What is your assessment of the year 2025?
2025 has been an exciting year for Montblanc. We chose to focus our efforts on our flagship collections, starting with our best-seller, the Iced Sea, which remains at the top of our sales. Its momentum continues to be exceptional, and we now offer this model in two sizes (41mm and 38mm). At the same time, we continued the rollout of the Zero Oxygen concept, whose success is explained by its uniqueness: it is currently one of the very few collections on the market entirely free of oxygen inside the case. This innovation is appealing both from a technical point of view — no condensation and increased component durability — and from a historical one, as it fully fits within Montblanc’s heritage.
In our classic collections, the Star Legacy also stood out, particularly the highly iconic Nicolas Rieussec, celebrated by collectors for its role in the history of the chronograph. It represents a true manufacture chronograph, composed of 319 components, offered for under 10,000 euros — an achievement that excites our enthusiasts.
Overall, our timepieces rely on strong and consistent storytelling, built over the years around Montblanc’s DNA. These are not fleeting themes: this vision is meant to endure, with lines designed to stand the test of time and foster an authentic and lasting relationship with our clients.
And what about Minerva?
2025 marked a major milestone. Minerva introduced a new model featuring a large date, annual calendar, and second time zone, powered by a manufacture calibre composed of 336 components. This piece met with tremendous success: the limited edition presented last spring was fully pre-reserved at its launch, and the first deliveries since early October have confirmed this enthusiasm. This timepiece stands out for its rare innovations, such as the ability to adjust the date in both directions at midnight without any risk to the mechanism. Collectors immediately appreciated this detail, as well as its manual winding and a small but important detail the replacement of the month of July on the external rotating calendar with MINERVA, recalling a historical event that took place in July 1887.
Finally, the Unveiled Secret Monopusher Chronograph model remains a true best-seller. Its historic 1929 movement, which we “reversed” and patented to make it visible in all its beauty (each component being entirely made and assembled by hand) with the play of light passing through the sapphire side openings continues to fascinate. All of this is the result of in-house work, driven by a constant desire to explore new paths.
What can you tell us about your latest, very high-end launch?
The Star Legacy Suspended Exo Tourbillon Château de Versailles embodies the meeting of traditional high watchmaking and artisanal crafts, enhanced by an exceptional case, which alone required one and a half years of development.
Its dial pays tribute to the legendary French masked ball, the Bal des Ifs, through work of rare precision: marquetry, hand engraving, champlevé enamel, 3D modeling, and laser engraving come together to create a truly artistic piece.
The exo-tourbillon mechanism, patented by Montblanc in 2010, is offered only in limited series, reserved for exceptional creations. This edition, priced at 259,000 euros, sold out in just a few hours. All eight pieces were snapped up, and demand remains very strong a strong sign of recognition for our expertise.
What does 2026 look like for Minerva?
In just a few months, we will be able to share very big news about Minerva. This new chapter will continue our approach: innovate (passionately), surprise (intensely), and strengthen our closeness with our community of collectors. We are truly committed to nurturing this privileged relationship and helping it grow.
And for Montblanc?
The year 2026 looks to be in the same vein: on one hand, we will continue the development of our emblematic collections, and on the other, we will unveil major innovations. These new releases will be presented at the beginning of the year, and I can assure you that they will surprise our clients while remaining true to Montblanc’s DNA.
Our teams have worked intensively to offer our clients what Montblanc does best: combining tradition, innovation, and emotion.
Do you regularly receive your clients at the Villeret manufacture (Minerva)?
Absolutely. We welcome visitors every week, and the requests keep growing. There is something special happening in Villeret: it is a unique manufacture, in continuous operation since 1858, nestled in a natural setting. One can feel a true soul there, an authenticity that all fans (I prefer this term to clients) as well as journalists immediately perceive.
We are, moreover, going to intensify this approach, as our strategy enters a new phase, full of meaning and opportunities.
In an uncertain global context, how can watch brands stand out?
My teams often ask me how I manage to stay so optimistic (smile). For me, it all comes down to returning to the essentials: refocusing on the true values of the brand.
One must understand its strengths, assert them with conviction, and avoid spreading oneself too thin or giving in to the temptation of fleeting opportunities. Our development is based on a clear vision, coherent actions, and consistency in execution.
The results speak for themselves: all the models launched in the past five years are still in the catalogue. We have chosen to reduce the number of new releases to strengthen perceived quality, innovation, and differentiation. These demanding periods force us to think differently and to surpass ourselves. And it is in these moments that the creativity of the teams makes the difference.
Precisely, what role do your teams play in this success?
The role of my teams is absolutely fundamental. Nothing would be possible without the women and men who surround me. I would like, once again, to express my deep gratitude for their commitment, their positive spirit, their energy, and the sincere closeness they maintain with our clients. Their professionalism and honesty are exemplary.
In my view, the best ambassador of a brand is the employee. And I am deeply proud of all those who today proudly carry the colors of Montblanc and Minerva.
Finally, I would also like to extend a very special thanks to our clients for their loyalty and the trust they place in us, as this connection lies at the heart of all our actions.
