Let me start by combining the image side by side and let everyone review
The left is the Nivrel, and on the right the MB.
They are very similar BUT they are not the same. Besides the different finishing, the most obvious change is the leap year function.
And here is another for everyone to consider
The left is the MB, the right is a Chronoswiss Perpetual Calendar DD module.
They are even more similar to one another BUT, again, not the same at the leap year function and the moonphase display
These two photos highlight exactly why we are "splitting hairs".
The math and engineering behind the gearing for all perpetuals are well known. Given similar layouts, there will only be minute changes possible. Especially at DD where this is one of their specialties, it would only make sense from a cost and future servicing perspective, to make minimal changes.
I believe, Goldenlutin, this is where we are "splitting hairs".
Yes, the DD perpetual modules are mass produced. Yes the DD modules all have the same functions. And yes they are very similar. And of course since these complications are modular in construction, all the "display back photos" will the be same depending on which base movement is chosen to power it.
BUT the modules themselves are NOT THE SAME. The Nivrel and Chronoswiss are different from each other and both are different from Montblanc.
Now Montblanc and DD can claim exclusivity based on these small changes but nowhere does Montblanc claim that the Heritage Perpetual is technically superior than other perpetuals out there based on the slight variation.
That's the point I was trying to make. The only aspect of your comments that I'm disagreeing with is your assertion that all DD modules are the same and it is obvious they are not.
Please don't take offense. Trust me when I tell you that the first thing I did when I read Montblanc's press release was to pull out the three under-the-dial photos of the DD perpetual calendar modules that I had in my personal archives to make the comparisons. These three photos are the ones I've shown in this thread. Yes, the modules are very similar but the claims made on the press release are technically correct.
And also I've reached out to Montblanc to ask specifically if anything else was changed besides what we can see in these photos. I will post their response, if different than what I've pointed out, here for you and all PuristS to reference when they respond.
Cheers, Mike
This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2014-09-03 18:56:43