amanico
[JLC Moderator]
364472
Tough game: Montblanc Villeret 1858 Tachymeter / Patek 5070G comparative review.
Yes, some years ago, it would be hard to imagine that one day, I would compare the Patek 5070G to a Montblanc chronograph...
But for some years, now, Montblanc has invaded the fine chronographs prestigious segment.
Here is the picture which makes one think, or if you prefer, the crime of lese-majesty:
If the size of the Patek is more my taste, with a 42 mm diameter, the Montblanc Villeret 1858 Tachymeter ( allow me to call it Tachymeter only ) is more consistent with its extra 2 mm case, due to the fact that the difference in size, between the movement and the case, is largely in favor of the Tachymeter.
Indeed, you only have a difference of 6 mm for the Montblanc, while, for the Patek, it is... 14, 5 mm!
The Patek is a good 1, 5 mm thinner than the Tachymeter. 13, 5 mm high for the Montblanc, circa 12 mm for the Patek.
That may be a detail for a lot of people, but for me, this is important.
One thing I like a lot on the Patek is the step bezel, something we sometimes saw in vintage chronographs, which I find charming. While the Tachymeter has some common lugs.
As for the crown and pushers, a large advantage for the Tachymeter, in my opinion. The pear shaped crown is top delicious. And the coaxial mono pusher is a plus in terms of elegance.
Not that the 5070 crown and pushers are ugly, but the Tachymeter is just sublime.
The dials? Both are very close looking, both being inspired by some Chronographs from the Thirties /Forties, which we can see on some Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, but also... Minerva, Ulysse Nardin and so on.
Nothing new under the sun. A certain expression of classicism.
Some will be disturbed by the fact that the sub dials cut the 2 / 4 and 8 / 10 hour markers, others won't care about that. Some will prefer the less centered sub dials, rather than those of the Patek which betray the small 5070 ( Lemania ) movement. Maybe we can agree on the fact that the 5070 is slightly more refined, a refinement enhanced by the superb leaf shaped hands, while the Tachymeter is cooler. I always favored applied hour markers rather than painted.
Maybe we can also agree that it is a matter of taste?
Now, the killer picture, which shows the back side of these two chronographs:
The large balance wheel ( 14 mm big!) and the more aerial look of the Cal 16.29, its more generous size makes me prefer it to the cal 27-70 housed in the 5070. As for the decoration, the 16.29 is not inferior to the 27-70.
I will clearly prefer the Minerva movement, here.
So, finally, this comparison is certainly not a crime of lese-majesty!
The Tachymeter belongs, in my opinion, in the category of fine chronographs, a more natural contender of the Lange Datograph or Jaeger Lecoultre Duometre, while the Patek is a step below.
In the opinion of someone who is lucky to own both...
And I don't mention the difference in price, which is strongly in favor of the Tachymeter, even if we compare the value of these 2 competitors in their gold versions.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
Tough game: Montblanc Villeret 1858 Tachymeter / Patek 5070G comparative review.
Yes, some years ago, it would be hard to imagine that one day, I would compare the Patek 5070G to a Montblanc chronograph... But for some years, now, Montblanc has invaded the fine chronographs prestigious segment. Here is the picture which makes one thin...
That Minerva movement is just nuts! Love the size of that balance wheel.
I think Richemont did the right thing pairing them with Montblanc (who otherwise had no horological history behind them). It's akin to the Swatch Group making the legendary Lemania the inhouse movement manufacturer for the modern Breguet brand. The result...
agree: 1858 is far more appealing than the 5070
The 5070 comes from a temple called Patek but if you look really closely into the watches themselves then the vote has to go to the 1858: - in-house balance spring is a must for a distinctive piece of horology - movement made from maillechort is also uebe...
Well, if we refer to the current price of the 5170, or if the 5070 was still in production...
There will be a gap of, at least 25 000 Euros between these two chronographs in gold... Which I don't find justified, in my opinion, at least. Other than that, I totally subscribe to your point of view. Best, my friend. Nicolas
The only thing I like about the Patek are the applied numerals instead of printed numerals on the Montblanc dial.
The MB dial looks better proportioned. The case/bezel compliments the dial-to me the 5070 case/bezel is too big for the dial (I know I am in a very small minority in that opinion but I never cared for this reference-prefer 5170). And there is no compariso...
