Comments: view entire thread

 

The Montblanc Watch Manufacture in Villeret – Part One

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 20th, 2015-08:52
I will be doing a series of posts on the two manufactures of Montblanc, starting with the manufacture in Villeret. For Villeret, there is just so much to share that I will split into two parts. The first part, which is this post, will focus on the history...  

Great read, Robin! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : April 20th, 2015-12:28
Here is a document for you I found in my library.... From 1951: And if we zoom in on the first watch: Triple date, chronograph... Description: Villeret! :) Best Blomman ...  

Nice piece of history you have Blomman!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-06:12
Yes Minerva... One of the Gods of Chronographs indeed! Cheers Robin

He, he... Yes, Minerva is ....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : April 21st, 2015-15:03
One of the brands that has been on my radar for quite some time... ;) Best Blomman

Sooner or later

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-21:54
You will get one! Knowing you lol Cheers Robin

Looking forward...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 20th, 2015-14:44
Can't wait to read more about the Villeret factory!

Soon Patrick :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-06:13
Still writing the article with whatever time I can grab Tough balancing work with family with this hobby of ours! Glad you like it. A very strong encouragement for me my friend Cheers Robin

They've gone from strength to strength

 
 By: Avatar : April 20th, 2015-23:26
Such a transformation and they're producing some really interesting pieces. This is such a great image, I also wished to say. ...  

Agree - strength to strength indeed

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-06:15
Since 1997, Montblanc watches have come a long way. I am glad amongst my friends, there are many I know who got a Montblanc watch. We are not alone in recognizing Montblanc has grown from strength to strength in watch making Cheers Robin

Glad you enjoyed the read Thomas

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-18:43
Credit to the manufacture for sharing these "behind the scenes" photos with us One day I will visit them and take some of my own photos! Cheers Robin

Agreed, great pic. [nt]

 
 By: ZachBush : April 21st, 2015-17:26

I love these photos too

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2015-18:44
And thanks to Montblanc for sharing with us! Cheers Robin

I toured both Villeret and Le Locle two years ago.

 
 By: Rock1 : April 22nd, 2015-13:48
Montblanc bought and incorporated into it the Minerva manufacture with its incredible history and expertise in producing chronographs. It has the ability, the independence, to produce a watch almost entirely in-house (in its Villeret "house", including ba... 

Great sharing thank you !

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 22nd, 2015-21:05
I think Montblanc handled it well. They paid so much tribute and respect to Minerva. Even today, so many years after the merger, the Minerva calibres are still celebrated by Montblanc, the Minerva brand still appears on the movement plates. And Montblanc ... 

good post on Villeret

 
 By: ED209 : April 23rd, 2015-17:43
Thanks Robin, looking forward to reading your details on Le Locle. Regards, ED-209

Glad you like it

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 24th, 2015-06:29
There is a part 2 on Villeret before I do Le Locle. Lots of work in the office but I will post Villeret part 2 very soon Cheers Robin

What a sensible idea!

 
 By: MTF : April 24th, 2015-02:53
Robin, Thanks for sharing the 'passion' of the people at Montblanc. I remember about 7 years ago, a big collector (collection numbers and price were big but not the body size) said to me: "I love everything about the watches they make in Villeret but I'll... 

Thanks MTF!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 24th, 2015-06:31
More posts to come soon I guess Montblanc had to do a lot of background work the past few years to achieve this level of synergy between the 2 manufactures. Now they are ready! Cheers Robin

Interesting read

 
 By: ianny : April 24th, 2015-08:17
Thanks very much. Waiting for Part 2. :) Regards Ian

Glad you enjoyed bro

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 24th, 2015-08:35
Soon soon! I have to burn mid night oil to write the next part lol Cheers Robin