Complications
Robin (jrwong23) provides an in-depth look at the Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph, the flagship of its collection. This article is essential for understanding Montblanc's strategic integration of its Le Locle and Villeret manufactures, showcasing how the brand combines its iconic monopusher chronograph with the patented ExoTourbillon in a single movement. Robin's detailed analysis highlights Montblanc's commitment to high complications and in-house innovation.
Many of us PuristS have expressed that amongst all of Montblanc’s watch collections, the most iconic collection from Montblanc must be their Nicolas Rieussec collection. In many ways, that is very true as the Nicolas Rieussec’s monopusher chronograph has now become an iconic watch from Montblanc. The other significance of this watch is the monopusher chronograph movement, developed in the Montblanc Le Locle manufacture, this being their first in-house movement.
Now, over at the Villeret manufacture of Montblanc, another complication was developed and patented, i.e. the ExoTourbillon. This movement was first deployed in the calibre MB M16.60, which powers the Montblanc Villeret ExoTourbillon Chronograph (see below).
This year, in line with Montblanc’s strategy to synergize its 2 manufactures and share innovations across both manufactures, these 2 prides of Montblanc are combined to create a new movement, which is developed for the Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph. Here, we have the famed Monopusher Chronograph with double barrel as well as the patented ExoTourbillon with Stop Seconds – both in one new movement.
Features of the new MB R230 movement
Let’s do a recap of the ExoTourbillon movement. It is the first tourbillon system whereby the balance wheel (I love those very large Montblanc Villeret balance wheels!) is larger than the tourbillon cage and oscillates outside the tourbillon cage on a higher plane. In this new MB R230 movement used in the Heritage Chronometrie Minute Chronograph, the ExoTourbillon is a patented one minute ExoTourbillon (i.e. it makes one complete revolution per minute).
Another interesting feature of this new movement is the stop second mechanism. The stop second mechanism is constructed directly on the balance wheel. There is a graduation scale for the seconds around the ExoTourbillon with a red arrow to indicate the running seconds as well as to set the exact time when the balance wheel stops (by the stop second mechanism).
Traditional Tourbillon & ExoTourbillon: A Comparison
As explained by the watchmakers at Montblanc Villeret, when compared to a traditional tourbillon construction, the ExoTourbillon is able to save energy of approximately 30% and at the same time increase the precision. In addition, the balance can swing freely from the inertia of the tourbillon cage, which increases its isochronism and improves the precision of the mechanism. The above are possible because the weight of the tourbillon is disconnected from the balance wheel and the tourbillon cage used is lighter and smaller, which saves energy.
Now to be honest, I wish Montblanc can do some tests against a sample of traditional tourbillons and maybe do a video and explain to us watch lovers how the above is quantified. It will be even more interesting if Montblanc can pit their ExoTourbillons against their Bi-Cylinderique Tourbillons and compare the two’s precision. That will be a nice test to do!
To me personally, I am not so much into the precision of tourbillons to be honest. What wows me more in the ExoTourbillon is the aesthetical beauty of it. Call me superficial but I simply love to admire Montblanc Villeret’s large (and finely finished) balance wheels and having the balance wheel of the ExoTourbillon swinging freely above the rotating tourbillon cage is a mesmerizing sight!
Unfortunately, I noted that the balance wheel used in the Heritage Chronometrie Minute Chronograph is a more regularly-sized balance wheel. It is not the typical large balance wheels manufactured in-house at Montblanc Villeret. Here is where I am reminded that the innovation cascaded from Villeret to Le Locle but Montblanc is still keeping its Villeret range highly exclusive and at the apex of their watch collection (hence only their in-house balance wheels are used in Montblanc Villeret watches). Of course, the MB R230 movement here is finished well like other Nicolas Rieussec’s movements but not finished as well as movements for their Villeret collection. But here, we are talking about a high complication (Tourbillon + chronograph) at a price range which is much below what a Montblanc Villeret will cost. In addition, technically, I find it hard for a large Montblanc Villeret balance wheel to work with a stop seconds mechanism. The inertia would be too high to start and stop the large balance wheel. This is why the Montblanc Villeret Seconde Au Centre Retour-à -Zéro also doesn’t stop its balance wheel when the second hand resets to zero with the pulling of the crown.
An illustration to explain the dial and functions of the watch is shown below:
In terms of design codes, this watch (being the flagship of the collection) has a different case construction to its siblings in the Heritage Chronometrie collection. The bezel this time is not flat but concave, which is a feature I prefer for gold watches as this protects the bezel from being scratched even by shirt cuffs. Flat bezels of gold watches often get hairline scratches just by wearing them under a long sleeved shirt! In addition, this watch has a larger case of 44mm, compared to the others in the collection from 38 to 41mm. As of now, this watch is only available in precious metal, in red gold for the regular edition and in white gold for the Vasco da Gamma Limited Edition.
An illustration of the design codes of the regular edition in red gold is shown below:
This ends my series of posts on the new Heritage Chronometrie collection. I also did a wrist review of the Heritage Chronometrie Dual Time some weeks ago and you can read about it here:
I am keen to hear your thoughts on this new collection overall
and any specific models such as the Dual Time or ExoTourbillon Minute
Chronograph. Let me know what you think! 
Cheers
robin
The Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph, powered by the caliber MB R230, represents a significant fusion of Montblanc's horological capabilities. It combines the monopusher chronograph, a hallmark of the Nicolas Rieussec collection from the Le Locle manufacture, with the patented ExoTourbillon developed at the Villeret manufacture. This integration showcases Montblanc's strategy to leverage innovations across its distinct production sites, creating a flagship complication for the Heritage Chronometrie line.
The MB R230 movement features a monopusher chronograph with a double barrel, providing a substantial power reserve. The ExoTourbillon, characterized by its balance wheel positioned outside the rotating cage, includes a stop-seconds function for precise time setting. The watch is presented in a round case, often in precious metals, with a dial layout designed to highlight both the chronograph functions and the visible ExoTourbillon.
For collectors, this reference is notable for its technical ambition and the combination of two complex in-house complications. It reflects Montblanc's commitment to haute horlogerie and its unique approach to tourbillon design. The watch offers a blend of traditional chronograph functionality with a distinctive tourbillon mechanism, positioning it as a key piece within Montblanc's high-complication offerings.
I learned a lot from both of your reports, It is good to see that there are new ideas patented in watchmaking. That shows the industry is alive! Regards Edward
Thanks for the continued dedication! As for the Heritage ExTMC... wow, it is beautiful. One day, I hope to own a watch of this magnitude.
Even in the coming wave of smart watches. There are still many interesting patents coming from Montblanc and other brands every year to keep PuristS like us ever excited ! Cheers Robin
Is indeed a super watch. I tried it and it\'s too big for me. The value of the watch for such a complication and finish is indeed tempting. Hopefully you get to try it in the metal some day my friend And yes, I am a fan of Montblanc products not just their watches I admit. The Villeret watches from them especially just keeps wowing me! Cheers Robin
Your posts certainly add to that desire! But seriously, it is a brand on the move with inspiring offerings. One day, for sure. I also got Blomman tempting me w/ GPs, Cali Jed kills me with Chopard, and Nico - well, sometimes I purposely avoid his posts, so I don't drool on my keyboard.
Robin, First, the Good: I think the presentation of high complications in relatively 'affordable' Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Collection is a good idea. It was tried at JLC with less success probably because they compromised the finishing quality and "luxury feel". Also, JLC did not have the haute de gamme Villeret to benchmark the 'affordability'. Montblanc's revision of the JLC business model is an improvement. Next, the Bad: The English definition of 'cage' derived from the female form of
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