Hehe...completely agree with you Padj
a matter of taste but the 5070 has always negatively reminded me of how GP and Zenith squeeze a small movement into a modern size and the registers look crowded & too close. it\'s handsome. Yet It just does not look harmonious to me. I do appreciate as Ni...
I much prefer the finishings of the 1815 Chrono to the Patek 5070.
The value of the 5070 lies in its coolness. IMO... Best, Nicolas
I will get my MB only next February
and will compare it then to my 5070P. A blue dial vs. blue dial. Best Kari
I handled the MB only twice.
It seems to be an amazing watch and the movement is fantastic. In some 6 weeks I'll be wearing the watch and for sure I'll write about my impressions then. Merry Christmas to you and your family, dog and ferret. Kari
Thanks Nicolas for this comparison.
The 1858 is a convincing watch indeed. I will say I am a big fan of the 5070G and in particular the stepped bezel and lugs.
Thank you for this comparison Nicolas
Even if these both watches have only a 2mm case size difference (fully justified for the Montblanc when you look at its movement), when you look at the display back, there is no discussion anymore. The 1815 beats the PP by KO. Truly impressive. Best wishe...
And we can easily understand the layout of the PP dial when we see the movement.
IMHO, this PP is very close aesthetically speaking of the GP 1966 Chrono that CC showed us in this week WristScan. Credit: crown comfort Best wishes Alkiro ...
Cool comparison
I can follow your judgment very closely and there are many things the MB does perfectly. I had the pleasure to handle both of yours and without a doubt (price is no consideration) I would go for the 5070 because of the feel on the wrist. (the case, the si...
This comparison puts on the table the notion of value..
not the value that prestige pricing brings but value based on heritage, really good quality accompanied by a more realistic price point. One may argue that it is still expensive but the attempt to give real value (vs giving value by using cheaper material...
Very interesting thoughts, Echi.
I first think that Montblanc is demonstrating, with brio, that they can play in the Champions League of Horology, with such products. Then, they are putting a new milestone in the pleasure / quality ratio. And here, I agree, it seems to be Jerome Lambert'...
Fantastic review Nico !
i will be biased - the Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter is nicer overall in my books hehe :p Maybe I am sour grapes as I couldn't get the Patek :p But the blue dial, the calibre 16.29 .... just amazing The only problem is the size - if only they have like a 14.x...
Thanks for this well written review. And well done, Montblanc!
I much prefer how Montblanc place the tachymeter scale outside of the seconds track.
Very interesting to read your opinion and comparing of these two giants. One is an obvious giant and the other a 'newbie'.
I can\'t be more proud and, more important, grateful that with the help of an esteemed and established Purist I will be strapping the MB on my wrist within weeks Robin; thank you so much for making this possible!! Now my comments and thoughts: First Nico;...
More than a bit :-0
Ah well...if the € falls we at least have some value on the wrist
Mentally, financially, socially, culturally, cosmetically, cinematically, ecologically,
and most of all monetarily. Like...broke! Damn expensive hobby.
Thank you for your candor, Nicolas.
Of course, I agree. I also agree on your trio of manual chronos to make the holy trinity; unfortunately, I am only 1/3 of the way there!
Not even close
Montblanc wins this hands down imho. This is not even bringing in the price of these two pieces.
Thanks
Thanks for the great comparison Amanico! Certainly each of them have great strengths. It must be a real pleasure to own both.
Nice report Nicolas!
I enjoyed the read and the pics. The 1858 continues to amaze me. Actually, moreso with each week. I'm careful not to wear it too much so that it's never monotonous to strap it to the wrist. Thanks for this post. M4
I didn't wear it for several weeks as well, and it is now back on my wrist, with great pleasure.
One of the two watches of my horological year, without doubt. Best, my friend, and enjoy yours! Nicolas
that MB is fantastic .. but it lacks a big name
No doubt this is a very handsome watch and the movement is indeed ...better looking For me, I still prefer the case and dial of the 5070 But imo the problem is that with Patek you tick all the boxes. Fantastic looking, great movement ( not nice in this ba...
You forgot that Patek also offers the 24... With a quartz movement. But I get your point on names.
Even if, as a watch lover, I pay more attention to the watch rather than to the name. Best, Bruno. Nicolas
Similar sentiments...
Patek Philippe has a significantly better designed case. Slightly better designed dial (5070 has better font choice, better subdial proportions, better printing, better hands). Movement goes to the Villeret. No doubt.
