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 Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph pays tribute to the French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec who invented the first inking chronograph in 1821.
As watchmaker to the French royal court, Nicolas Rieussec developed this construction to more precisely measure the running times of individual horses at a horserace. Nicolas Rieussec’s device was literally a “time writer,” so he accordingly named it a “chronograph” from the Greek words “chronos” (time) and “graphein” (to write). In 1822, the Académie des Sciences in Paris granted a patent to Nicolas Rieussec for his device and he became the inventor of the world’s first patented chronograph, marking the history of fine watchmaking! The silvery-white dial has been entirely reworked in this version, 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 three-dimensional 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.
For utmost performance, the movement has two barrels which store enough energy for 72 hours of power reserve. The contemporary-shape of the calibre can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back with its components that are decorated with Geneva stripes and feature bevelled, polished edges. Red jewels, blued screws and golden-coated wheels complete the ensemble.
The timepiece comes in a rounded 42 mm stainless steel case with curved horns and steps on the side, an onion-shaped crown with the Montblanc emblem, and a curved finish on the side of the case itself, giving a refined pebble effect.
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 and is certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500. It is fitted with a new matching blue Sfumato alligator leather strap comes from the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence, Italy and equipped with a triple folding clasp.
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About Montblanc
Synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, Montblanc has been pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since the Maison first revolutionized the culture of writing in 1906. Ingenuity and imagination continue to be driving forces for the Maison today as it advances its expression of fine craftsmanship across product categories: writing instruments, watches, leather goods, new technologies and accessories. Reflecting upon its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from bold ideas and expertly crafted through the skills of the Maison’s artisans, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, quality and an expression of sophisticated style. As part of its on-going commitment to elevating and support those who strive to leave their mark, Montblanc continues to assert its encouragement of education programs around the world and initiatives that inspire people to express their full potential. Discover more Montblanc watches here.