jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
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Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II – Part Two
In part one of this two-part series on the Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II, I covered the various iterations of Rieussec’s 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 – 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 “Writing Time” 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 Rieussec’s 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 grainé dial decoration inspired by Rieussec‘s 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.
Montblanc Homage to Nicolas Rieussec II – Part Two
Great part II, Robin!
Lol thanks Blomman
Montblanc has established real watchmaking reputation
That is the beauty of Montblanc's current strategy
Good point about Iconic
Good point Todd
I'm with you on both points.
I think you will like this Michael
Not my cup of tea...
I think the grained dial is the same
I agree Robin
Rotating discs are super cool to watch
Great follow up report!
Hopefully we can see it in the metal together
Probably my favourite of the Rieussec models released thus far!
The Montblanc Villeret chronos
