Montblanc [2021 New Release] "Montblanc Star Legacy Suspended ExoTourbillon 18" with a sparkling aventurine dial

Montblanc has announced the new Montblanc Star Legacy Suspended ExoTourbillon 18, which features an aventurine dial and a patented mechanism that allows the tourbillon to appear suspended in mid-air and move dynamically.

A tourbillon floating in the starry sky

　Montblanc announced a new variation of the Montblanc Star Legacy Suspended ExoTourbillon 18 as part of its Watches & Wonders 2021 collection. The same model, which debuted at SIHH in 18, featured an 18K gold case and a guilloched dial and was sold in a limited run of 58 pieces. This new model, which is even rarer, is limited to 18 pieces and features an 18K white gold case and an aventurine dial. While the design is similar, the appearance and impression it conveys are completely different.

　The most captivating feature of this watch is the large rotating tourbillon at 6 o'clock. It features Montblanc's unique and patented "Exo Tourbillon," a design first introduced in 2010. It took roughly three years to design, and was given the name "Exo," Greek for "outside." This refers to the large balance wheel being located on the outside of the tourbillon's rotating cage.

　The company's engineers conceived the idea of ​​making the movement of a tourbillon more visible and beautiful, and as a result, they were able to accommodate a particularly large balance wheel without increasing the size of the movement or case. The central axis is supported by a single bridge extending from one side, giving the movement the appearance of floating in space.

　The ExoTourbillon is powered by the Manufacture Caliber MB M16.68, which features traditional finishing techniques that evoke the spirit of Swiss watchmaking. It is hand-decorated in the Villeret workshops with the striking Côtes de Genève stripes, mirrored beveling, and circular graining. The movement can be admired through the transparent caseback, which offers a complete view of the ExoTourbillon, beating at a low frequency of 18,000 vph, from front to back.

　The white domed subdial at 12 o'clock, offset from the aventurine dial with a sparkle reminiscent of a starry sky, gives the entire dial a three-dimensional feel. Also, at the diagonal of the tourbillon bridge, a part engraved with the serial number is fastened with two screws, proving that this is a limited edition model of 18 pieces.