Report on Montblanc at Watches and Wonders 2014 Part III

Oct 13, 2014,23:14 PM
 

To wrap up my reports on Montblanc at Watches and Wonders 2014, here’s a part 3 and the last part of my report. Sorry for the delay on this as I had been unwell last week, after a hectic 4 days in Hong Kong the previous week. Hopefully, you have also enjoyed the 2 videos Montblanc helped us film for PuristSPro, where I introduced the key novelties in the Montblanc booth as well as attempted to assemble a balance spring/wheel and regulate it (not yet an epic failure but Julien was lenient to me!). 


In this report, I will focus on a private session I had with Florian from Montblanc Villeret. Florian is a watchmaker from Villeret as well as their coordinator for projects (bespoke, new projects, etc). This time, I had more time to learn more about the super watch (like super cars!) from Montblanc Villeret,the Metamorphosis 2 as well as the new red gold Meisterstuck Heritage watches launched in Watches and Wonders 2014. I also spent some time with other very interesting Montblanc watches in the session and will share them here.


Firstly, on the new red gold Meisterstuck Heritage. I love the version with the chocolate dial as I said on the video. Red gold case with chocolate dial is always a charming combination and I never tire of this color mix.  Similar to other watches in the Meisterstuck Heritage series, you will find a common code of traditional fine watchmaking, including the bombe dial and dauphine hands. The color of the red gold used by Montblanc also has a nice reddish hue, not too yellow like some other red/pink/rose gold I have seen before. I like this reddish hue in red gold a lot.








A good size for any wrist size with a 39mm case

If I have to nitpick on this watch, it will be the date aperture being in white and contrasting with the chocolate dial a bit too much. If there is a non-date version for this red gold, chocolate dial Meisterstuck Heritage watch, it will be perfect for me. Alternatively, we can have a chocolate date aperture but with white fonts for the date – although I think it may not be so easy to read the date then.  For those who do not mind the date aperture (as it is afterall a practical feature and I am just nitpicking as a WIS), then this watch is perfect.


There is also the more classical red gold silver dial version. This version, even with a date, is easy to please, although less exciting to me than the chocolate dial version. But here, the date aperture blends nicely with the dial color and in this version, I actually like thee date feature as it’s practical for daily wear.





So which do you prefer? Silver dial or chocolate dial Meisterstuck Heritage Date Automatic? smile


Next, let’s have another look at the Metamorphosis 2, the star of the show for Montblanc at W&W 2014. First impression – it’s a super watch like those ultra-luxurious super cars. And it’s big at 52mm! But strangely, it wears ok on most average sized wrist. I will try to get some pics to show this better as my wrist is very small at 6+ inch only (less than 6.5 inch). I know someone who wore it with average sized wrists and it looks great on him. smile






I think the trick the case designers used are very short and curved lugs. The height of the watch is also quite tall and that somehow allows the leather strap to snug around the wrists better (as the leather strap also has to snug around the watch’s height).









I normally prefer smaller watches max at 40mm but for “super watches” that are conversational pieces, I think it’s ok being big!





I also took the chance to record some videos. Here’s a video showing the transformation of the dial (thanks to Florian for the demo!) and the demo of the retrograde minutes.


Another video showing the movement when the dial transforms and when the monopusher chronograph starts, stops and resets. Beautiful movement from Montblanc Villeret as always.


Some other watches I saw in the session.

The new Boheme Perpetual Calendar – definitely the dial looks more balanced with a case size of 36mm. It’s really cool that Montblanc created a high complication watch for the ladies too!










And watches I like a lot from Montblanc Villeret (I have a strong suspicion that Florian was trying to poison me!). The Montblanc Villeret Seconde-au-centre-retour-zero at 41mm – this watch never fails to make me fall in love with it again and again. Beautiful guilloche dial and superb movement finishing!










And also, the Montblanc Villeret Tourbillon bi-cylindrique. At 47mm, I always assumed it would be too big for me and never tried it on my wrist. This time I did and hey, it looks big yes but I think for conversational super watches like this and the Metamorphosis 1 and 2, it’s ok to be big!










Here’s a video to show how the Tourbillon bi-cylindrique “dances”. Looks really cool!




Hope you enjoyed my 3rd report on Montblanc at W&W 2014.


Cheers

robin



This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-10-18 22:46:59


More posts: CalibresCollection VilleretMetamorphosisMonopusher ChronographTourbillon Bi-Cylindrique

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Thank you, Robin...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2014-05:41
For these Watches and Wonders reports! :) Wish I would have been there. Best, my friend Blomman

Come next year Blomman!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : October 15th, 2014-07:24
Would love to meet you some day :) Or maybe I try to make it for SIHH 2015! Cheers Robin

Would love to go next year!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2014-15:08
But too early to tell... Yes, my friend - one day we must meet! Until then, best! Blomman

That bicylindrique is AWESOME. I think I like it better than

 
 By: mkt33 : October 16th, 2014-09:53
the Metamorphosis! Thanks for the reporting and the new video! Best, Mike

Pleasure Mike :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : October 17th, 2014-07:43
Glad you enjoy it :) The bi-cylindrique tourby is really a mechanical work of art!!! I love it too :) Cheers Robin

Correction in article: my wrist size is 6plus inch and not 7plus inch

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : October 18th, 2014-22:48
Article edited Cheers Robin