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Minerva Villeret - Has Mont Blanc reached the peak of high horology?  0 Comments

Published Saturday, January 19, 2008 by Harry SK Tan |

 

Mont Blanc recently partnered with Minerva to launch the Villeret line. The new watches are handsome and well made with respectable calibres. Closer inspection of the movement as shown here showed that the watches were well finished and comparable to the best. However while the watches reeked with discernable quality, I somehow felt that the designs were almost undistinguishable from the other top marques. At the price point where the series is positioned, I would have expected a classical design - which it is, but with something that would make it immediately identifiable.

There is also the question of whether the partnership between Minerva and Mont Blanc has brought it validity for its claim to position itself within the very tight and closed group of top Swiss watch marques. Many brands have tried and it remains to be seen what else Mont Blanc has in its long term plan to position itself securely at the top. Fortunately for Mont Blanc, its already commonly seen as a top luxury brand - at least for its renowned writing instruments. So brand identity is not in issue. Whether the blue chip brand can be identified as a top watch brand, will very much depend on how the market react to the Villeret and future lines. I think Mont Blanc has assured itself at least with some limited success.

Click on the images to see them in full web size.



ADDENDUM -

Read SJX's report of the Mont Blanc Villeret Cocktail launch where more of my images of the watches can be viewed. CLICK HERE to read it.

 

 




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