MTF
[PuristS]
13383
I did not realise that watchmaking was dangerous....
First, Thanks to Don, Mike, Monsieur Cabiddu and Herr Schmiedt for the Initial Glimpse of Villeret 1858.
As very few so-called "manufactures' do not really make their own components from raw materials, I was a little scared to see the 70-ton press at Villeret. All my 'Health & Safety' sensors were tingling at the potential dangers of 70-ton crushing down on little phalanges........ 
I like the admixture of vintage heavy metal and modern electro-erosion CNC !
Regards,
MTF
Back to Basics, Montblanc Style -- A Trip to Villeret
During the past few years we've seen some pretty amazing timpieces displayed during the SIHH and Baselworld fairs. The Debethune Dream watches, Christophe Claret's Dual Tow, Concord's Quantum Gravity, and the Greubel Forsey's EWT were some of the pieces f...
Thanks Don and Mike for this...
...great beginning. I am looking forward to read more about the brand and the making of the movements, especially from such a knowing expert as Don. Good luck with this forum! /// Christian
Thanks for this post, guys!
Can't wait for the next installment! I love vintage Minervas, so it will be exciting to see what Montblanc will come up with in the future, as steward of Minerva's proud heritage. Cheers, Daos
Great Post
As an owner of a Minerva watch I love seeing their watches. I just wish they produced watches with their name on the dial.
Dr. Bosse extends his congratulations to this report... ;-)
After having intensive exchanges with senior people from Montblanc, I am really convinced that Minerva is in excellent hands with Montblanc. I am really eager to see how L'Institute de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie develops in the near future with the new...
Magnus, your in depth and honest reporting
has always been and will continue to be the standard I try to achieve. I look forward to your participation here and keeping me in check! Best wishes and warmest regards, Mike
Thanks for the report Don
and am very much looking forward to your Part 2 on decoration. Thanks, Anthony
I did not realise that watchmaking was dangerous....
First, Thanks to Don, Mike, Monsieur Cabiddu and Herr Schmiedt for the Initial Glimpse of Villeret 1858. As very few so-called "manufactures' do not really make their own components from raw materials, I was a little scared to see the 70-ton press at Vill...
Hi, Don - the aspect of your report that's most intriguing . . .
. . . is the retention of parts from decades past. Will the Institute Minerva take in vintage watches for repair, and did Mr. Schmiedt have anything to say about preserving Minerva's heritage during your visit? Thanks, Art This message has been edited by ...
WOW. great tour
hmmmm. makes me want a Montblanc badly ;0)) thank you for the report... Tony
Thanks for the report Don.
Montblanc Villeret's set-up is certainly impressive and reflected in their products. - SJX
Great post! Has there been an indication of production
numbers for this house? I know several other brands speak of making only "x" number of pieces for a year. It would seem Villeret with it's hand making traditions would have a small capacity to produce, which makes me appreciate their pieces even more. Can...
Yes, Extremely limited...
for 2007, a total of 120 pieces were produced. Montblanc states that over three years they will be lucky if 500 pieces make it out of the Villeret workshop. Yikes, Mike