A new era of leather for Mont Blanc
The gleaming white yacht swayed as we stepped onto it, the heat of the sun obliterated as we entered the cool interior of the Mont Blanc boat that was docked at Dubai Marina. Day & Night Magazine were at the exclusive launch of Mont Blanc’s 2015 product range that was being celebrated with friends of the brand and members of the press on the 14th of April, 2015
Taking our time admiring the new leather goods on display, we were delighted for a chance to touch and experience the luxury products the renowned brand has on offer for the year 2015. We gasped at the exquisite new writing instruments that are crafted from the finest materials, which were being demonstrated by well-dressed Mont Blanc staff, and we fiddled with the array of jewellery that bore the brands DNA. Amongst the excited crowd, we spotted the Executive Vice President Sales at Mont Blanc welcoming guests with a broad smile and cornered him for a one-on-one chat.
Born into cultured luxury, Nicholas Baretzki has always been surrounded by high-quality products and from a very young age he knew that this was an industry for him. His parents worked in the horology industry and presented their young son with a classic timepiece that further boosted his resolve to keep close ties to the watchmaking business. Launching his career at Cartier, Nicholas moved on to work for Jaeger-LeCoultre before joining the Richemont Group, where he honed his experience for 20 years. His most recent role is as Executive Vice President Sales at Mont Blanc. Adjusting the cuff of his immaculate suit, we spotted the Chronométrie Annual Calendar from the Heritage line, sparking just beneath the deep hued fabric and took note to ask him of his personal preferences from Mont Blanc’s new range.
Can you tell us about one of the latest novelties you are most excited about?
Oh that’s a difficult question as there are so many products I like. However, if I had to choose just one, I would pick the new ExoTourbillon Chronograph timepiece from the Heritage line that was first developed for Villeret watches six or seven years ago. From just looking at the 2015 44mm diameter dial, it becomes clear that skilled craftsmen have poured years of expertise into the masterpiece creation to ensure it boasts many practical features. It’s construction, precision and finishing all demonstrate Mont Blancs spirit and dedication to high quality watches, making the ExoTourbillon Chronograph value for money that all horology enthusiasts must experience.
Aside from the timepieces, what would you say is your favourite leather goods accessory?
As I spend most of my time on trains and planes, I would have to choose the practical Extreme Leather backpack as I am able to carry many things with me. Our leather is one of the finest in the industry, it is special as we ensure our products are durable and crafted from material that can withstand every day conditions and temperatures. The Extreme Leather is water-proof, scratch-resistant and fire-resistant to a certain temperature so it is used not just for our backpacks but mobile phone covers too. The current mobile phone cover I have is made from this particular leather and I’ve been using it for almost a year but it still looks brand new, therefore it has withstood the test of time and extreme temperatures.
Aside from the Extreme Leather and Soft Grain leather, are there any other plans to work with a new kind of material?
Yes, we do have some plans. Our Manufacture is based in Florence, where all the big leather suppliers are located, so it is easier for us to access new material. The concept of leather has been around for a long time now, so various types of the material would have evolved, and it is our goal to be one of the first brands to work with a new kind of material to ensure our clients are aware of the innovation and craftsmanship that we employ. Later this year we will reveal a new kind of leather that is more exclusive, aimed at the high-end market for those who truly enjoy luxury hand-finished products at its finest.
Will Mont Blanc diverse into bold colours to suit the Middle East market?
Mont Blanc has already started to experiment with colours. The new hand-finished leather comes in shades of red and blue, some of which feature delicate textures for those who like a little flair. However, Mont Blanc is recognised as primarily black and white – so our clients may just prefer to stick to basic colours that complement any outfit. The new range of leather is something that is a step away from the known and a little daring, and I hope it is a success for the brand as the Middle East market are keen on a colourful outlook.
Which timepiece would sell well in the Dubai market?
It would have to be the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum that was unveiled at SIHH, 2015. In my opinion this would sell well in the Dubai market because it is a cosmopolitan city which is frequented by a lot of businessmen, who travel around the world. Our clientele doesn’t just stop there; this city is a city of travellers, and many people residing here are expats who travel back to their home countries or for business. It would be very handy for them to own a watch that gives you instantaneous reading of other cities times.
What is the inspiration behind the Blue Hour writing instruments?
This collection is a daring blend of innovation and aesthetics. The inspiration behind the theme is based on an urban landscape with tall skyscrapers, mirrored finishes and slender steel constructions. Both Blue Hour instruments come in a shade of blue, where one boasts a skeletonised exterior while the other features a silky-smooth 3D effect, each displaying superior craftsmanship and dedication to achieving the very best precision in writing instruments. The amount of effort dedicated to the Skeletonised pen is immeasurable; the aesthetic of this statement piece is a remarkable blend of high-end materials that ensure comfort when gripped by the hand.
Are there plans to incorporate jewels into the writing instruments at Mont Blanc?
Yes, we do have some plans which will continue from our success in 2014 with the Monticello Diamond Pen, which was a unique piece and our most expensive pen, as it boasted a D-Flawless diamond right at the very top where Mont Blanc’s signature logo usually is. We already have many diamond pens, for example The Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond, and we also have a Ruby Fountain pen, and other pens that incorporate sapphires and emeralds, however, our plans don’t stop there – in the future we plan to unveil more models using a variety of gems.
