Montblanc Opinions

[Timber Loftis]

I saw a two very nice Montblancs tonight -- both were Timewalkers, one in 39mm, one in 41.

Anyone have thoughts/opinions on the watches produced by this timeless pen company? From my searches it seems their movements are stock ETA's, anyone know anything about that? They also seem to benefit from Richemont's acquisition of Minerva, which seems to make some of the movements -- though I can't find which ones and any info on their relative quality.

Both watches were in the dreaded $1k-$3k range where "pretend luxury" watches are found.

[B. Doggy]

I'll leave Montblanc to making pens, but that's just me.

[rolex&panerai]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

I'll leave Montblanc to making pens, but that's just me.

indeed
great pens, but I would not buy their watches

[kilyung]

The only MB I'd consider is the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph with the MBR100 in-house movement. Watching the second disk spin is mesmerizing.

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The only MB I'd consider is the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph with the MBR100 in-house movement. Watching the second disk spin is mesmerizing.

It is a amazing movement but for the price Id look elsewhere.

MB makes pens and they make nice ones, their watches aren't worth it.
If you find one you truly love buy it second hand...

[Dickson Lim]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The only MB I'd consider is the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph with the MBR100 in-house movement. Watching the second disk spin is mesmerizing.

That's the only MB watch I can accept for now. Though their price is steep, I see the company is moving into a good direction.

[asadtiger]

I think they deserve a little more respect than what they get..MB, unlike many other brands, did actually make the effort to bring something top horology by making in-house and high quality unique movements, instead of just relying on their brand name and using stock ETAs...they saved Minerva, which to many watch fanatics was a real sweet thing cuz minerva makes excellent, very low production, neat movements...then they innovated in other in-house movements like the already mentioned NR, and then the mystery tourbillon and other cool villeret pieces..it is the villeret line that uses Minerva movements generally and other unique movements are sometimes used in rare special pieces like the Star Perpetual Calendar (a very pretty watch indeed)...another cool thing I like about the brand is that they do bring something to even the low end products, like use of Tantalum on sports models...so basically I do really appreciate what they are doing rather than being just a marketing brand, as they are percieved...shared below is a collection of a few pictures over from google of pieces I have just discussed...hope they help you guys form a better opinion of the brand :)

[cparks555]

I don't know, the MB diver(2nd pic) looks really neat.

[Art 1]

I think some of their watches are nice. I would never buy one thought due to high depreciation and slow re-sale.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by asadtiger

I think they deserve a little more respect than what they get..MB, unlike many other brands, did actually make the effort to bring something top horology by making in-house and high quality unique movements, instead of just relying on their brand name and using stock ETAs...they saved Minerva, which to many watch fanatics was a real sweet thing cuz minerva makes excellent, very low production, neat movements...then they innovated in other in-house movements like the already mentioned NR, and then the mystery tourbillon and other cool villeret pieces..it is the villeret line that uses Minerva movements generally and other unique movements are sometimes used in rare special pieces like the Star Perpetual Calendar (a very pretty watch indeed)...another cool thing I like about the brand is that they do bring something to even the low end products, like use of Tantalum on sports models...so basically I do really appreciate what they are doing rather than being just a marketing brand, as they are percieved...shared below is a collection of a few pictures over from google of pieces I have just discussed...hope they help you guys form a better opinion of the brand :)

Those are some sweet pictures! Thank you!

[Shel]

Had never heard of the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph.

Thanks for introducing me to it! It really is a very interesting, elegant watch!

Very unique!

[Rolex Junky]

Impressive stuff: http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_u...?v=gnUKy0Y_bXw

[vukotab]

Montblanc watches are much better than anybody thinks.
Yeah, it`s a company that mainly produces pens, but their watches are really quality timepieces, absolutely on pair with other Swiss products in same price category. My friend worked with official seller and service of many Swiss brands, including Omega, Longines, Rado, Montblanc and Breitling, and watchmakers of that service said that Montblanc is, movement and finish wise, definitely top notch.
And if the question is is it worth to buy Montblanc, well, that`s a tough one.
Many watch collectors (me included) prefer to buy something with a bit of a heritage when it comes to watchmaking, and it`s something that Monblanc surely lacks of.
But, nevertheless, their watches are very good, their designs are IMHO successful, and if you`re able to get a good discount, then why the heck not to go for Monblanc?

[Numismatist]

It appears to me that pens aren't making enough any longer, so they venture into watches. Perhaps they will get it right one day (or maybe they already have) but I don't yet associate Montblanc with watches.

I'd be curious to see where the secondary market prices them.