For this year’s SIHH, Montblanc is celebrating the invention of the chronograph, 190 years ago this year. Montblanc considers itself a chronograph specialist, so this year at SIHH, the brand is introducing three special chronographs, as well as an affordably-priced GMT timepiece.
“The biggest challenge we face is to communicate our deep know-how in two areas: state of the art high horology with Montblanc and artisanal watchmaking in Villeret,” says Alexander Schmiedt of Montblanc. “People don’t necessarily think of watches when they hear Montblanc and we are out to change that.”
Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph
To commemorate the invention of the chronograph by Nicolas Rieussec in 1821, Montblanc Villeret is bringing out a new sober interpretation of the brand’s iconic Nicolas Rieussec monopusher, column-wheel chronograph. This timepiece comes in two versions, an automatic in a regular series, while the manual winding watch is available in a limited series (25 in platinum, 90 in white gold and 190 in red gold).
Collection Villeret 1858 Vintage Pulsograph
Based on the famous Pulsograph chronograph, a monopusher with a scale for determined pulse rates, Montblanc Villeret is introducing a new smaller size (39.5mm) chronograph, with 58 watches in white gold and 58 in rose gold. Finished by hand, this piece is something truly special.
NICOLAS RIEUSSEC CHRONOGRAPH, COLLECTION VILLERET 1858 VINTAGE PULSOGRAPH
TimeWalker Twin Fly Chronograph
Next is the TimeWalker Twin Fly Chronograph, a new calibre that Montblanc developed in collaboration with movement manufacturer Val Fleurier - a monopusher flyback chronograph with the seconds and the minutes on the central axis. This watch is available in a 300 piece limited edition in Titanium DLC and a non-limited steel version.
Star WorldTimer and Retrograde
To introduce real watchmaking at an affordable price, Montblanc has developed the Star WorldTimer. Using an ETA movement with a Montblanc patent on the world timer system, the WorldTimer is a GMT with world time, with all functions controlled by the crown.
Also in this range is the new Star Retrograde, which has an annual calendar, a retrograde date, a day of the week subdial and a power reserve indication.
“We want to play with small complications in our classic Star range,” says Schmidt.
TIMEWALKER TWIN FLY CHRONOGRAPH, STAR WORLDTIMER AND RETROGRADE
Montblanc’s slate of new chronographs is designed to cement its status as the chronograph specialists across the board, from volume manufacturing in Montblanc to the artisanal, handmade timepieces from Villeret.
Source: Europa Star December - January 2011 Magazine Issue
