An on-the-wrist appreciation of the Grande Seconde Au Centre Retour-à-Zéro begins with an overview of the watch itself. The R-à-Z is an immaculately executed three-handed watch equipped with a flyback re-set mechanism that allows the owner to accurately and consistently set the time. Even though it's not explicitly marketed as such, this configuration is one that intuitively belongs to the category of observatory designs. A classical movement design imbued with justifiable complexity is one that I can find favor with, so when Anthony asked which Villeret I found most interesting, my response was unequivocal. Many thanks to Montblanc for allowing the pleasure of wearing my dream Villeret for a month. Here's what I found.
Montblanc Villeret 1858 Grande Seconde au Centre Retour-à-Zéro - an "On-the-Wrist" Review
By Art "Dr No" Dakessian
© June 2010
Wearing the Grande Seconde Retour-à-Zéro for a month fostered a sense of déjà-vu. I've never carried a pocket watch, but the size, massiveness . . . Copyright June 2010 - Art Dakessian & PuristSPro.com - all rights reserved PuristSPro Homepage | ThePuristS Homepage Comments, suggestions, and corrections to this article are welcomed.
. . . ornate dial, voluptuous proportions, and movement construction made me feel as though I were carrying one. There is not a hint of casualness about it. Anyone considering this particular model should not expect to feel an urge to strap it on for a foray to the beach, race track, corner pub, or golf course. The Retour-à-Zéro is a watch that commands respect. The hinged back (seen above), actuated by pressing on a latch hidden . . .
. . . under the alligator covered bridge between the lugs, undoubtedly contributes to that sense. This is, first and foremost, a venerable watch.
The considerable weight of the Grande Seconde incurred one distraction. The tang buckle . . .
. . . was secured to the shortest hole on the strap, but even on that tight setting, it still shifted on occasion. Considering that one of the consequences of the design is that an owner must turn to Montblanc for replacement straps to maintain aesthetic continuity with the upholstered section between the lugs, my sense is that Montblanc could turn this limitation into an advantage by supplying each Grande Seconde with an unpunched strap secured by a double-fold deployant, which would permit the boutique an opportunity to precisely tailor the strap for an ideal fit that will be resistant to the shifting I experienced.
The complication offered by the cal 16 - 18 movement is what elevates the Retour-à-Zéro from being merely outwardly beautiful. The facility to set time precisely with absolute consistency is the quality that induced an ineffable bond during my brief stay. Its execution with a visibly complex mechanism that employs a hammer and clutch is what makes the Retour-à-Zéro special. If the purpose of a watch is to tell time accurately and consistently, then the operational aspect of setting time accurately and consistently has been developed in the Retour-à-Zéro to an exceptionally high level. The observed deviation was a gain of 2 seconds per day, which I consider excellent performance. The point of the design and construction of the watch, though, is not the result but rather the path taken. Had the results been marginally different, the gestalt of the watch would've remained intact from my perspective. That the Grande Seconde Retour-à-Zéro exudes elegance . . .
. . . is inarguable. Cordially, Art