Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ultra Slim - On it's way!

[red.earth]

After over 9 weeks of waiting, my order for Montblanc's Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim, in steel, is due to arrive tomorrow.

I've always wanted an ultra thin watch, and like many I had my (long term) sights set on the JLC Master Ultra Thin, but then much earlier this year Montblanc pulled this gem out of the bag. Before having learnt the price or having read what the watch press had to say about it, my interest was seriously piqued. About the only thing which I didn't love at first glance was the finish of the strap: I find the pattern a little too unrefined for my taste, but that wasn't enough to put me off. In August, the watch was released and the press couldn't seem to praise it enough, as you can see here:

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/montblan...ra-slim-hands/
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...rie-ultra-slim
https://monochrome-watches.com/intro...ecs-and-price/

And the full UK price? £1,520, a fraction of the cost of the JLC. How could I resist? Well, I couldn't, so I contacted my go to dealer (Danny @ www.watchbuyers.co.uk), struck a very favourable deal, placed the order and then waited. During the intervening period, I did get slightly distracted by the fabulous BLNR, but right now that's out of my league (thanks to a costly roof repair - there's serious money to be made in the roofing game, evidently), so patience was the order of the day. Well, yesterday I received pictures and that very watch should be on it's way to me today, finally!

38mm wide, 5.6mm thin, manual wind (42 hour reserve), a crystal case back to see the movement in action (I've always wanted one of those), a beautiful design, very well made (apparently), 500 hours of testing by Montblanc (alledgedly) and all that for such a relatively low price. I think I've just got myself a total bargain - probably the best value watch I'll have ever bought.

Has anyone else got one? What do you think of it?

[capote]

Good looking watch, it has a bit JLC vibe to it. Post some pics when it arrives.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by capote

Good looking watch, it has a bit JLC vibe to it. Post some pics when it arrives.

Sure will, Daniel

Originally Posted by PJ S

I really don’t see the point of ultra slim time only watches, even from an engineering POV, but congrats all the same.
At the price, it’s a no-brainer too – so here’s hoping it proves to be a happy experience for the duration of ownership.

I rather think it will be, thanks PJ S

[PJ S]

I really don’t see the point of ultra slim time only watches, even from an engineering POV, but congrats all the same.
At the price, it’s a no-brainer too – so here’s hoping it proves to be a happy experience for the duration of ownership.

[capote]

Originally Posted by PJ S

I really don’t see the point of ultra slim time only watches, even from an engineering POV, but congrats all the same.

From an engineering perspective? Because it is very difficult to accomplish even though it is not a complication per se.

[jjnd08]

This one piqued my interest too, I'll be curious to see your photos and hear your thoughts on it!

[Tseg]

I love thin watches and this is a nice one. Congrats!

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by capote

From an engineering perspective? Because it is very difficult to accomplish even though it is not a complication per se.

I understand the difficulty in achieving it, but for me that’s not a good enough reason for actually doing it.
I get the premise for a chronograph, especially in a world of 7750s and 2892s+DD module, but for a basic 3-hander?
If the parts/design weren’t a compromise on robustness, then Rolex, et al, would have rolled out thinner designs, even for tool watches.

Like I said, more power to the OP, and hopefully it’ll prove to be an enjoyable experience/purchase over the years to come.

[mps354]

Looking forward to some wrist shots!

[red.earth]

My Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim has arrived, and here are my initial impressions, in no particular order:

Dial - When I bought my 39mm Explorer, I was slightly taken aback at how big the dial appeared to be in comparison to my 16570 Explorer IIs. Well, to put this new watch on I had to take my Explorer off, and when looking at them side by side I was again taken aback, but this time by how much larger the dial of the Montblanc looked against the Explorer. I think because it's so light compared to the Explorer that the size difference is exacerbated, but no need to panic. Despite it actually being larger, it is absolutely beautiful. The proportions are, in my opinion, just perfect. The size of the numerals, the amount of space on the dial, the finish of the hands and hour markers... all just perfect.

Build - It looks and feels beautifully made, although (in my ignorance) is it really that difficult to achieve, despite the amount of fuss watch journalists make about it? Finish of movement aside (which I can appreciate is a time consuming activity), I'd welcome someone with greater expertise than I to help me understand how, say, JLC can justify a price tag of 4 times higher for a watch so very similar. I'm always keen to learn.

Clear case back - I love it. I've always wanted a watch where I could marvel at the movement inside, and I'm as thrilled as I expected with this one. The movement is a joy to behold. So subtle, just working away quietly, fulfilling its obligations with no fuss or nonsense.

Weight - Compared to my Rolexes and Tudor, this one is featherweight in comparison. I have to say that I much prefer it. I once tried on the white gold Sub but took it off within 60 seconds because the weight was way too much for my liking. I much prefer to not be continually reminded that I've got a watch on - I just want it to be there when I choose to look at it, and unsurprisingly this ultra slim Montblanc totally ticks that box!

Sound - I've spent rather more time than is normal listening to the movements in my other watches, so pretty much the first thing I did with this one after having wound it up was to hold it up to my ear. It sounded slower (as expected) and less musical than the Rolexes, much more old school - like I was listening to a watch from the '50s. Makes me very happy.

