Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec SIHH 2018 Novelties

KMII · 2018-01-15T09:29:04Z

Explore Montblanc's Nicolas Rieussec novelties from SIHH 2018. Discover the redesigned monopusher chronograph with Calibre MB R200 and refined aesthetics.

KMII

WPS member · Montblanc forum

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KMII provides a comprehensive overview of Montblanc's Nicolas Rieussec novelties from SIHH 2018, detailing the redesign of this significant monopusher chronograph. His post highlights the aesthetic and horological refinements, paying tribute to the inventor of the inking chronograph. This update offers enthusiasts a closer look at Montblanc's continued evolution of a signature timepiece.

Following the last updates to the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec lines in 2015 (here: www.watchprosite.com for more) and the pre-SIHH announcement (here: www.watchprosite.com for more), here the full update on the Nicolas Rieussec line from this year's SIHH.

Montblanc reinterprets its Nicolas Rieussec monopusher chronograph that was launched in 2008 and has become a true Montblanc icon. The case and the dial of the timepiece have been redesigned for utmost fine watchmaking refinement, while keeping its distinctive face, with the chronograph’s turning discs and off-centred dial. The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Rieussec pays tribute to the French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec who invented the first inking chronograph in 1821.

In this new version, the silvery-white dial has been entirely reworked, with particular attention paid to the proportions of the aesthetic and horological details, allowing better visibility and fine watchmaking aesthetics.

The off-centred hour-circle and the chronograph’s titanium turning discs have been domed, giving a three-dimensional effect. Inspired by the codes of the collection, the black Arabic numerals have been slimmed down and surrounded by a precise railway minute track. Classic blued leaf-shaped hands complete the overall design. The date has been placed at 6 o’clock and enhanced with a sophisticated display applied on the dial with blued screws. Providing fine watchmaking appearance, the dial has been highlighted with an elegant guilloché pattern in places, azuré finishing in the centre of the hour-circle, and a filet sauté guilloché decoration that runs around the dial. Paying tribute to the famous chronograph’s inventor, a ring with the Nicolas Rieussec inscription has been applied on the outer part of the dial.

Reminiscent of Minerva pocket watches, the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph features a newly-designed, round case of 44.8 mm, curved finishing on the sides, and horns that have steps on the sides. A domed sapphire crystal glass surrounds the threedimensional dial and gives a refined pebble effect. Other details include a recognisable and easy-grip onion-shape crown adorned with the Montblanc emblem.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec is powered by the iconic Manufacture monopusher chronograph movement with automatic winding, the Calibre MB R200 equipped with a column-wheel mechanism that controls the monopusher chronograph. The connection between the gear train and the chronograph's wheels is alternately engaged and disengaged by a vertical coupling and functions nearly without any wear and tear and prevents the elapsed time discs from jumping when the chronograph is switched on.

The timepiece is equipped with two rotating horizontally-aligned discs for the monopusher chronograph's 60-second and 30-minute counters that turn below a blued fixed double index like on the original device. Additionally, a second time zone is displayed via a skeletonized hand on the off-centred dial.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec is water resistant to 30 metres. It is fitted with a new matching blue Sfumato alligator leather strap that comes from the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence, Italy and equipped with a triple folding clasp.

All pictures: Montblanc

More details to follow shortly.

About the Montblanc Calibres Ref. MBR200

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.

Specifications

Caliber: MBR200

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The actual wearing experience of a watch is highly dependent on its overall shape and lug design, not just raw dimensions, making a try-on essential for a 44.8mm case.
The Nicolas Rieussec line is recognized as a signature Montblanc piece, featuring their first in-house movement and poised to remain a classic for the brand.
Some collectors express a preference for the hand-wound versions of the Rieussec, particularly those with open-wheel designs, over the automatic variants.
The 43mm Rieussec was already considered large by some, and the new 44.8mm version, with a height of 15.02mm, is not particularly slim, reinforcing the need to try it on.
Despite the appeal of automatic versions, a first-generation hand-wound Rieussec remains a desirable target for some collectors.

The Discussion

Tick Talk

Jan 15, 2018

they would also re-introduce the manual model in a thinner case.

KMII

Jan 15, 2018

I also find the update quite a good one. Still need to try it on the wrist for size (44,8mm) but otherwise like it a lot

KMII

Jan 15, 2018

Not sure how many more updates to the NR line are coming past SIHH this year, since the focus is likely to be on the 160 years of Minerva. But would be great!

KMII

Jan 15, 2018

As siad, I felt the 43mm was a tad on the large side already but then it always depends on the lug design and overall shape to see how it wears. Will need to check it out for sure. The height is 15,02mm, so not all that slim, I'm afraid

KMII

Jan 15, 2018

Let’s see how it finally turns out. And a first generation hand wound one is none too shabby - great target!

Alkiro1

Jan 15, 2018

Since I tried a Rieussec in an airport several years ago, I want one. But only hand wound. Unfortunately, I like a lot few automatic versions too. But, I’ll pull the trigger one day 😉 Best wishes Alkiro

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Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec SIHH 2018 Novelties

About the Montblanc Calibres Ref. MBR200

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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