ChatGPT: Laurent Lecamp is a Franco-Swiss executive, a graduate of Neoma Business School and gemology. He began his career at LVMH as a brand director in the Wines & Spirits division in Switzerland. In 2010, he co-founded Cyrus Watches, which he led until 2014. He then joined Carl F. Bucherer as Executive Vice President of Sales and a board member. He is the author of several books, including The Independent Luxury, recognized in 2015 by The New York Times as one of the three reference books on luxury strategy. He has participated in extreme marathons, including the Antarctic Ice Marathon.
Yes, that is all accurate. I am surprised by the level of precision! We can add that I have been a lecturer at business schools and universities (HEC, INSEC, EDHEC) for over 15 years, mainly teaching luxury marketing in Switzerland and in France. I also regularly publish academic work. Running is a passion that helps me recharge. I have already run two extreme marathons (Lake Baikal and Antarctica) and am preparing for a third one in Yakutsk, Russia.
ChatGPT: Montblanc's strengths include craftsmanship (Minerva), design, finishing, and technical innovations (such as the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen). Montblanc offers a good quality/price balance, particularly in the mid-to-high-end ranges.
Yes, that is correct, especially with our Iced Sea 0 Oxygen collection, which provides real added value in terms of innovation for our mid-range segment.
ChatGPT: The brand has strong competitors such as Longines, Tag Heuer, or Tudor, which offer interesting alternatives, especially for those looking for a 100% watchmaking heritage.
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
ChatGPT: Entry-level models start at around €1,260. The mid-range is between €2,000 and €5,000. The high-end ranges from €6,000 to €8,000. An exceptional piece, such as the TimeWriter II Chronograph Bi-Frequency 1000 launched in 2012, is estimated at approximately €230,000.
To differentiate ourselves in the highly competitive entry-level segment, we have discontinued all Montblanc watches below €2,000. Our offering now focuses on mid-range models around €4,000. Those equipped with Manufacture calibers, such as the Rieussec, are around €10,000. As for Minerva Haute Horlogerie, timepieces start at €30,000.
ChatGPT: Montblanc lacks "pure watchmaking identity" because it is primarily associated with luxury pens. However, since acquiring Minerva, Montblanc has strengthened its expertise.
Deeply rooted in the history of writing, Montblanc began its watchmaking journey in 1997. Establishing itself in the canton of Neuchâtel marked a turning point, accelerating its development. The acquisition of Minerva in 2007 was a major step in affirming its legitimacy in haute horlogerie. This legitimacy is based on continuous innovation, illustrated by the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph. Today, iconic models such as the Iced Sea Automatic and the ExoTourbillon confirm Montblanc’s position as a reference in both technical and historical terms.
ChatGPT: Some entry-level models use ETA or Sellita movements, which can also be found in less prestigious brands.
Our watch offerings include Swiss movements of various types: high-end Sellita movements, Manufacture calibers, and Haute Horlogerie calibers. We have not used ETA movements for nearly ten years. The Star Legacy Montblanc is priced between €3,000 and €4,000, while the Minerva Haute Horlogerie version can reach €300,000.
ChatGPT: The Montblanc collection can seem confusing, as it mixes entry-level watches with very high-end Minerva models. This diversity can blur its positioning.
On the contrary, it is a strength! Customer loyalty is a source of pride for Montblanc. Many families remain loyal to us across generations, often starting with a first Montblanc watch given for a milestone event (graduation, birthday, wedding). This loyalty naturally progresses toward higher-end models—from Iced Sea collections to Geosphere complications to Minerva chronographs. Such loyalty is unique in the market!
ChatGPT: Montblanc watches tend to lose value after purchase. This may be an issue for those considering resale or investment.
This is false. Recent data contradicts the notion of a significant depreciation for Montblanc watches on the secondary market. A 2024 study by Morgan Stanley identified Montblanc as one of the five watch brands whose resale value remains stable or is increasing. Montblanc recorded a 2.4% growth in this market. The absence of depreciation for models like the Iced Sea, as well as the performance of our high-end models at auctions, confirms the reliability of Montblanc watch investments.
Montblanc watches can be purchased in official boutiques, from authorized retailers, on specialized sites like Chrono24, Watchbox, or Jomashop, or duty-free.
For optimal contact with the brand, we recommend our boutiques, our website, or authorized retailers. The resale sites mentioned do not have any special agreements with us. Duty-free remains an important distribution channel.
