patrick_y[PuristSPro Moderator]
28400
I thank you for being open to the idea...
Mar 10, 2014,05:12 AM
You really have no idea of how much joy I get when I hear someone who's willing to consider a Montblanc Villeret or something off the beaten path.
There are always Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin lovers who don't necessarily buy the product because they love it or even understand it. They buy it based on perceived prestige.
Here, you have the Montblanc Villeret, which is the most labor-intensive, most thoroughly made in-house (arguable, but for such a small production they do make their own hairsprings), most traditionally made (Monique's each and every individually coiled hair spring and balance wheel pairing and fine tuning by hand not computer), and exhibiting the finest finishing of any watch in production.
When you truly talk about mechanical watches, you're really referring to an ancient tradition of watchmaking. Digital battery watches are superior to mechanical watches in every practical way, so mechanical watches exist for one reason only, and that's art.
Villeret watches are among the most pure expressions of that art.
The others, including the most venerable and highly revered mainstream brands are hybrids of art and technology.
Montblanc Villeret is a unique niche, the only large company left, that does things so extensively. Especially extensively since it's at such a small scale. And that's truly impressive.
And for someone to see that, to appreciate that, and (unfortunately it takes this action as well) for someone to buy it over a mainstream brand shows that individual appreciates the true artistry behind watchmaking.
Thank you Robin for really understanding and appreciating the art. And I look forward to appreciating the art even more, as you share your appreciation, ownership insight, and living-with-long-term experience with us in the future.