Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Collection Part 4 – The ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph

Jul 25, 2015,01:49 AM
 

This is the last part of my write-up on the new Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie collection. In this post, I will continue from Part 3, which focuses on Montblanc’s in-house complications and movements developed for this new collection. Part 4 provides the details of the flagship of this new collection – the Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph.


 

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.



The Homage to Nicolas Rieussec watch, launched in SIHH 2014


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.


Monopusher Chronograph with double barrel above



ExoTourbillon above



Fusion of the above 2 innovations resulted in the Heritage Chronometrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph (regular edition above)



Vasco da Gamma Limited Edition above



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:

 

montblanc.watchprosite.com

 

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! smile


Cheers

robin




This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2015-07-25 01:52:42


More posts: CalibresCollection VilleretExoTourbillon ChronographHomage to Nicolas Rieussec MB R230Monopusher ChronographNicolas Rieussec Chronograph AutomaticNicolas Rieussec Collection

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Thank you Robin for the exhaustive article....

 
 By: watercolors : July 25th, 2015-11:51
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

The industry is very alive Edward :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 25th, 2015-22:21
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

It is so easy to feel how passionate you are Robin.

 
 By: MichaelC : July 25th, 2015-16:45
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.

The HC EMC...

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 25th, 2015-22:23
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 thei... 

I'll admit, I have a desire to acquire a MB timepiece.

 
 By: MichaelC : July 26th, 2015-09:06
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, s... 

The Good, The Bad and The....

 
 By: MTF : July 27th, 2015-01:03
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 ...  

Interesting point MTF

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 27th, 2015-21:18
On cage like Pivot. A new watch tech term! Actually I feel the starry dial of the Vasco da Gamma version is very nice. The blue dial is made of Aventurine, a type of blue quartz which is very nice if you see it in the metal. (Aventurine is not a special k... 

thanks for your review

 
 By: ED209 : July 27th, 2015-07:44
Nice review Robin. I agree with you, would be nice of Montblanc to provide a video and explain how the exotourbillon is able to save 30% energy. Regards, ED-209

Yep :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 27th, 2015-21:19
I will suggest to them Will be so cool! Cheers Robin

Glad you like the read Thomas

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 27th, 2015-21:20
Montblanc is definitely walking the talk - sharing their passion for fine watchmaking (complications at more competitive prices) Cheers Robin

Thanks for this enjoyable read Robin

 
 By: Tick Talk : July 27th, 2015-13:39
Of course you know I'll agree with your comments regarding testing; the tourbillon was at one time synonymous with accuracy but now is viewed more as an indicator of manufacturing savvy. Also, I wish they would make smaller cases for these watches; the me... 

Thank you Dean

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 27th, 2015-21:21
Your sharing helps me understand the definition of the Tourby cage better Agree they can make smaller watches. I have been giving Montblanc staff I meet the same feedback lately. Cheers Robin

Definition of 'cage'

 
 By: MTF : July 27th, 2015-21:44
tick-talk, The horological definition of 'cage' as quoted from the specialist dictionary is also listed in the general language dictionary as "any skeleton framework". There is concurrence that is understood by horologists but a bit obscure for the mass m... 

Nice report Robin

 
 By: Mark in Paris : July 30th, 2015-07:13
We don't have everyday the opportunity to discover and learn about very complicated watches. There are many interpretations of tourbillons out there and I guess it is more a question of how it is interesting more than how it is accurate. First, because we... 

Thanks for your comments Mark

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 31st, 2015-10:19
and glad you like this report :) Indeed Montblanc's top management is very proud of their Villeret manufacture and indeed it is very close to their hearts I know :) Cheers Robin

Well, I saw a JLC. Again!

 
 By: marcelo : August 14th, 2015-12:40
;)

Which one my friend?

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : August 14th, 2015-21:11
This time I think the ExoTourbillon is very original from Montblanc. I can\'t see which JLC model looks like this? But then again I don\'t know all JLC models well so let me know thanks! Cheers Robin

This one, Robin:

 
 By: marcelo : August 15th, 2015-18:50
...  

Oh I see :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : August 15th, 2015-22:14
Slightly similar but not that similar imho. Different complications so the dials are different. The MB is an ExoTourbillon with a monopusher chronograph. The JLC is a Tourbillon with a Perpetual Calendar. Thanks for sharing the picture :) Cheers robin