Montblanc’s bicentennial homage to time-writer Nicolas Rieussec
Nicolas Rieussec is one of the most important icons in the history of watchmaking. The invention of his inked chronograph has become the basis for the creation of great timepieces. On September 1, 1821, Rieussec was in the Champ-de-Mars Arrondissement de la Seine horse race in Paris to test a “chronometer designed to reliably measure the time in which the horses traveled the distances stipulated in the races.”
A few weeks later, he exhibited his invention at the Academy of Sciences in Paris, which he called “chronograph”, a word derived from the Greek roots “chronos” and “graphein“, which mean “time” and “to write”, respectively.
This timepiece marked a milestone in the history of watchmaking and is the reason why Montblanc is celebrating the bicentennial of this innovative mechanism. Montblanc’s Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph LE 200 chronograph pays tribute to Rieussec by recalling the unmistakable appearance and golden hues found on the original 1821 Nicolas Rieussec chronograph.
A three-dimensional dial built on multiple levels, consisting of six different parts, mimics the discs of Rieussec’s original machine. The base features a traditional yet striking grain d’orge guilloché motif.
Two golden rotating chronograph dials are set at the base, with a fixed double-sided hand in a blue tone fixed above them. The dials feature a 60-second counter on the left and a 30-minute counter on the right.
At 12 o’clock, a white lacquered domed chapter ring stands out in an off-center position, indicating the hours and minutes with Roman numerals. In addition, a third, open-worked hand points to the hour in a second-time zone on the same scale, abetted by a subtle day-night indicator at 9 o’clock. Other details include the date aperture at 6 o’clock, secured with blue screws.
A plaque with the inscriptions “Nicolas Rieussec” and “Homage 200 ans” has been added to the dial’s border, surrounded by a refined filet sauté guilloché pattern.
A transparent sapphire case back allows a view of the movement, Montblanc’s MB R200. Thanks to two barrels, the watch has a power reserve of 72 hours. Additionally, the monopusher for the chronograph is placed at 8 o’clock on the case side for better ergonomics when using the timer.
The Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph LE 200 chronograph is appropriately limited to 200 pieces.
This timepiece marked a milestone in the history of watchmaking and is the reason why Montblanc is celebrating the bicentennial of this innovative mechanism. Montblanc’s Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph LE 200 chronograph pays tribute to Rieussec by recalling the unmistakable appearance and golden hues found on the original 1821 Nicolas Rieussec chronograph.
A three-dimensional dial built on multiple levels, consisting of six different parts, mimics the discs of Rieussec’s original machine. The base features a traditional yet striking grain d’orge guilloché motif.
Two golden rotating chronograph dials are set at the base, with a fixed double-sided hand in a blue tone fixed above them. The dials feature a 60-second counter on the left and a 30-minute counter on the right.
At 12 o’clock, a white lacquered domed chapter ring stands out in an off-center position, indicating the hours and minutes with Roman numerals. In addition, a third, open-worked hand points to the hour in a second-time zone on the same scale, abetted by a subtle day-night indicator at 9 o’clock. Other details include the date aperture at 6 o’clock, secured with blue screws.
A plaque with the inscriptions “Nicolas Rieussec” and “Homage 200 ans” has been added to the dial’s border, surrounded by a refined filet sauté guilloché pattern.
A transparent sapphire case back allows a view of the movement, Montblanc’s MB R200. Thanks to two barrels, the watch has a power reserve of 72 hours. Additionally, the monopusher for the chronograph is placed at 8 o’clock on the case side for better ergonomics when using the timer.
The Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph LE 200 chronograph is appropriately limited to 200 pieces.
