KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
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SIHH 2017: The TimeWalker for Purists - Montblanc's TimeWalker Rally Timer Counter
'Stubbornness works very well in rallying; even if things go wrong or you lose time, you don’t give up.'
Ari Vatanen
The use of Ari quotes will become apparent later on in the week. 
What I can already share now, is another very interesting piece of the 2017 Montblanc TimeWalker collection - the Rally Timer Counter. A classical Minerva Villeret 16.29 movement with its signature devil's tail, this time encased in titanium and with some very interesting features.
Here it is in all its glory - the largest piece in the collection (both TimeWalker and Montblanc more generally) at 50mm. In spite of the size it is surprisingly wearable and a departure from the signature Giampiero Bodino case, too. There is a good reason for that. The size of the movement to start with and then the case's three party tricks:
What I can already share now, is another very interesting piece of the 2017 Montblanc TimeWalker collection - the Rally Timer Counter. A classical Minerva Villeret 16.29 movement with its signature devil's tail, this time encased in titanium and with some very interesting features.Here it is in all its glory - the largest piece in the collection (both TimeWalker and Montblanc more generally) at 50mm. In spite of the size it is surprisingly wearable and a departure from the signature Giampiero Bodino case, too. There is a good reason for that. The size of the movement to start with and then the case's three party tricks:
- the ability to rotate, so as to be always correctly positioned on the wrist ofr optimum legibility, irrespective if you wear it on the right or left wrist
- the ability to detach its strap and use it as a pocket watch / desk clock
- and finally, there is also an attachement, which will allow you to use it as a proper rally timer in a classical rally car.
Like the 1858 Tachymeter, it is operated via a monopusher integrated into the crown, unlike it the subdials are positioned at 6 and 12, as opposed to 3 and 9. The case is titanium and the lower weight this brings makes it surprisingly wearable in spite of its large size. The vintage inspired strap from really supple calf leather helps, too - even on this brand new example it required no bedding in.
Here's the perspective of most interest to Purists. The movement used is the delectable Cal. 16.29 and the finish is pretty much the same as applied to the 1858 Tachymeter - without the rose gold elements from the Bronze. Here you can also see both the foldable lugs and the deployable support for use as a table clock.
Montblanc's motto for the collection is Racing Spirit and this piece definitely displays that. Limited to 100 pieces, you may need to have a heavy right foot to bag one in time, too. I will provide further details in due course.
SIHH 2017: The TimeWalker for Purists - Montblanc's TimeWalker Rally Timer Counter
\' Stubbornness works very well in rallying; even if things go wrong or you lose time, you don’t give up.\' Ari Vatanen The use of Ari quotes will become apparent later on in the week. What I can already share now, is another very interesting piece of th...
Thanks Alkiro!
It most certainly is one of the visually most arresting movements out there and it is enacased in a very, very cool watch here, too
Of course I see why you say that. Much more successful on the Chopard though.
The cutout shape seems out of place over this very traditional movement. I rather be able to see the entire 16.29.
The shape of the display back sapphire is functional
I hear you when you say you\'d rather see the whole movement and while not fully apparent from my picture looking at an angle you can. The reason for the shape of the display back is dictated by the foldable lugs, which are there so as to allow conversion...
Interesting piece.
I like it and like the things MB is doing with Minerva movements. M4
Thanks M4!
What I also like is that the piece is sufficiently different from the other watches with the movement to not cannibalise / devalue the existing pieces.
Ah... that devil's tail is really something.
The detachable Watch head is also quite nifty
A signature detail :)
And one liked by many here, if you look at the numbers owned by Purists
How many more chrono calibres does Montblanc want to produce for 16.29 and 13.21?
thanks for the report my friend. The new chrono looks interesting. I have a worry though to be completely honest and will appreciate if you can ask MB in SIHH so this can be cleared up. I was an early adopter of a MB Villeret watch with my LE 1 / 8 Chrono...
Hi Robin!
I share similar sentiments and sold my Grand feu enamel chrono monopusher like yours (but in rose gold) a few months ago. And yes, the movements are still beautifully made but definitely not restricted to 288 any longer. I will be at the SIHH tomorrow to ...
Thanks for your reply my friend
Agree with you. On finishing it will be good to compare with a loupe and check - can't take their word for it because I recall their watchmakers saying why 288 and the high price because it's a lot of work to finish etc. So unless they use the watchmakers...
Robin, I fully understand and agree
If one buys a watch based on certain factors like exclusitivity, one would hope that the brand maintains its ethos. I have just placed an order for a RW Smith who I know produces 10 to 12 watches a year. Should this figure double, I am almost certain to b...
I do understand your frustration...
Let me check what their position on this is and get back to you!
I'd be interested to hear...
Whether you see any difference in the movement finishing compared to yours. From what i could see, it definitely matched the level of the 1858 Tachymeter but it's been more than a year since I have seen Robin's, so I cannot directly compare.
I will enquire...
Robin, I am unfortunately no longer at SIHH (due to the very tight timeline between my appointment and the event I have only attended the launch yesterday) but will pass on your enquiry and let you know the result. At the moment it certainly appears that ...
Thanks for sharing!!
Share the same sentiment as Robin as well... feel like they are trying to milk the movement and lose exclusivity.
Let's see where the journey goes...
And how many more watches get made with the movement. Having such a great and well regarded movement in your portfolio - well I can understand a certain temptation to use it that \'one more time\'. As long as it is not too often... At the same time I unde...
As usual, love reading what you share
Always enjoyable and very informative! Superb job. Thanks again. Like you said, lets see where the journey goes and hopefully a good one!
Thanks for your encouraging feedback MJ23!
Sometimes business pressures lead to decisions not all customers like. Let\'s hope it\'s a blip and that there will be no disappointments with the brand\'s future direction.
So it is...
Glad you found it helpful, Michael. I am quite curious to see where Davide Cerrato takes the brand - after all he\'s done great things at Tudor that we all like And anyone driving a Morgan gets bonus points / a benefit of doubt from me
Limit to 100?
You cant buy this watch cause its limited to 100 pieces. But, you can but their ordinary looking boring if you like. Here is a watch that could put their brand higher up in the order. I think a very poor decision was made to Limit this watch to 100 Pieces...
It is a thin line...
The limit is also there to ensure exclusivity - if you read some comments, not everyone is happy that the movement has been used again, as it was initially promised that only 288 will be made and MB appears to be past that. And while there will probably b...