Montblanc

mkt33
[PuristS]
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The WIS guide to "new Montblanc"

Telackey,

About 4 years ago Montblanc, with its new stewardship of Minerva, decided to make a major move into the watch world.

The reason for this was simple:  MB execs saw their VIP clients make major pen purchases and they were wearing very expensive timepieces.  When asked why the watches were also not MB, they got very shocking answers.  MB execs decided to rectify this situation.

The establishment of Minerva Insitut was built upon the advances which its previous owners started but could not continue.  The new movements were highly finished but designed on the basic principles of classic watchmaking.

Now we are starting to see Minerva shaping its own identity.

The Grand Regulateur Chronograph with its "double" hand power reserve is an example.

The Tourbillon Bicylindrique with its double nested helical hairspring is an interesting interpretation/solution to some basic issues surrounding flat hairsprings.

At about the same time,  MB released its Rieussec calibers.  The Rieussic movements have been in development for over a decade.

An integrated double barrel chronograph utilizing a vertical clutch, a monopusher, and a the two revolving chronograph disks took many industry insiders by surprise.  They didn't think that Montblanc could ever achieve such a novel movement.  The base version was also priced very aggressively.  Since its original release we have seen upgrades: skeletonized specimens, automatic winding versions, upgraded silicon escapement components.  I think the Rieussec models will continue to surprise.

Seriously, this is the line that most WIS should be excited about....at least those of us with modest pocketbooks!

 Now we are seeing the Timewalker line also expanding with new in house movements.  The Timewalker Twinfly chronograph is the first with a novel flyback mechanism and time display all around a central axis.  I have no doubts that we will see more examples of in house movements from Montblanc.  Stay tuned for an interview with MB's movement designer.

The remainder of the MB watch family: the Star and Sport will continue to get aesthetic upgrades and perhaps new case coatings.  I wonder if the advances from the Timewalker line will trickle down.

Otherwise I DO NOT expect Villeret to share with the Rieussec and neither to share with the other MB lines.  This way each model line will retain its own individual characteristics.

Best, Mike