Cal. 16-29 have been developed under the Italian owners. He...  

Magnus Thanks for the clarification. I understand that the Cal 13-21 was derived from the Cal 13-20. Do you think that Montblanc will ever reintroduce the double pusher chronograph? This message has been edited by bon092 on 2011-03-14 12:31:08

goes to show that you have to have money to make money wonderful pics! Mike