Pre-SIHH 2018 – Hands-On with the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

With the SIHH 2018 only a few weeks away, brands are pre-releasing selected models to whet our appetite. Among them is Montblanc, which has unveiled a new version of their iconic Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph. Meet the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, bringing a classic and elegant take on this watch that has always been a favourite here, at MONOCHROME.

Background

In 2008, Montblanc introduced its first “Nicolas Rieussec” Chronograph, a tribute to the French watchmaker, the first to have made a timepiece called a chronograph (in Greek chronos=time, graphein=to write) in 1821 – an invention actually writing time, as it inks measured times intervals with a drop of ink squirted on a rotating dial at the push of a button. Like the invention of Rieussec, Montblanc’s chronograph featured rotating discs for the elapsed seconds and minutes, read under fixed hands.

In 2012, Montblanc added another sophistication to the model and its movement with the display of a second-time-zone and a day-and-night indicator. Several versions of this emblematic and distinctive collection have been presented over the years – including the elegant Homage to Nicolas Rieussec Limited Editions. Unveiled in the frame of their Pre-SIHH 2018 collections, Montblanc introduces an elegant, classic take on the model with a redesigned case and dial.

The new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

In this new version, the dial comes with a silvery-white finish and a new layout. The date has been moved to 6 and is now framed with an elegant cartouche held with blued screws. The day-and-night indicator has been smartly integrated into the off-centered hour circle. The dial features a three-dimensional effect thanks to the domed titanium rotating discs and the guilloché pattern – azuré finishing in the centre of the hour-circle and a filet sauté guilloché around the dial. The Arabic numerals have been slimmed down. The leaf-shaped hands and chronograph double index are blued, while the second-time-zone is indicated with an openwork silver hand.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph round case also receives a facelift, there again with a classic inspiration. The rounded sides and the domed sapphire glass give a refined pebble effect reminiscent of pocket watches. All adjustment and setting are performed via the three-position onion-shape crown adorned with the Montblanc emblem. The unique chronograph pusher is positioned at 8. It measures a quite impressive 44.8 mm diameter and it is fashioned out of polished stainless steel.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Rieussec chronograph is powered by the calibre MB R2000, a modern, automatic and integrated chronograph movement featuring a column-wheel and a vertical clutch. Its two barrels can store up to 72 hours of power reserve. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it is visible through the exhibition case back. It features a large three-quarter plate with oblique Geneva stripes and an opening showing the column-wheel. The rotor is skeletonized to let the column-wheel visible into the Star logo.

The watch is paired with a new matching blue Sfumato alligator leather strap, crafted at the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and secured with a folding clasp. Price is set at EUR 7,540 which is over 2K less than previous models, despite interesting product upgrades (the standard version is now priced at EUR 9,800 in steel). For more information about Montblanc watches, please visit www.montblanc.com.

Technical specifications – Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

• Case: 44.8mm diameter x 15.02mm height – stainless steel case – sapphire crystal – sapphire caseback – 3 ATM / 30 m water resistant
• Movement: calibre MB R2000 – integrated chronograph with automatic winding – 72h power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/h – 40 jewels – hours, minutes, second-time-zone, day-and-night indicator, date and chronograph
• Strap:  blue Sfumato alligator leather strap with folding buckle
• Price: EUR 7,540
• Reference: 118537
• Certification: Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 hours