Montblanc has unveiled the "Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Limited Edition 100," inspired by the "Ink Chronograph" invented by watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec in 1821. This timepiece, limited to 100 pieces worldwide, incorporates a dial with a mechanism that makes historical documents related to Mr. Rieussec glow in the dark.
An homage to the invention that gave rise to the term "chronograph"
Montblanc has unveiled the "Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Limited Edition 100," a new timepiece paying homage to the French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec.
Automatic movement (Cal. MB R200). 40 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18K rose gold case (43.0mm diameter, 15.01mm thickness). 5 ATM water resistance. Limited edition of 100 pieces worldwide. 5,401,000 yen (tax included).
This timepiece is inspired by the "ink chronograph" developed by Nicolas Rieussec in 1821. Designed for timing horse races, this instrument features a mechanism that periodically drops ink onto a rotating counter, and was named "chronograph" from the Greek words for "time" (chronos) and "to write" (graphin). This new model pays homage to this milestone invention in watchmaking history and to the city of Paris where it was unveiled.
Particularly noteworthy is the black dial, which depicts the historical archives of Nicolas Rieussec. Around the time display, the two sub-dials, and the calendar, the handwritten text of the approval document from the Paris Academy of Sciences, the design drawings of the ink hands, and the "Rieussec" signature are inscribed in a special luminescent paint, making them visible in the dark.
The seconds display at the 8 o'clock position and the 30-minute counter at the 4 o'clock position utilize rotating dome-shaped discs, with a horizontally spanning blued steel bridge functioning as both pointers. This layout is a reinterpretation of the original ink chronograph mechanism.
Furthermore, the watch incorporates various details that show respect for Nicolas Rieussec's invention, such as the official name of the ink chronograph, "Compteur de Mr Rieussec," as well as the place and date of the patent application, which are embossed on the dial flange.
The fully polished 18K rose gold case features curved lugs with a stepped structure and a classic onion-shaped crown, emphasizing its classic aesthetic.
Inside, it houses the in-house Cal.MB R200 movement. In addition to its easy-to-operate column-wheel monopusher chronograph, it boasts a practical power reserve of approximately 72 hours thanks to its twin barrels. Furthermore, the transparent case back, engraved with the serial number, reveals the Grande Orge decoration and the rotor, which features cutouts in the shape of the Montblanc emblem.
