KMII[Montblanc Moderator]
29857
Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph - after almost 10 years still a fascinating piece
May 13, 2017,23:19 PM
At the recent reopening event of Montblanc's Vienna Boutique I have had the opportunity to more extensively try out some of their collection.
And one of the pieces I have not yet tried - mea culpa as a mod (albeit quite newly minted) has been the Nicolas Rieussec. Apart from the Villeret collection, this is probably the line that did most to establish Montblanc as a serious watch maker - a monopusher chronograph with an in-house movement (hand wound and automatic versions exist), and a novel (or very traditional - depending on perspective) way of reading the chronograph.
The rotating discs instead of hands are true to the first time writers of Nicolas Rieussec in terms of design aesthetic for a start. In addition they add an element of serenity that no other chronograph possesses in my humble opinion. While a collection of moving hands in the more conventional versions adds some drama, the disc movements are much more understated and exude calm.
Definitely a very fitting choice for a watch that's on the dressier side and that has no pretensions to sportiness.
The activation is with a monopusher, placed somewhat unconventionally at 8 o'clock - so most of the time (i.e. when you're not timing) it hides under the sleeve. Again well thought through for a more formal piece.
The operation is butter smooth and thereby also fitting.
Otherwise the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, even if it is quite large. The rose gold version I have tried is quite heavy - so definitely not a piece you will forget you are wearing.
So overall I have to say I liked it quite a lot. Not one that has been discussed here much recently but even if not quite new anymore it is both a serious piece of horology and a charming wrist companion at the same time.