halgedahl
1333
It's been a month, so…
Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim, 38mm, in steel; ref. 112515
A few thoughts on the Chronometrie Ultra Slim might be in order. (Here's mine, wishing all of you a pleasant day!)
I've just had a good time reading through comments on this watch made over the past few months, and wish to weigh in on the design of the hands, a common point of disagreement with Montblanc. Though I didn't line mine up to make my point, I think you'll be able to tell from my pic (as well as others') that 1) the minute hand "misses" the minute track by exactly the same distance that the hour hand "misses" the indices. Further, 2) the length of the minute hand lines up with (covers) the hour indices exactly, so that the symmetry is complete. In addition I would submit that this "philosophy" is actually perfect on a dial that is supposed merely to suggest the time. This is, after all, a classic dress watch style (two hands, no date), and I think all of us who own one have felt at least a tinge of relief when we grab the watch at the last minute and need to set it. Because it doesn't matter what second it is! In short (no pun intended), I feel the hands are quite suited to the watch, and their length has never bothered me.
The hands have bothered some reviewers, and that's fine. They see more watches on their wrists than I do. But then again, they have to write something about them. And just as the talking heads on TV need to fill up time, so too do these reviewers need to fill up space! Furthermore, they really can't often dare to say that something is perfect (even if it is) because such a judgment is so personal. Ergo… what to me is a subtle plus is to some a subtle minus. And so it goes…
One thing not mentioned in your comments (I don't think I saw this, though I could have missed it) is the marvelous strap that comes with the watch. Much has been made of Montblanc's 50hr. test, but little has been said in praise of the wonderful leather strap supplied by the company's own leather manufacturer in Florence, Pelleteria. It is so comfortable! Supple, yet substantial in strength, it matches the aesthetic of the timepiece perfectly. (Uh oh, if I'm not mistaken I said that something was perfect!)
Finally, the dial's ultra fine sunburst graining is so good that it merely gives off a mother-of-pearl-like luminescence, and does not interfere with reading the time by creating unwanted wedges of light and shadow. Now I read that the watch is no longer available in steel. (Indeed, the MB website shows the watch to be "currently unavailable." Others undoubtedly have a better handle on this than do I.) What a shame! (But then… what a coup for those of us who jumped when we had the chance.) What should be said to end, then, is that I particularly enjoy wearing this watch. Of all my timepieces, this is the one I have the most fun with out and about.
You see, as a violinist, most of the people I associate with are musicians—moreover string players who are undoubtedly saving for their next bow, rather than their next watch. (A decent violin bow by a contemporary maker would start at ~$3K and up. We won't even begin to bring in what instruments cost.) So I generally have to start the conversation by noting the watch they are wearing. When it comes to mine (they know I'm into watches), the assumption is that this one is a quartz, because it's so thin. Then I get to take it off and turn it over to "oohs" and "aahs." Well…(sputter, shake of the head) yes, damnit, despite the inner glow we all feel when something nice we are wearing "flies under the radar," once in awhile we'd really like someone to notice! (As when my wife says, "Where did you get that? I don't think I've seen that before, have I?) Oi!
My fellow enthusiasts… have a great weekend! FH
More posts:
It's been a month, so…
Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim, 38mm, in steel; ref. 112515 A few thoughts on the Chronometrie Ultra Slim might be in order. (Here's mine, wishing all of you a pleasant day!) I've just had a good time reading through comments on this watch mad...
Here you are, sir!
You see the striping... In a differet light... Less reflection. I'm afraid my photographic skills/equipment are really not up to the task! ...
Beautiful and elegant watch. The dial is superb.
I must say I see nothing wrong with the hands; everything looks perfect to me. Regards Kev.
Thanks, all, for responding.
Just ran across this example of hands which, by contrast, make no sense to me (Chopard L.U.C. 1937). Not sure what I would have done, but I think you'll see what I mean. Makes my point more eloquently than I ever could. (A picture is worth a thousand word...
Thanks for your review and thoughts on the watch, Halgedahl!
Being one of the owners and possibly reviewers you referred to, I have to say it’s certainly a watch I very much enjoy. The hands - yes, following the classical aesthetic they could be longer but do not bother me. The thinness is certainly an asset. As fo...
It's always nice when the Mod weighs in...
Thanks much, KM. And since you commented on the strap I might as well learn something. What, precisely, were you referring to when you said, "...not the best I've had."? In my (admittedly limited) experience, companies—if someone there is thinking—seem to...
The strap is certainly spot on in terms of dimensions...
And is very nice at this price level - no qualms there. I cannot comment on the Ball one, since I don't own any of their watches and GS - well the straps are not their strongest suit - I carry mine on aftermarket straps instead. There are many facets that...
