The Parisian-Inspired Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

Synonymous with luxurious fountain pens, Montblanc expanded its portfolio to incorporate watches in 1997, with aesthetics impressed by its well-known Meisterstück pens. Intent on demonstrating its watchmaking credentials, Montblanc acquired the legendary Minerva manufacture and launched the Nicolas Rieussec chronograph in 2007. An uncommon chronograph with revolving registers and an interesting historical past, the Nicolas Rieussec was powered by the model’s first in-house motion. Right now, the model releases one other Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, designed to strengthen the Parisian roots of the world’s first inking chronograph.

Though Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec didn’t invent the chronograph, his invention was the literal translation of the time period chronograph, derived from the Greek phrases chronos (which means time) and graphos (to write down or report). Put to the take a look at on 1 September 1821 on the Champ de Mars racetrack in Paris, Rieussec’s timekeeper was fitted with a set nib that may launch a drop of ink on the 2 rotating counters for half-hour and 60 seconds to report the exact instances of horses crossing the end line. Offered to the Academy of Sciences, Rieussec was hailed because the creator of the inking chronograph.

The newest Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, introduced in a big 43mm pebble-shaped metal case with a peak of 15mm, options the signature fluted crown with the Montblanc star emblem and the only pusher at 8 o’clock to activate the beginning, cease and reset capabilities of the chronograph. On this aspect, it’s similar to earlier editions of this uncommon watch.

The novelty is the greyish-green color chosen for the dial with the good-looking Clous de Paris motif, designed to evoke the cobbled streets of Paris. As an alternative of the extra classical editions with utilized Arabic numerals, the hours are lower into the inexperienced off-centred disc and the railway minutes observe is changed with dots for a extra modern, understated look.

The spherical aperture at 9 o’clock homes the day/night time indicator, and the luminescent Dauphine hour and minute arms are accompanied by a discreet skeletonised second time zone hand. The 2 rotating and horizontally aligned counters reveal a extra modern grained end. Indicated by the diamond-shaped bridge that serves as a hand, the 30-minute counter on the left and the 60-second counter on the best graphically illustrate elapsed instances. Fastened with two screws, the date window at 6 o’clock has an identical inexperienced background.

Designed by creative director Marco Tomasetta, the brand new interchangeable inexperienced calfskin strap contains a lining with a map of Paris from 1821, together with the Champ de Mars racetrack and the Île de la Cité, the place Rieussec had his workshop.

The show caseback gives a view of the manufacture calibre MB R200, an automated built-in chronograph motion with column wheel and vertical clutch. Outfitted with twin barrels, the facility reserve is 72 hours, and the massive 10mm stability wheel beats at 4Hz. Designed for travellers, the second time zone hand and the date might be adjusted in each instructions due to the rapid-reset mechanism. The openworked rotor is adorned with a Clous de Paris sample and a Montblanc star, and the bridges with Côtes de Genève.

This inexperienced version of the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph joins the everlasting assortment and retails for EUR 8,300. Extra data at Montblanc.com.