The Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Grand Chronographe Authentique watch is a brilliant new star in the realm of superlatively exquisite chronograph timepieces. Produced by Montblanc in association with Minerva, whom Montblanc has recently acquired, the Grand Chronographe Authentique timepiece is a limited edition creation of great beauty and magisterial presence, which showcases the artisanal aspects of the traditional watchmaking arts with pride. The result is an exclusive creation for collectors interested in obtaining exceptional haute horlogerie that is rare, and above all, extraordinary in terms of the quality of materials and the degree of skilled hand operations required in its creation.
The extensive hand craftsmanship which this watch's movement demonstrates is impressive. The heart of the
Montblanc Grand Chronographe Authentique watch is an exceedingly fine manual-winding movement which is manufactured by the 'Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie'. The large, 38.4mm diameter 16-29 caliber movement displays a pleasing architecture of rhodiumized German silver bridges and polished steel chronograph levers and jumpers, each refined by hand-executed metal finishing techniques or cotes de geneve decoration. The settings for screws are also perfectly beveled, and the jewels are olive-cut and cambered. Horizontally-coupled, the chronograph is controlled by a hand-adjusted column-wheel, whose fascinating, ordered steps can be admired with each press of the monopush chronograph button which is co-axial with the winding crown. Tradition has also been respected in the design and execution of the balance wheel, which is exceptionally large, and equipped with a balance spring which has been hand-shaped with a Philips terminal curve; oscillating at a classical pace of 18,000 alternations per hour, the balance wheel is equipped with adjustable meantime screws underlaid with platinum or gold washers. The exemplary craft in each element of this superlative mechanism extends far beyond areas which are readily visible to the eye, and include polished arbors, circular graining decoration inside the mainspring barrel, polished pinion end faces, and beveled profiles on the winding wheel teeth. All wheels are plated with gold, and feature faceted spokes, and an elegant circlage finish that bespeaks extraordinary care of manufacture. A sapphire crystal window in the caseback permits an expansive view of this distinguished horological creation.
The Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Grand Chronographe Authentique watch is crafted exclusively from platinum, 18K white gold, or 18K red gold. Designed with a classical aesthetic in mind, but intended for modern tastes, the case measures an imposing 47mm in diameter, and is 13.5mm tall; the Montblanc star proudly decorates the tip of the crown, whose knurled surface aids in the very pleasant task of winding the refined movement. A special feature of this case design, is unique strap lugs which actuate a release for the hinged caseback cover. To complement the exclusive nature of this special chronograph watch, Montblanc has fitted each with solid gold dial that is refined with an intricate guilloche pattern. These breathtaking dials are accented by applied Roman hour markers and polished leaf-shaped hands, all of which are crafted from gold. Produced to commemorate the 1858 founding of the Manufacture Minerva, the Grand Chronographe Authentique timepiece will be offered in an extremely limited series whose combined numbers signify the year of inauguration. Only a single piece will be produced in platinum, while another eight will be offered in 18K white gold. 58 additional examples will be made in 18K red gold. Each watch is fitted with a hand-stitched alligator strap and a prong buckle crafted from 18K gold, or platinum.