Counterpoints

Oct 06, 2008,21:41 PM
 

Anthony and Kong,

First - thanks for an in-depth review and on-the-wrist test drive.

Next - as you mentioned, the power of digital macro photography is too scary for regualr consumers. We are not surprised to find flaws even on pieces by "acknowledged" masters like Philippe Dufour if we use macro photography. It is even less likely that we would mention the findings on a 'Simplicity' model after the proud owner has waited 4 years.......  smile

The ultimate question is whether the whole watch has kerb-appeal for the consumer at first sight?  More importantly, does it appeal to the loyal fanbase first - the Montblanc collector. Many of us try to coordinate our accessories (Yes- even the blokes). Hence, SWATCH brings out Breguet pen (one ltd edn) and cufflinks, Patek Philippe has matching shaped cufflinks for their shaped watches, AP has Royal Oak bijoux line etc.....

Of course, the mass market consumer can buy Montblanc Starwalker watches to match their mass market pens but what if you are a high-end Montblanc pen collector? This Rieussec could be the watch for high-end brand loyalty.

The "bull face" motif is quite charming and appeals to certain symmetric personalities. Thus, it is "logical" for them that the counter-rotating hands on the sub-dials is symmetrical   -  like the old twin-props to balance aeroplane torque-steer characteristics.

Finally, the chronograph collectors will go wild, irrespective of the finishing, because they just 'must-have' the unique counter-rotating displays......."Another way to write time" (geddit?) by Montblanc!

Regards,

MTF


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Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Review

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : October 6th, 2008-15:04
Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Review by Anthony Tsai & VL Kong © October 2008 History of Montblanc Montblanc was founded in 1906 at Hamburg, Germany by 3 people from diverse backgrounds - a stationer, an engineer and a banker - solely to manufacture fou...  

Thanks Anthony

 
 By: SJX : October 6th, 2008-20:45

Counterpoints

 
 By: MTF : October 6th, 2008-21:41
Anthony and Kong, First - thanks for an in-depth review and on-the-wrist test drive. Next - as you mentioned, the power of digital macro photography is too scary for regualr consumers. We are not surprised to find flaws even on pieces by "acknowledged" ma... 

Counter-counterpoints

 
 By: Jos. : October 7th, 2008-03:15

Great review!

 
 By: Peter  : October 7th, 2008-03:07
Thks for sharing

Great Review Anthony, Thanks

 
 By: NJ_Mark : October 7th, 2008-07:33
Do you know if these have been released to the Boutiques yet?

Fantastic review gentlemen.

 
 By: MichaelC : October 7th, 2008-09:11

Thanks a lot for this superb review !

 
 By: foversta : October 7th, 2008-13:32
...  

A mighty dress watch…

 
 By: AndrewD : October 7th, 2008-17:17
Great review, guys. Although the Nicolas Rieussec has the more formal appearance of a dress watch (given the RG case and the fonts used on the dial), saying that a 43x14.7mm watch is a dress watch and that “the case is a perfect height for a dress watch t... 

I agree BUT

 
 By: MTF : October 8th, 2008-01:56
Andrew, I agree that "dress watch" may be a stretch because of the chronograph fucntions irrespective of case size. About size acceptability.......Anthony is a Panerai and AP Offshore fan......so I guess his idea of "dress watch" size may be skewed! Regar... 

I should have put a smiley face in there..

 
 By: AndrewD : October 8th, 2008-04:01
Thanks for your comments, Melvyn. You're right about dress watches and 'complications' of course. Actually the case of this Montblanc chronograph is rather elegantly shaped, and I can forgive Anthony describing it as a "dress watch", particularly if it wa... 

Exactly what MTF said

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : October 8th, 2008-06:20

impressive writeup..

 
 By: rijowysock : October 7th, 2008-19:45

Wow, Anthony, that's what I call a Review!

 
 By: amanico : October 9th, 2008-13:08
Informative, detailed, with very nice pics and a superb text, that's a great work, here.. Congrats to you and Kong! As for the watch, I still don't know what to think. The finish seems ok, the design is not bad, so what does this watch miss??? Legitimity?... 

If MONTBLANC was NOT on the dial?

 
 By: MTF : October 16th, 2008-22:39
What if this watch was presented to you with an established watch brand name on the dial? Would that give it more legitimacy? Interesting "thought experiment"............ Maybe we should review watches without brand names printed on the dial: a bit like b... 

Awesome review! [nt]

 
 By: Davo : February 26th, 2009-04:09