The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I dropped by a Montblanc boutique yesterday to window shop and thought to myself maybe I should try some "exotic" pieces that lesser people have taken notice of. As you know Montblanc are famous for pens so I have never taken a glance at their watches before. I was greeted by their friendly staff who encouraged me to try their watches. I immediately asked to see their in-house pieces as I am a die-hard in-house fan. I was introduced to their Nicolas Rieussec models meant to pay tribute to Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec, the guy who invented the Chronograph(I stand corrected). I was immersed by the beauty and the unique design of the watches. I thought the prices are rather reasonable too, except that they are not as popular. Here's 2 pieces to share with you. Sorry for the low quality photos.

This is the first series. Manual winding with 3 days power reserve. Open date wheel at the centre, below the hour indicators. The 2 smaller sub-dials below is the chronograph function. Instead of moving heads, the sub-dials are spinning to display the elapse time. Very innovative design IMHO. The calligraphy styled hour indicators reflect Montblanc's strength in pen making.



This is the latest series. The top part is the hour indicator surrounded by the minutes indicator. The hour marker changes color to reflect day and night. The photo shows the transition to daylight. Day window on the left and date window on the right.




I might seriously consider them since my next pick will be a dress watch...

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

Regardless of the design (as that is just personal taste); aren't those cases to big for your wrist size?

It's a question of personal taste and preference. I sometimes explore the offerings from various 'high end' watch producers including those of the fashion houses but can't bring myself to stray from the brands I currently favour. This Mont Blanc is certainly interesting but not something I would consider for my own use. I don't appreciate 'over design' that strays from traditional watch design. The classic trademark brand design of Rolex, Breitling, Omega etc are what attract me, frequently emulated by lesser brands but never equalled.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

They both are great watches, Montblanc has some great offerings. They both look good on the wrist and I like their innovative design and technology. That being said I prefer the first model, the dial looks a little bit more technical with the open dial.

I like what montblanc is doing with their watches. I haven't bought one yet, but I do like quite a few of their offerings.

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Great read. I wish MB all best for healthy sales. I think they deserve it. So many interesting open watches around at the moment, but these seem to marry interest with practicality.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Agree with all above. Most likely will not pull the trigger as they are too big for my wrists and also too thick as a dress watch. And also I am still reluctant of going for fashion house watches when there are still so many other choices out there. But I must say that this is the first time I am impressed with the design of a fashion house pieces.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

I've tried on that chrono and as much as I like it, the price and resale kill it for me. Buying it used isn't a bad option but I'd still be afraid of being stuck with it.

I do like the perpetual calendar they introduced at SIHH and at $13K, it's not a bad deal.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Resale is brutal on their watches. I'd only get one in the second hand market

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I actually tried on that top MB last year, and must admit I really did like it, and MB has clearly been working hard at making quality, and affordable watches that are appealing on many levels. However for some reason I just can't get past the MB brand name - luxury maker of pens and watches, which has prevented me from taking the watches more seriously. Maybe that snobbishness will change one day but for now, I just can't do it.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Mont Blanc is one of those names that doesn't put me off at all - don't know why, but in my mind it's Cartier, not Hermes, if that makes sense.

That said, as noted, because resale is so much lower than new pricing I would never buy from an AD, but it's definitely one of the brands that I look for bargains on in the secondary market.

I've only owned one MB and while I don't think the finishing was all that great, it was a very comfortable watch. I like their dress watches for sure.

Would you consider Cartier among the fashion houses? I would have a couple of years ago, but many of their newer pieces are absolutely amazing, while still keeping with their classic Cartier design.

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-RJ

I'm still trying to get over the whole pen thing. Having said that, Jerome Lambert has come and done some amazing things with the watchmaking division.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Yes, I get the same feeling. But I know one lawyer & one insurance agent who surprisingly both have the same part time hobby. They are both calligraphers, and maybe not amazingly they both have a range of BM pens. They can't speak of them more highly for quality & design. I'm not a pen person but can appreciate their comments. I think MB is definitely up there in the pen world, it just needs for them to really beak into the horology market.

Buy one now & take a punt on the future.

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Jim

"You have Control".