Montblanc

mkt33
[PuristS]
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Montblanc's acquisition of Minerva 6 years later...Is this the end?

After almost 150 years, will this finally be the end of Minerva?

When Montblanc was given stewardship of Minerva in 2007 many of us were disappointed to see Montblanc's name on the dial.  The explanation given was that Minerva's name would remain on the movement, the heart of the watch.

The most recognized part of the chronograph movement was the V Bridge.  One Purist thought the Minerva name on this component could be seen from watches dating all the way back to the early 1900s.

This bridge is also difficult to hand finish given its curves. 

Take a look at the V bridge in various watch models.

Even on complicated pieces, like the Exotourbillon, we see the Minerva name.

On the most challenging projects, Timewriter 1: Metamorphosis and Timewriter 2: The Bifrequence, the Minerva name is also found the movement.  In fact notice that the traditional V-bridge doesn't exist but the Minerva name is still placed on a component with a "V" shape.

So to my surprise, take a look at the final CAD drawing of the new Exotourbillon Rappatrante.

See anything missing?

So with a change at the helm, is this one of the first moves Mr. Lambert has made at Montblanc?  Is Minerva now fully "absorbed" under the Montblanc name?  Or is this just a rushed CAD photo of a prototype and the Minerva name placement is to be determined?

Thoughts?  Is 6 years enough time to "assimilate" Minerva's heritage?

Mike

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