Montblanc gets into our radar with another perfect timepiece... This time we put our hands on the Chronographe Regulateur model under the traditional watchmaking inspired Villeret Collection.
It’s a known fact that the “brand” parameter means a lot when it comes to buying watches. Creating strong brand awareness on the eyes of the customers is truly a different story which requires a lot of effort and a clever strategy. Montblanc earns every single appreciation in this regard. Evolving from a well known writing instruments manufacturer to a traditional watchmaker capable of designing its own movements with serious complications..? Well, Montblanc did it...
The timepiece we have here today belongs to the brand’s traditional watchmaking inspired Villeret Collection, which you may recall by the Minerva movement chronographs. Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Regulateur is a perfect example of creating a vivid and live visual appearance without compromising the traditional design clues.
The 43,5mm x 14,7mm measuring 18K pink gold case looks quite neat with its well balanced dimensions and finish. While the dimensions are slightly oversized due to the complicated Minerva movement, the watch is still pretty comfortable on the wrist as expected. The 18K pink gold case and slate gray dial combo is one of my long term favorites. Though I think the skeletonized part of the dial around the power reserve creates a busy look, I am sure some would like it as a distinct detail. In fact, I still could not figure out how the Arabic and Roman numerals would look that good together within the regulator display part. The red hands add some sporty touches to the watch. The signs of complications and craftsmanship can be seen thru the dial without looking at the caseback.
The regulator lay out which gave the name of the watch features a pair of hour hands instead of the standard one hour hand form. This design feature allows the user to monitor two different time zones. Additionally one of the hour hands is linked to the day/night indicator on the right side working like some sort of a 12 hour GMT hand. The movement houses a small second hand at 9 o’clock position and a pair of extra hands located slightly below center. One of the hands works as the power reserve indicator while the other displays the winding crown’s position of setting. The minute counter of the chronograph is placed on 3 o’clock position.
After such features, the back side of the watch shares the same importance with the front side. The legendary Minerva movements are now being manufactured under Montblanc for the brand’s complication models. Same goes for the Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Regulateur as well. Caliber MB M16.30 looks simply amazing with its traditional design details and Minerva heritage. I am sure many enthusiasts would be thrilled to see the wide balance beating at 18000vph. The chronograph function of the 304 parts movement is controlled by a single winding crown. When we take a close look at the 55 hours power reserve movement with a loupe, we feel pleased and surprised as the Caliber MB M16.30 sports exclusive details.
The folding clasp of the watch is also made of 18K pink gold like the case and mirror polished. Though I prefer the standard buckle over folding clasp in terms of wearing comfort, I have to admit that the pink gold folding clasp is a way better looking option for this timepiece. The watch is offered on a black crocodile strap which looks pretty neat and comfy.
The model features double sapphire crystals on both sides and a WR rating of 30M which is almost standard for a dress complication timepiece like that.
Montblanc Villeret Chronographe Regulateur is a perfect option for the ones who look for a nice complication watch with prestige and built quality but also seeks for getting away from simplicity.
