SIHH 2018: Novelties in the Nicolas Rieussec series

Jan 15, 2018,09:29 AM
 

Following the last updates to the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec lines in 2015 (here: www.watchprosite.com for more) and the pre-SIHH announcement (here: www.watchprosite.com for more), here the full update on the Nicolas Rieussec line from this year's SIHH.

Montblanc reinterprets its Nicolas Rieussec monopusher chronograph that was launched in 2008 and has become a true Montblanc icon. The case and the dial of the timepiece have been redesigned for utmost fine watchmaking refinement, while keeping its distinctive face, with the chronograph’s turning discs and off-centred dial. The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Rieussec pays tribute to the French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec who invented the first inking chronograph in 1821.




In this new version, the silvery-white dial has been entirely reworked, with particular attention paid to the proportions of the aesthetic and horological details, allowing better visibility and fine watchmaking aesthetics.

The off-centred hour-circle and the chronograph’s titanium turning discs have been domed, giving a three-dimensional effect. Inspired by the codes of the collection, the black Arabic numerals have been slimmed down and surrounded by a precise railway minute track. Classic blued leaf-shaped hands complete the overall design. The date has been placed at 6 o’clock and enhanced with a sophisticated display applied on the dial with blued screws. Providing fine watchmaking appearance, the dial has been highlighted with an elegant guilloché pattern in places, azuré finishing in the centre of the hour-circle, and a filet sauté guilloché decoration that runs around the dial. Paying tribute to the famous chronograph’s inventor, a ring with the Nicolas Rieussec inscription has been applied on the outer part of the dial.

Reminiscent of Minerva pocket watches, the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph features a newly-designed, round case of 44.8 mm, curved finishing on the sides, and horns that have steps on the sides. A domed sapphire crystal glass surrounds the threedimensional dial and gives a refined pebble effect. Other details include a recognisable and easy-grip onion-shape crown adorned with the Montblanc emblem.




The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec is powered by the iconic Manufacture monopusher chronograph movement with automatic winding, the Calibre MB R200 equipped with a column-wheel mechanism that controls the monopusher chronograph. The connection between the gear train and the chronograph's wheels is alternately engaged and disengaged by a vertical coupling and functions nearly without any wear and tear and prevents the elapsed time discs from jumping when the chronograph is switched on.

The timepiece is equipped with two rotating horizontally-aligned discs for the monopusher chronograph's 60-second and 30-minute counters that turn below a blued fixed double index like on the original device. Additionally, a second time zone is displayed via a skeletonized hand on the off-centred dial.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec is water resistant to 30 metres. It is fitted with a new matching blue Sfumato alligator leather strap that comes from the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence, Italy and equipped with a triple folding clasp.



All pictures: Montblanc

More details to follow shortly.


More posts: CalibresMB R200Monopusher ChronographMontblanc Nicolas Rieussec CollectionNicolas Rieussec Chronograph AutomaticNicolas Rieussec Collection

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Thanks 5980!

 
 By: KMII : January 15th, 2018-09:53
I also find the update quite a good one. Still need to try it on the wrist for size (44,8mm) but otherwise like it a lot

I was hoping

 
 By: Tick Talk : January 15th, 2018-09:50
they would also re-introduce the manual model in a thinner case.

That would be lovely for sure!

 
 By: KMII : January 15th, 2018-10:09
Not sure how many more updates to the NR line are coming past SIHH this year, since the focus is likely to be on the 160 years of Minerva. But would be great!

+++1. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 17th, 2018-00:12

I hear you about the case size...

 
 By: KMII : January 15th, 2018-10:16
As siad, I felt the 43mm was a tad on the large side already but then it always depends on the lug design and overall shape to see how it wears. Will need to check it out for sure. The height is 15,02mm, so not all that slim, I'm afraid

Somehow I always imagined the Zeitwerk was larger...

 
 By: KMII : January 15th, 2018-11:55
Let’s see how it finally turns out. And a first generation hand wound one is none too shabby - great target!

My Zeitwerk is the classic version with the smaller and “thinner” case. The Striking, Decimal Striking and Minute Repeater have bigger cases (between 43.9mm and 44.2mm from memories) and are slightly thicker

 
 By: Alkiro1 : January 15th, 2018-12:10
Since I tried a Rieussec in an airport several years ago, I want one. But only hand wound. Unfortunately, I like a lot few automatic versions too. But, I’ll pull the trigger one day 😉 Best wishes Alkiro

Thanks for adding the details :)

 
 By: KMII : January 16th, 2018-04:53
It is of course always very much dependent on the piece - i.e. the raw dimensions tell only part of the story. I find that thin watches can definitely be smaller and still look, for instance. Then I have watches of 44-45mm size, which are great on the wri... 

👍😉

 
 By: Alkiro1 : January 16th, 2018-13:48
Best wishes Alkiro

Always a fan of the Nicolas Rieussec.

 
 By: JToddH : January 16th, 2018-05:52
Unfortunately I've been fixed on the open wheel designs which only came on manual wind. For some reason, I haven't seen the open (spoked) chrono wheels on the automatics. Did I miss something? In any case, the Rieussecs continue to be unique and amazing.

Fully agreed, Todd!

 
 By: KMII : January 16th, 2018-06:13
A truly signature MB piece, with their first in-house movement and bound to remain a classic for the brand