MONTBLANC | Geneva Salon: A Comprehensive Report!
MONTBLANC | Montblanc
A Stunning Lineup, From Ultra-Fast Chronographs to Complicated Timepieces and Ladies' Watches
With its in-house developedchronographmovements, Montblanc has been developing a rich collection of timepieces that surpass those of dedicated watch brands, ever since the launch of the distinctive “Nicolas Rieussec.” Its achievements in 2012 are particularly noteworthy. This year also saw the debut of an innovative chronograph capable of measuring 1/1000th of a second, pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking.
Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito
When the renowned stationery brand Montblanc unveiled its first watch collection in 1997, no one could have predicted it would evolve into a serious watchmaking brand with a collection encompassing such complicated timepieces as we see today. However, since acquiring the Minerva manufacture, a prestigious name in chronographs, in 2006 and establishing the “Minerva High-End Watchmaking Institute,” Montblanc's commitment to watchmaking has captured the attention of industry professionals.
Then, in 2008, came the “Nicolas Rieussec” collection, featuring its first entirely in-house developed chronograph movement. The debut of the “Collection Villeret 1858” in 2009 solidified Montblanc's position as a serious watchmaking brand.
In 2012, the collection expanded further, entering a new dimension. Symbolizing this evolution are the unique mechanical mechanisms introduced in the pinnacle “Villeret” series: the “Writer II Chronograph Bi-Frequency 1,000,” an ultra-high-frequency chronograph capable of measuring 1/1000th of a second over 45 minutes, and the ladies' “Princesse Grace de Monaco,” unveiled in autumn 2011.
While complicated watches have flourished, the evolution of simpler models, such as the “Classic” from the “Star” collection, is also not to be overlooked. Furthermore, the declaration that watches equipped with entirely in-house developed movements produced in Le Locle will undergo a rigorous 500-hour test before shipment is excellent news. Montblanc has truly grown into a brand that must be considered when purchasing a high-end watch.
“1858 Writer II Chronograph Bi-Frequency 1,000”
Achieving measurements in 1/1000th of a second!
This innovative monopusher (single push-button) chronograph is capable of measuring time in 1/1000th of a second increments, an extraordinary feat for a mechanical watch, and can do so over an exceptional duration of 45 minutes. In addition to a classic balance wheel with a free-sprung balance and a slow oscillation of 18,000 vibrations/hour (2.5 Hz), it features a dedicated chronograph balance oscillating at 20 times the speed, 360,000 vibrations/hour (50 Hz). When the chrono button on the crown is pushed (start), the chronograph hand moves along the 1/100th-second scale engraved on the periphery of the dial. Furthermore, using the energy regularly released by this balance, it drives a “1/1000 wheel” that rotates 10 times per second. This system, controlled by two sets of column wheels, achieves the 1/1000th-second measurement. The result is read not by a hand, but by an indicator located at the 12 o'clock position. It is a sophisticated system that efficiently utilizes limited energy without forcing the chronograph hand to move at extreme speeds, a groundbreaking model that fully showcases the capabilities of Montblanc's high-end watchmaking institute. The name “Writer II” inherits the series name from the equally groundbreaking “Writer I Metamorphosis” model announced in 2010.
Manual winding, white gold case, alligator strap, case dimensions: diameter 47 x thickness 10.6 mm, 3 ATM water resistance, limited to 36 pieces worldwide. Price: ¥28,875,000 (estimated). Scheduled for release on October 1st.
“Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime”
Monopusher Chronograph with First-Ever Disc-Type GMT Function
This is the latest addition to the “Nicolas Rieussec” collection, launched in 2008. It is equipped with a fully in-house developed chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch, manufactured at the Le Locle factory. In addition to the 30-minute and 60-second chronograph counters using rotating discs, the home time (second time zone) is displayed via a disc on the offset hour and minute hands at the top of the dial. Furthermore, it features a day/night indicator at the 9 o'clock position and a date display at the 3 o'clock position. This is a GMT watch befitting those who travel and conduct business globally.
Automatic winding, red gold case, alligator strap, case dimensions: diameter 43 x thickness 15 mm, 3 ATM water resistance. Price: ¥3,074,400 (estimated). Scheduled for release on September 1st. A stainless steel case and bracelet model (estimated ¥1,260,000) with the same movement is also available.
“Star Classique Automatic”
A Simple Dress Watch Born from Refinement
A new addition to the “Star Series,” which incorporates Montblanc's trademark “White Star” motif. This is a simple dress watch with a small seconds sub-dial. With a "back to basics" theme, the dial and case are exceptionally simple, thin, and elegant. Its understated design, reminiscent of Montblanc's stationery, is highly appealing. The 39mm case size is also perfect for Japanese men. The sapphire crystal features a double anti-reflective coating, ensuring excellent legibility. This is a premium wristwatch for the mature, discerning gentleman.
Automatic winding, red gold case, alligator strap, case dimensions: diameter 39 x thickness 8.9 mm, 3 ATM water resistance. Price: ¥925,050 (estimated). Scheduled for release on July 1st. Stainless steel case models (estimated ¥296,100, scheduled for release on June 1st, available with white or black dials) are also available.
“TimeWalker TwinFly Chronograph Greytone”
A Limited Edition of the Popular Chronograph, Featuring an Appealing Grey Hue
This display system places the chronograph seconds hand and the shorter 60-minute counter hand coaxially with the hour and minute hands. Last year's hit model, the “TimeWalker TwinFly Chronograph,” combined this with a second time zone function, featuring a day/night indicator based on the dial's pattern at the 12 o'clock position. This popular model, equipped with a manufacture (fully in-house developed) movement, now comes in a limited edition of 888 pieces worldwide, finished in an elegant and chic grey gradient. The subtle, exquisite shade of grey is something that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Seeing is believing; we highly recommend experiencing it firsthand.
Automatic winding, satin & brass finished grey titanium case, alligator strap, case dimensions: diameter 43 x thickness 15.3 mm, 30-meter water resistance, limited to 888 pieces worldwide. Price: ¥1,377,600 (estimated). Scheduled for release on October 1st.
Montblanc Japan
Tel. 03-5214-4810
http://www.montblanc.co.jp/