The MB "extreme lab".

Jan 23, 2025,22:35 PM
 





To quote from the press release (2014) Due to its need for a frequency of 360,000 semi-oscillations per hour, the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100 cannot rely on the same mechanical principle as a conventional chronograph calibre, which vibrates at a much slower pace of 2.5 or 4 hertz. This necessity prompted the watchmakers in Villeret to devise a solution with two balances. A large, massy, screw balance oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz) to ensure the precise rate of the going train, while a small balance paced at the extremely high frequency of 360,000 A/h (50 Hz) regulates the chronograph function. Rather than remaining continually in motion, the separate balance for the chronograph begins to vibrate only when the “start” function is activated by a flexible steel lamella (called fouet) mounted behind the arrowhead of the chronograph rocker. When the “stop” function is triggered, this slender steel plate arrests the tiny 50-Hz balance and holds it motionlessly in place until the next elapsed-time measurement begins. The chronograph function is powered by its own barrel, which stores enough energy to measure intervals up to 45 minutes in duration. An elapsed-time measurement can be indefinitely extended by turning the crown anticlockwise while the chronograph is running, thus adding fresh energy to the chronograph’s barrel. The going train for the ordinary time display draws its energy from a second barrel that guarantees a 100-hour power reserve.

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What a cool piece

 
By: TeutonicCarFan : January 24th, 2025-00:23
I don’t think I ever looked into the movement before! Dual balance and finished to the tops. Yours? You have a wrist shot? I think 45mm. Look at those angles 🤤

Thank you!

 
By: als1678 : January 24th, 2025-00:48
Zenith and Tag Heuer make / made such dual balance movements but they look nothing like this Villeret masterpiece .... It is very wearable thanks to the short lugs. Here you go ...  

Beautiful!

 
By: TeutonicCarFan : January 24th, 2025-12:50
I always know of the time walker I just never examined the back. One of the best finished movements imo

Sharp interior angles everywhere, things done right...

 
By: indignantdenial : January 24th, 2025-03:13
What a piece. Super cool to see someone own one...hope you get to keep enjoying it for many years. It's very special!

Thank you for the comments!

 
By: als1678 : January 24th, 2025-03:58
For me it is a nostalgic piece, as you said when big brands were doing things "right". I would love to learn more about the engineering minds behind the movement. The finishing was almost certainly done at the Minerva factory. It is definitely a keeper!

Congratuations on this spectacular one

 
By: penfriend : January 24th, 2025-08:55
I saw it recently at C24 being offered in Asia I believe. I was tempted by the price but forgot it then again over time. When this piece was introduced Jerome presented it to me and some other guests during a private evening. It is the successor of the Bi... 

Thank you! Yes, they went all in in the early days when they were trying to put MB on the horological map.

 
By: als1678 : January 24th, 2025-19:50
And those pieces were not an easy sell, even though one can argue that the R&D and production / finishing costs justify the retail. Pre owned they can be indeed considered a bargain. Nowadays MB is focusing on the high margin high volume entry level piece... 

Didn’t know of this reference.

 
By: Derreck : January 25th, 2025-11:12
Thanks for sharing. I read the article that you shared the excerpt from, very interesting and cool piece that has so many details to ogle for all day. Hope you have lots of fun with it.