New Release
The Spirit of Classical Fine Watchmaking: Ahead of the upcoming SIHH 2018, Montblanc presents two new evocative chronograph models to emphasize its newly reworked Star Legacy Collection Inspired by the extraordinary Minerva heritage that dates back to 1858, Montblanc is reinterpreting its iconic Sta
The Spirit of Classical Fine Watchmaking: Ahead of the upcoming SIHH 2018, Montblanc presents two new evocative chronograph models to emphasize its newly reworked Star Legacy Collection
Inspired by the extraordinary Minerva heritage that dates back to 1858, Montblanc is reinterpreting its iconic Star product line. Within this re-envisioned Collection, the Maison keeps all the key elements while enhancing the level of classical finishing and the sophistication of its design. Montblanc is unveiling two exclusive pre-launch models featuring the chronograph complication that is emblematic of the Maison’s sophistication and savoir faire: a very slender and timeless Automatic Chronograph and iconic Rieussec monopusher chronograph in a new fine watchmaking interpretation.
160 Years of Fine Watchmaking Heritage
The Minerva heritage and legacy dates back to 1858 when the company founded by Charles-Ivan Robert specialized in gold pocket watches. The Montblanc Star Legacy Collection takes its inspiration from the Minerva heritage and the company’s pocket watches that were made during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Montblanc’s archives show the existence of international orders from very early on, with some of the watches destined for railway companies.
The legibility of the dials was of particular importance and some of the movements were cased in wristwatches.
As early as the year 1880, the manufacture had started to specialise in timekeepers that could be wound with a crown (called “remontoir au pendant” in French). These innovative pocket watches were among the first to be wound through the crown instead of a separate key. This is the reason why Minerva experienced considerable global success very early.
The Spirit of Classical Fine Watchmaking
Montblanc reinterprets its iconic Star Legacy Collection, which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, by keeping the key elements, but enhancing the level of classical finishing and the sophistication of its design.
Inspired by the Minerva pocket watches, such as the Gold Hunter Calibre 19’’ from 1927, the new timepieces feature round cases with a curved finish on the sides, giving a refined and shaped pebble effect, along with horns that have steps on the sides. Continuing the journey into classical fine watchmaking, the crowns stand out with their recognisable and easy-grip onion-shape, adorned on the side with the recognisable Montblanc emblem.
In these new versions, the dials of the Star timepieces are highlighted by prominent Arabic numerals. Their shape and size, however, have been slightly redesigned, bringing refinement. Other important aesthetic details include a unique railway minute track on the Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Chronograph, which is of particular note as it features dots instead of lines (a rare twist found only in very few models from the late 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century) and a beautiful filet sauté guilloché running around the dial and outlining it.
Completing the overall design, the dial features the elegant blued leaf shaped hands, contributing to a contemporary, yet classic aesthetic.
Thanks to a large choice of distinctive straps made by the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence, the Montblanc Star Legacy Collection is the perfect way for the watch connoisseur to enhance his outfits and express his own personal style.
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
Stefan, Thanks for the preview. I collect chronographs so any new offering is interesting. The dial of the Star Legacy offers simple elegance and the 'dotted' railtrack markers are diferent. A bit like an old Roamer watch from my father-in-law. The new Rieussec is reassuring as some people speculated that the range was discontinued..... Here is proof of life! Regards, MTF
thanks Stefan for sharing . Is that a date window on the new Rieussec ? Much easier to read the date this way I think Cheers Robin
I like the layout and the date window is really attractive. Can't wait to see in less than 2 weeks! Cheers Andrew
Not a “last year” thing.
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