Montblanc

Finally getting around to sharing some photos of what has become one of my favorite watches I’ve ever owned. I know this one received some mixed feedback at its release, but I was smitten immediately. This was a 30 piece limited collaboration between Montblanc and Collective Horology that came out a couple of years ago.

I have a deep love for Minerva, and I really think highly of the guys at Collective, so this was a perfect collaboration for me. I actually first met Asher, one of the founders of Collective, while waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland a few years ago.

One thing worth mentioning is how wonderful the tactile experiences of this watch are. Winding the crown, turning the bezel, and pressing the chronograph pusher all give the immediate impression of an object that exudes quality and real craftsmanship. Might seem silly to talk about such things, but I find them part of what makes watches like this so charming.

"I know this one received some mixed feedback at its release".

The biggest criticism seemed to revolve around the yellow sub-dials. I can understand that, but it’s totally subjective. I happen to love them.

The other was regarding the size. Many wished for a 40mm case as opposed to 42mm. Having owned a different model in 40, I agree that it wears better. However, the reason the case is larger on this model is due to the rotating bezel, and I would not want to do without it. Also, the larger case gives more room for that beautiful white dial.

What a beautiful dial and cool watch. Thanks for sharing

And a pity it wasn’t for the European market… glad that you enjoy it that much

Hope you have a chance to see one in person some day.

Collective Horology Blue Arrow.

The size is perfect, and as you said pleasure to look at and interact with. And whereas the red arrow cousin was clearly vintage inspired this dial is much more modern and a lot of fun, in summer or winter! Enjoy!

It’s been a MB for 5 months with no update. You would think they would want to address a broken watch rather quickly for -a customer? But no it doesn’t appear that way. Rather disappointing if you ask me.

I had to send in a different model to them for service and it took over a year to return. Unfortunately, this is the norm for them. They have very few watchmakers and none of them are dedicated to service/repair, so it takes a long time to get work done.

Also, just as an FYI, they have been closed for their summer break for a couple of months now. I think they’re starting up again this month.

I love a lot of things about what Montblanc is doing with Minerva, but the way they are handling service is not one of them.

Hope you get some good news sometime soon.

Chrono hands have failed to center repeatedly, also after being serviced at Minerva. I assume that there is - at least with some watches - a problem with the parts of the chrono. Many others don't have this issue but I know of some and have been affected myself with this timepiece unfortunately. Give it a thorough stress test when it is back!

The watch worked well for nearly a year and then the problems started. Problems with the amplitude, the chrono function and later on it wouldn’t start after being wound up.
Unfortunately I experienced similar problems with some of the recent new chronos from them whilst all my first gen pieces (until about 2015, old logo with no mountain) work wonderfully. I assume it’s the sourcing of some parts of the calibre…

Sometimes the chrono hand becomes loose because the pipe that holds it in the central pinion becomes loose because of the high torque for chronograph hands reset. So when the reset pusher is pressed the hand resets but then slips due to the fit not being as tight.

It’s an easy fix to stake the pipe for the hand so the friction fit is very tight.

I’ve seen this happen as well when when chronos are serviced and the the hands are taken off and put back on. This can cause the friction fit to not be as tight as when originally installed.

🤝

The second hand doesn’t center anymore. It’s been with the manufacturer for 7 months now and still no word on when it will be fixed. I really like their Octo Finissimo line but this will likely be my first and last Bulgari watch

What a watch!