Oh Monique!
Montblanc clearly has a strong team of watchmakers, and this is perfectly exemplified by the beautiful Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 – Vintage Tachydate timepiece. Angus Davies reviews this remakable watch from the brand with the snow-capped logo.
It was love at first sight. I first met Monique Wyssmueller at Salon QP in 2009, a wonderfully skilled and talented watchmaker from Villeret.
Villeret in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, is the home of Minerva, the exclusive workshop originally founded in 1858. Montblanc acquired Minerva in 2006 and signalled to the world its intent to become a serious player in the watchmaking industry. The atelier in Villeret is a haven of haute horology.
I have spoken to Monique on a number of occasions and whilst we cannot converse easily due to my inability to speak French, she communicates her skills to me wonderfully. The deft handling of tweezers and screwdrivers is amazing to behold. I marvelled as she introduced tiny screws to the rim of a balance wheel. No shaking, perfect dexterity delicately demonstrated.
I am happily married and my affection for Monique would raise no question of my fidelity to Mrs Davies. However, it is the affection that I have for artisans that leads me to my admiring glances.
I share similar fondness for her colleague Thierry Pellaton who I have also had good fortune to meet recently. This affection is not cerise in nature, but adoration borne of respect for a craftsman. He seduced my eyes by removing a spring barrel in my presence on a Montblanc timepiece, to reveal peerless perlage beneath.
Montblanc clearly has a strong team of watchmakers, and this is perfectly exemplified by the beautiful Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 – Vintage Tachydate timepiece.
The case
The case is available in 18-carat red gold or white gold, and I love the warmth of the red gold model. It has generous proportions of 43.5 mm which suits me perfectly; It is neither too big or small, with the diameter perfectly judged.
The exterior incorporates a sapphire back to facilitate the view of the manufacture movement from Villeret. This is nicely complemented by the 18-carat red gold crown is decorated with the Montblanc emblem in mother of pearl.
The dial
The dial is finished in ivory white, with two similarly sized sub-dials at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions for the chronograph function.
A double scale tachymeter with red text is located adjacent the chapter ring, and at 6 o’ clock a sub-dial conveys the date to the wearer.
All hands are blued stainless steel with the exception of the centre seconds hand for the chronograph which is in red.
The movement
The movement is a marvellous example of haute horology. The Calibre MB M 16.32 is a manufacture movement made in Villeret, and boasts 268 components including 22 jewels.
The factory even makes its own hairsprings and cuts them to the precise length required, once installed in the balance.
I admire the matchless finissage which includes Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges. The plate has faultless circular graining.
This is a truly outstanding movement exhibiting exemplary craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Montblanc has demonstrated it can make fantastic pieces of the highest order, and the visual gratification of this watch is obvious. The calibre within the case, delectation for the eyes.
I love this watch and this is why I have a strong affection for the adroit artisans from Montblanc.
Technical specification
- Model: Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 – Vintage Tachydate
- Reference: 107342
- Case: 18-carat red gold; diameter 43.5 mm; height 13.00 mm; sapphire crystal to both front and rear.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds; chronograph; double tachymeter scale.
- Calibre: Manual-wind; Frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz); power reserve 50 hours; 22 jewels; 268 parts.
- Calibre Reference: MB M 16.32
- Strap: Brown alligator-skin strap on 18-carat red gold buckle