Montblanc

The two novelties in the Montblanc TimeWalker line have already had a pre-reveal prior to the SIHH (here: www.watchprosite.com for details) and comprise a further development of the line presented at SIHH 2017 (here: www.watchprosite.com here: www.watchprosite.com here: www.watchprosite.com and here: www.watchprosite.com for more details).

Some further details are included below and I will provide a fuller write up shortly.

Montblanc TimeWalker Rally Timer Chronograph Limited Edition 100

Inspired by the famous Minerva Rally Timer stopwatch produced by Minerva in the 1960s and directly rooted in the spirit of racing, the Montblanc TimeWalker Rally Timer Chronograph Limited Edition 100 combines a unique aesthetic with a “reverse panda” dial and the renowned handcrafted Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.29. This innovative timepiece offers different ways to appreciate the time with the possibility of transforming the wristwatch into a pocket watch or a dashboard clock.

The wristwatch, with its brand-new brown Sfumato aged leather calf strap, can be easily converted into a pocket watch by simply folding the strap attachments under the case. The pocket watch can then be either placed on a table, thanks to two arms below the case, used as a stopwatch with the strap as a handle for utmost security, or clipped into a metal plate covered with leather that attaches to a car’s dashboard, offering a highly functional and extremely legible timepiece when behind the wheel.

The 50 mm case is crafted out of grade-two titanium and has been satin-finished and the middle section of the case has also been knurled and coated with black DLC. The case can be turned from 0 to 180 degrees (or from 3 to 9 o’clock) in both directions to allow perfect readability while driving.

Titanium is also the material of choice for the vintage-inspired knurled crown and the versatile strap attachments. Turn the timepiece over, and the details continue with an open caseback in the shape of a car grill that reveals the beauty of the hand-finished Manufacture manuallywound monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.29.

The racing codes also carry over onto the two-counter “reverse panda” dial with highly legible hands, indexes and chronograph functions. The chronograph’s 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock is vertically aligned with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, reminiscent of the original Minerva Rally Timer. In the centre, the red chronograph second hand runs along a tachymeter scale, which can be used to calculate speeds over fixed distances.

The timepiece is powered by the Manufacture manually wound monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.29 that features a column wheel, horizontal coupling and a power reserve of 50 hours. The calibre takes its inspiration from the original Minerva calibre 17.29 developed in the 1930s, that was used for both pocket watches and wristwatches. This modern-day version is recognisable thanks to its beautiful handcrafted finishings—Côtes de Genève stripes, inner angles, circular graining and bevelling—as well as its fine details such as the iconic Minerva arrow, a chronograph bridge shaped in the form of a “V”, and a large screwed balance that has a traditional frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour.

Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph

Reinterpreting historical emblematic chronographs, the Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph combines an iconic tri-counter “panda” dial with a brand-new Manufacture automatic chronograph.

Each element of the design of the timepiece is directly rooted in the world of racing with details that recall the golden age of motor racing. The dial, with its black tri-counters on a white background is what has become commonly known as a “panda” design. The bold contrast between the three-dimensional black counters and the white dial are reminiscent of the dashboards of classic racing cars and are some of the most appealing and recognizable dial designs. Since its inception in the 1960s and 70s, the “panda” dial has become an icon, marking the history of watchmaking. It has always been highly appreciated for both its unique aesthetic and great readability.

The dial also has a flange with a 5-minute track coated with SuperLumiNova® for high visibility day and night. Other features include rhodium-plated, dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands and a red chronograph second hand inspired by the Minerva arrow, a nod to Minerva’s legacy and heritage.

Performance and style continue onto the design of the 43 mm, stainless steel case, which has been satin-finished for an automotive look and better resistance to scratches. The TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph is equipped with a new fixed black bezel engraved with a tachymeter scale that is made of shiny high-tech black ceramic for utmost robustness, durability and performance. Ceramic has impressive properties such as a high-resistance to scratches, nonoxidization, a unique shiny surface, and a defence against all common chemical agents.

The horns, with their architectural and carved flanks, have been semi-skeletonized like the air inlets of a car’s body, and the black DLC crown has been knurled like vintage car radiator caps for better gripping. In the spirit of racing, the case back has been fitted with a smoked glass opening, reminiscent of the glass windows that cover powerful V12 engines. 

The timepiece is powered by the Montblanc Manufacture chronograph calibre MB 25.10 (IWC 69370 base) featuring traditional finishing such as Côtes de Genève, circular graining, blue screws and a new monobloc oscillating weight made of black rhodium-plated tungsten and designed in the shape of a steering wheel. The movement is equipped with a traditional column wheel, a horizontal coupling as well as a stop-second mechanism, allowing the precise setting of the time.

The Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph indicates the hours, minutes, small seconds and date, as well as the chronograph’s indications with a central hand and counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, reminiscent of traditional 3-6-9 counter chronograph positions.

Perfectly matching the “panda” dial, the timepiece features either a stainless steel metal bracelet equipped with a system to fine-tune the size for optimal comfort; a new vintage brown, Sfumato, aged, calf leather strap with perforated holes or a brand-new black alligator Bund strap. Both leather straps are coming from the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and are fitted with the Maison's triple folding clasp, providing excellent flexibility and maximum comfort.

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