Montblanc

dxboon
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Just some additional commentary and photos.

Thanks Ping for the great event coverage.  It was wonderful to see you!  Just a few thoughts from me below about the event.

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As Ping previously posted, our friends at the Montblanc Beverly Hills boutique graciously hosted PuristS for an intimate cocktail party celebrating the history, craftsmanship, and future of the Villeret 1858 collection, as well as the watches from their Nicolas Rieussec line.












The boutique is decorated with beautiful vintage watchmaking tools.  I love objects like this so took some photos to share.










A reproduction of Rieussec's original invention which inspired the Rieussec chronograph.




Attendees were treated to hors d'oeuvres, sparkling wine, and other festive beverages, which certainly added to an already jovial atmosphere at the boutique.  In every corner of the store guests were mingling and talking about the beautiful watches that Montblanc has been releasing in recent years (My favorite: the Villeret Vintage Chronograph).













The PuristS founder and éminence grise, Dr. Thomas Mao, delivered the keynote presentation introducing the Montblanc Villeret 1858 collection to all in attendance.  A short, lively question and answer session followed during which we discussed several hopes and dreams for Montblanc (My dream: an in-house acoustic complication; fellow Moderator, Dr. No's dream: a shaped Montblanc Villeret caliber).

After all the talk about these watches, our friends at the boutique opened up all those glass cases and let us handle the watches!!!  What could be better than that for a haute horlogerie enthusiast (Aside from having the watches in your personal collection.)?  Upon handling the watches, it is immediately apparent how substantial and beautifully finished the pieces truly are.  The dials are hit or miss stylistically for me -- my favorites belong to the Vintage line, as well as the Retour-à-Zéro, but the movements across the entire Villeret collection are gorgeous, highly finished and beautifully constructed.  The quality of these watches cannot be denied, and really should be experienced in person.  At the event we all talked about how great movements are almost like little cities -- with tons of layers, and moving parts; there's something new to discover each time you view the caliber.  Montblanc Villeret movements are very much in this vein. 

























One thing I admire about the Villeret pieces is the depth of their dials.  Regardless of whether or not you like the dial designs, it is hard to deny that they are interesting and draw your gaze inward with their fine enamel work, guillochage, and decoration.













Sorry about the fingerprints and stickers on the below pictures!  The Rieussec is one of the most unique chronograph dials around.









I am excited to see what the future holds for Montblanc Villeret.  We already know they can do beautiful, traditionally-crafted pieces that showcase old-word arts like grand feu enamel dials and in-house hand-regulated hairsprings (After trying my hand at this during IGOTT in Las Vegas, I can personally attest to how challenging this process is.), as well as avant garde watches like the Metamorphosis, so the sky is the limit for Montblanc's watches, in my opinion.  I want to extend a hearty thank you to Montblanc Beverly Hills for their warm welcome, and the generous spirit with which they shared their watches.  Also thanks to PuristSPro for organizing this event.

Cheers,
Daos