Review
Jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) continues his two-part series on the Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II, focusing on the concept, design codes, and key product details of this new timepiece. He highlights Montblanc's tribute to Rieussec's 1825 improved inking chronograph, which featured a rotating inking hand mechanism.
In part one of this two-part series on the Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II, I covered the various iterations of Rieussecâs inking time writers, the forefathers of the chronograph as we know today. For part two, I will share the concept of this new watch, its design codes as well as some key product details.
Concept â Homage to Nicolas Rieussec
To recap, Montblanc launched the first Nicolas Rieussec watch in 2008, which grew to be a collection of chronographs as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec collection; powered by Montblanc Manufacture calibres. This entire collection has been inspired by the first patented inking chronograph, developed by Rieussec in 1821. The concept of âWriting Timeâ was a key source of inspiration for Montblanc, which started as a writing instrument specialist.
In 2014, Montblanc launched the Homage to Nicolas Rieussec, paying tribute to the original inking chronograph developed in 1821 and patented in 1822.
Design code and Inspiration
The Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II chronograph faithfully reproduces the appearance of the original 1825 inking time writer. Of course, Montblanc adapted the design and construction of this latest version of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec by using modern materials, methods and design elements.
In my opinion, it is a puristic design, inspired by Rieussecâs 2nd chronograph invention from 1825, with rotating hands as chronograph indicators for the first time rather than rotating discs. The traditional design is enhanced with the grainĂŠ dial decoration inspired by Rieussecâs historical clock; the white hybrid ceramic hour ring and chronograph counters with the exclusive Montblanc Mysterious Superluminova give modern touches and design elements to the timepiece.
The Montblanc Mysterious Superluminova creates a surprising effect by highlighting the chronograph counters and revealing the hours in Roman numerals in a typographic style, identical to the one employed by Nicolas Rieussec in 1825. It was not something that Rieussec could do back in 1825 but something fun and cool for the modern wrist watch lover.
Powered by the MB R200 chronograph movement
The MB R200 automatic monopusher chronograph movement is common to the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec collection. It is a tried and tested movement used in several generations of the automatic Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec watches and is also a base movement for the more complicated watches such as the Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hour and more recently, the Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph.
A meticulously milled column-wheel links the movement's gear-train to the monopusher chronograph mechanism, through the mediation of a vertical clutch that operates with practically no friction and prevents any undesired jumping action of the seconds hand when the chronograph function is activated. The MB R200 also has a double barrel which ensures a 72-hour power reserve.
This caliber, whilst not as beautifully hand finished like its ultra high-end brothers from the Montblanc Villeret manufacture (Montblanc Villeret watches cost a lot more and are more exclusive), has pretty decent finishing, such as beveling and the use of Côtes de Genève motif, with blued screws in traditional movement design. It also has an aligned gear-train, which helps our eyes focus on the balance-wheel, which creates a cool visual treat with its 28,800 vibrations per hour. The end result is a very well rounded movement, produced and assembled in the Montblanc manufacture.
Finally, the illustration below, provided by Montblanc, summarises the product details of this new Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II, including the list price in Euro.
I should be able to take some live photos of this watch in the upcoming Watches and Wonders 2015 in Hong Kong that I will share as soon as I can.
Meanwhile, I hope you have enjoyed these 2 posts. Let me know how you like the new Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II and if there is any new features or design elements that you would like Montblanc to consider in upcoming variants of this iconic Montblanc collection.
The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph, featuring the in-house caliber MBR200, represents a significant horological offering from Montblanc. This model pays homage to Nicolas Rieussec, the inventor of the chronograph, by incorporating his original ink-dropping time-recording mechanism into its dial design with rotating discs for elapsed seconds and minutes.
The MBR200 is an automatic monopusher chronograph movement, distinguished by its column-wheel mechanism and vertical clutch. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a substantial power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, showcasing traditional finishing techniques such as Côtes de Genève and circular graining.
This reference is notable for its blend of historical inspiration and modern watchmaking, positioning Montblanc as a serious contender in the manufacture space. Its unique dial layout and sophisticated movement appeal to collectors seeking distinctive chronographs with in-house capabilities.
The new watch looks great! The white dial version would be my choice. Looking forward to see some live shots! Best Blomman
there is only the white dial version though :) The pic with the "darkened dial" is to show the night time effect of this watch when the superluminova takes effect. It is not a black dial version :) Yes I will share live pics as soon as I can :) Cheers Robin
Thank you for the clarification! Best Blomman
Thanks for the report of the new 'Montblanc Homages to Nicolas Rieussec II' watch. I remember when a prominent watch collector in Asia told me, "I will never buy a Montblanc Villeret watch because it has the name 'Montblanc' on it. That brand is for my pens." How things have changed since...and some of it due to this community of PuristS who have laid aside brand prejudice and focused on the watches. These are serious watches. Jerome Lambert, CEO Montblanc With Jerome Lambert heading up Montblan
Cascading the very best of both their manufactures to more accessible timepieces yet retain the highly exclusive, artisanal Montblanc Villeret range So far, IMHO, Jerome is doing a fantastic job! The next step will be again IMHO to establish a more distinguishable Montblanc watch DNA. The Nicolas Rieussec range is an icon. hopefully Montblanc can create more iconic lines eg the Heritage Spirit or Chronometrie lines - they can become iconic if Montblanc builds them up Cheers Robin
I see the NR as being the flag ship in turns of iconic DNA for Montblanc's watch pillar however can we not count the Timewalker in there as well? I say this for this simple fact that the skeletonized lugs are quite unique in my mind and you can definitely tell them apart from any other watch in that 3k-15k range. Just my thoughts. Todd
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