Montblanc

Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Excellent review of an excellent watch!

Dear Mike

very interesting and eye-opening second view at the MB NR chronograph. It is encouraging to see that MB took some of the criticisms voiced in the initial review seriously and addressed them swiftly. But even that aside, the proposed price point of the watch makes it an almost irresistible offer. A fresh appearance (but see below) coupled with an out-of-the-box movement are a rare combination. The two main complications are both useful and satisfy a man's desire to play... A commendable achievement for a newcomer manufacture!

But at the end of the day, the watch also shows that MB still has some way to go. There are a few handling/comfort issues (the clasp, ...) to be solved (remember MB is a well-established luxury fountain pen maker, so the public will be particularly sensitive to these issues!) and there are finishing/assembling issues (some dial flaws, lack of finesse of (hand?) decoration, dust and excess lubricants on the movement) which are tell-tale signs that the horological learning curve has not reached its end. Such imperfections should not be present in this league.

Another topic are design details. I agree with you on the date window (why on earth do so many watch companies currently feel the need to remind us that there is a day before and a day after the current day?) and that there is too much 'literature' on the dial. Not only that, there are at least three different fonts used.

As others have mentioned some time ago, the design bears traces of a 'committee design' instead of consequently developing a unique personality. What I do not appreciate is the use of the ubiquitous Breguet numerals on the main dial. Are the Breguet numerals meant as 'traditional safety belts' in this context? I know that a few major houses, e.g. Patek Philippe, use them as well, but MB is a different case: MB has no history in matchmaking to cater for and could (and should!) thus afford to start afresh. Particularly since the overall concept of the watch is so refreshingly unique.

So, my bottom line is that the watch could exploit its uniqueness even more if MB would not be afraid of their own bravery. While all of the above are rather minor (and strictly personal) niggles, I think this is essential for MB to be more consequent if they indeed want to establish their own watchmaking identity. Which in turn I think is a prerequisite for long-term success as an established watch manufacturer.

They have all the basic ingredients already there, but what is the common denominator across the collections except the logo in the crown? To find a comprehensive answer to this question will be crucial for MB's watchmaking future. It will exciting to follow the further path!

Mike, I shall take this opportunity to congratulate you for your moderatorship of the Montblanc forum! All the best!
Magnus

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