Messages: 2563 Location: New York
Registered: November 2003
New chronograph . . . in good company
Mon, 29 December 2014 14:14
In the past, I've noted that one of my favorite complications -- perhaps my favorite -- is the chronograph. And among chronographs, I am especially fond of the charm and beauty of manual wind movements, which afford a view of some the nicest movements made.
This week, I added a new chronograph to the collection -- the Montblanc Heritage Pulosgraphe. There's been a lot of discussion on Timezone about whether Montblanc can really play amongst the big boys. No doubt, it lacks the horological history of the established manufactures, and most people think of pens (I mean "writing instruments") when the name is invoked. But having visited Montblanc's facilities in Le Locle and Villeret, I know that the brand is capable of some pretty amazing things. The amount of work that goes into a Villeret movement, in particular, is astounding.
The Heritage chronograph is a bit of a hybrid. It is marketed as a Montblanc piece, not formally part of the Villeret collection. But the movement is from Villeret, and finished just as beautifully as the movements in the Villeret watches. And beyond the fantastic movement, the watch itself is truly beautiful, including the subtle sunray dial.
So, can this hand wound chronograph from the relative newcomer fit in with a group of tried and true chronographs? I think so. Here are two shots of the new guy -- both front and back. And then the four chronographs that will, hopefully, welcome the newcomer to the collection.
Messages: 12611 Location: NJ
Registered: July 2004
Re: New chronograph . . . in good company
Mon, 29 December 2014 14:22
always look forward to your posts of something new, especially that Breguet Perpetual Tourbillon!! The MontBlanc is a nice watch and will be interested in hearing/reading your impression relative to your impressive chronograph collection!
HIM: IWC 3750 Da Vinci, JLC Grand Reverso Ultra Thin, Navitimer Top Gun, Cartier Pasha Power Reserve GMT, Pasha Desktop Clock, TAG Heuer 2000, 6000 Chrono, Classic, F1, Concord 18k Tank
HER: Polanti Chronograph, Vintage 18k/SS Rolex Tropical
Messages: 8285 Location: Copenhagen
Registered: November 2003
It fits, yes
Mon, 29 December 2014 15:03
Although you have a celestial and almost scary array of chronographical wonders, I think this Montblanc earns its place. It is a very beautiful watch from all perspectives and the movement is a great horological mechanism, worthy to be in the company of the others.
My best congratulations to you, Bob.
Sven
ARS BREVIS:
There is
one art,
no more,
no less:
to do
all things
with art-lessness.
[Piet Hein]
Messages: 5177 Location: San Francisco, CA
Registered: August 2010
Re: New chronograph . . . in good company
Mon, 29 December 2014 19:16
Fantastic collection of manual wind chronos! The MB is an absolutely stunning watch with a stunning movement, just like the rest of yours. Separately, a VC chronograph with the same Lemania movement would be a worthy addition!
Messages: 2563 Location: New York
Registered: November 2003
Some initial impressions . . .
Mon, 29 December 2014 22:35
Thanks for all the comments.
Barge asked how the chrono pusher action compares to the others. On that front, the Montblanc performs well. The pushers are buttery smooth, much like the Lange and Patek pushers. The initial push requires a tiny bit more force than the Langes, but not in a bad way.
The case, dial, and overall finish of the Montblanc also compares favorably with the Langes and Pateks. While I have a hard time ranking these pieces, the Montblanc is as beautiful as any of them.
Where the Montblanc is outclassed -- and this is really just my opinion -- is in comparison to the Datograph movement (which is found in the 1815 Chronograph, as well). After all these years, I still think that the Datograph movement is the most beautiful chronograph movement I've encountered. And the functioning of the Datograph, including the instantaneous jump of the minutes counter, is simply remarkable. Patek's in-house movement in the 5170 is also a marvel to look at.
Finally, while the classic Lemania movement in the 5070 (which is also, as alphabeta81 notes, in the VC chronograph) is truly beautiful, Montblanc's Minerva movement is, in my opinion, equally beautiful. Perhaps it's not surprising that these two more traditional movements -- both of which have been around for decades -- are more alike than the more "modern" counterparts.
Messages: 4084 Location: Germany
Registered: April 2007
just a beautiful piece
Tue, 30 December 2014 04:31
glad to see one. I am not sure about Montblancs strategy to use the high-end Villeret watches to give some luster to their Sellita-based midline pieces (that is at least my understanding of what they are doing) but be that as it may, whenever I have been able to examine one of the Villerets I thought their finish was absolutely outstanding, and I love the traditional dials.
And of course, whenever one catches a facet of your phenomenal collection it is a great pleasure!
Messages: 3198 Location: Washington, DC
Registered: May 2007
Just a lovely, lovely collection. The 5170G might be my favorite...
Wed, 31 December 2014 16:16
...I always thought it was the Datography but after handling the 5170G at the Tiffany Patek store during the watch walk in Nov'14... I just adore that 5170G.
Many congrats on the new Montblanc. It is a marvelous piece.