The one thing which I hadn't anticipated, but is an interesting and extremely pleasing discovery, is how the absence of a second hand makes me feel. Looking at this dial leaves me with a distinct feeling of peace and calm. I suppose it's because I'm not seeing an obvious visual indicator of time passing, so I'm left with the impression that somehow time has paused. That, together with the amount of empty space on the dial, has a wonderful effect on me.

This is my first proper dress watch and I thought it would be my only one, but already I'm thinking that I actually much prefer it to all of my other watches and wondering what other dress watches might impress me as much as this one has. I think they're more of a natural fit with my introverted, fly under the radar nature.

I'll post some pictures when I get a moment but I thought you might be interested in my initial thoughts.

I’d welcome your thoughts or comments on watches with just hour and minute hands, and whether anyone else can relate to my remarks above. I’m now wondering just what other 2 hand watches are around!

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by red.earth

My Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim has arrived, and here are my initial impressions, in no particular order:

Dial - When I bought my 39mm Explorer, I was slightly taken aback at how big the dial appeared to be in comparison to my 16570 Explorer IIs. Well, to put this new watch on I had to take my Explorer off, and when looking at them side by side I was again taken aback, but this time by how much larger the dial of the Montblanc looked against the Explorer. I think because it's so light compared to the Explorer that the size difference is exacerbated, but no need to panic. Despite it actually being larger, it is absolutely beautiful. The proportions are, in my opinion, just perfect. The size of the numerals, the amount of space on the dial, the finish of the hands and hour markers... all just perfect.

Build - It looks and feels beautifully made, although (in my ignorance) is it really that difficult to achieve, despite the amount of fuss watch journalists make about it? Finish of movement aside (which I can appreciate is a time consuming activity), I'd welcome someone with greater expertise than I to help me understand how, say, JLC can justify a price tag of 4 times higher for a watch so very similar. I'm always keen to learn.

Clear case back - I love it. I've always wanted a watch where I could marvel at the movement inside, and I'm as thrilled as I expected with this one. The movement is a joy to behold. So subtle, just working away quietly, fulfilling its obligations with no fuss or nonsense.

Weight - Compared to my Rolexes and Tudor, this one is featherweight in comparison. I have to say that I much prefer it. I once tried on the white gold Sub but took it off within 60 seconds because the weight was way too much for my liking. I much prefer to not be continually reminded that I've got a watch on - I just want it to be there when I choose to look at it, and unsurprisingly this ultra slim Montblanc totally ticks that box!

Sound - I've spent rather more time than is normal listening to the movements in my other watches, so pretty much the first thing I did with this one after having wound it up was to hold it up to my ear. It sounded slower (as expected) and less musical than the Rolexes, much more old school - like I was listening to a watch from the '50s. Makes me very happy.

The one thing which I hadn't anticipated, but is an interesting and extremely pleasing discovery, is how the absence of a second hand makes me feel. Looking at this dial leaves me with a distinct feeling of peace and calm. I suppose it's because I'm not seeing an obvious visual indicator of time passing, so I'm left with the impression that somehow time has paused. That, together with the amount of empty space on the dial, has a wonderful effect on me.

This is my first proper dress watch and I thought it would be my only one, but already I'm thinking that I actually much prefer it to all of my other watches and wondering what other dress watches might impress me as much as this one has. I think they're more of a natural fit with my introverted, fly under the radar nature.

I'll post some pictures when I get a moment but I thought you might be interested in my initial thoughts.

I’d welcome your thoughts or comments on watches with just hour and minute hands, and whether anyone else can relate to my remarks above. I’m now wondering just what other 2 hand watches are around!

Great review! Now let's see the pics!!!!

[Psmith]

Congrats

[red.earth]

Picture attached. Apologies for the delay...

When I've got more time, I'll take some of it with my other watches, for comparison purposes.

For the record, despite it being by far my cheapest watch, I rather think it's now my favourite!

[red.earth]

BUT... before you go buying one of these beauties, make sure you check the price of replacement straps. They are truly extortionate! n:

[WatchinMD]

Very nice! Congrats

[GFONG]

Originally Posted by red.earth

BUT... before you go buying one of these beauties, make sure you check the price of replacement straps. They are truly extortionate! n:

The strap is made in Florence that's why the price is so high.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by GFONG

The strap is made in Florence that's why the price is so high.

I'm assuming that's the Florence region of the moon, hence the high cost...

I just think it's in very poor taste to rip customers off so blatantly. If the strap lasted 10 years, that would be more palatable, but 18 months is what I'm hearing.

One thing is for certain... As much as I really do love this watch, I'm never going to buy another Montblanc (despite being interested in other pieces).

[MTROIS]

OP, I think you will need to get over this surprise. Sure the price of the watch was attractive, but it is a quality piece and you pay for it somewhere. These prices are to be expected and there are plenty of aftermarket straps to choose from.

It reminds me of people who buy a used high end car for relatively cheap and then balk at the price of the first maintenance... Just forgetting that they still bought what was once a VERY expensive car.

Don't let this ruin your honeymoon, it is just a strap...