Montblanc

Members,

I am faced with a dilemna.  I am lookng for an everyday watch that I can primarily wear to beat around in and will put up with some punishment.  I currently wear watches under a suit so my watches do not take much of a beating and plus all of my watches are on the dressier side.  What I currently have is:

1.  JLC Platinum Reverso RDM

2.  JLC SS Amvox 1

3.  JLC RG Master Reveil

4.  JLC SS Master Calendar

5.  VC 18K with Custom Case

6.  Original 1967 Omega Speedmaster Pre-Moon

Also, on its  way is a JLC Platinum 70eme.

Anyway, I was getting a pretty good deal on a Montblanc Big Date Flyback Chrono and I was thinking that this would make a great watch to have as a daily wearer, as I was looking for something under 3k.  I know that MB is making strides recently, but I wanted to get your thoughts on what you thought about this piece and if it is worth purchasing or is it really only a fashion piece.  I believe that this piece had a Jaquet movement, but I do not know anything else about it.  I like the big date and flyback complications and that is why I was drwan to it.  Any help would be appreciated.  I tried to do a search for this piece but did not find anythng, so I apologize in advance if I am missing some comments.

Thank you.

The big date flyback is my favourite from the regular Montblanc line-up. Indeed the movement is from Jaquet (now the company is La Joux-Perret). The PVD coating is prone to nicks as PVD normally is, but otherwise it is a fine watch. Now the model is available sans PVD coating I believe. Here are some very old pictures.

- SJX

Thank you so much. i really liked the dial layout and i appreciated the complications, the pictures convinced me. I think it will make for a great daily wearer and the nicks after all are a sign that the watch is being used. I appreciate the comments, thanks again.

The rubber strap the PVD version is originally sold with is stiff and the folding clasp is lousy so I replaced it with the carbon-fibre print strap you see in the second picture.

- SJX

Hi Lagauvulin,

I think you have a wonderful collection already and the MB would be an interesting addition.  I think SJX has answered a lot of your questions already (thanks!)

It is a Jaquet base which has been used by other companies.  I believe Graham and Jean Marcel are another two brands which employ the flyback chronograph mechanism coupled with a Big date complication.

I prefer the non pvd version with bracelet

 

I hope Don's Villeret reports have demonstrated that MB is dedicated to fine watchmaking and my review of the Rieussec show that  the Le Locle facility is gearing up for great things.  MB will always be considered a "fashion" brand by some PuristS but that's okay...there are some interesting watches in the lineup and you've found one of them!

Hope you'll share some pics when you make up your mind

Cheers, Mike

Thank you very much. I was in fact interested in the steel version myself. Between you and SJX, this is getting to be a very tough decision, but I really like this watch. The movement is a workhorse, but is proven and I like the complications, plus it is a practical watch. It is actually Dan's write-up that got me interested in MB. In all honestly, I knew that they were producing watches but I have to admit that I really thought about them as a "fashion" watch, someone who just slapped their name on the dial. I learned something new and I have to say that I am truly intrigued. Granted, this watch is not their in house movement, but nonetheless, it shows me the commitment that they have to watch-making. I try to spend my money pretty smartly in this addiction and buy really what that really speaks to me and I have to say that this watch does exactly that. I like the layout, the complications and the ruggedness. That speaks volumes to where MB is going and Dan's report just proved it again.

I thank you for again for the feedback.

is how fashion brands putting out interesting watches are constantly snobbed in general without reason.

I remember when Cartier's Collection Privee was ignored even when some of the best watchmakers in the business consulted on the pieces.  Same with Chopard and Piaget.

Whose laughing now? 

Keep an open mind and enjoy the watches.  Heck I bet you can find a MB flyback Big Date at a very reasonable price because "watch conoisseurs" bypassed it.

Their loss, your gain!

 

Cheers, Mike

 

 

This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2009-04-17 18:53:35

I bought it yesterday and can't wait to get it delivered. I am very excited and it has been a long time since I can say that, since this is a new direction for me and I am very excited. Thank you. This forum, MB, made me realize that a world exists outside out of my JLC world. I feel like a child waiting for Santa, can't wait for the delivery. I hope to post pictures soon.

My needs were solely a daily wearer and I believe I have exceeded my own expectations.

.

I hope the wait isn't too arduous, and please do share some pictures with us when you get it!

Cheers,
Anthony