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Min. ReadMontblanc is presenting the Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph model family, which is among the favorites of horology enthusiasts, to watch lovers again with two new versions.
Before moving on to the watch, let's talk a little bit about Nicolas Rieussec, who gave the watch its name. Nicolas Rieussec, who lived from 1781-1866, was the royal watchmaker to the King of France. Performing this task at a time when horse racing was gaining popularity, the famous watchmaker developed a tool for use in races that would leave a drop of ink on each of the two rotating timers when a horse crosses the finish line. These counters, showing the minutes and seconds, were then used to determine the horse's finish by simply looking at where the ink fell on each disc. When presented to the Academy of Sciences in Paris, members called it "chronograph," marking the first recorded use of the word.
When it comes to ink, it is not hard to understand why Montblanc, famous for its writing instruments, was interested in Nicolas Rieussec's story. The brand brought this interesting concept to modern times with a chronograph model launched in 2007, bearing the famous master's name and brought to life with a completely in-house caliber. The watch was a chronograph and, like almost every chronograph, it displayed the minutes and seconds. What was different was that instead of using the hands to measure elapsed time, the sub-dials rotated around a single pointer, just like Rieussec's instrument uses spinning discs. While this elegant presentation of the chronograph complication, which smells of history, was appreciated with its user-friendly design, it also got into the collectors’ radars.
Two new versions added to the Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph collection, while remaining true to the signature details of the concept, put the design in a more modern and refined form. First of all, the new models come with cases designed with 43mm diameter instead of 44.8mm. Although the new case is still large by today's standards, it looks much more stylish and useful than the old oversized safe. The standard production of two new versions comes with a stainless steel case with matte and glossy surfaces. The model, which is limited to 500 pieces, strengthens the modern side of the design with its DLC coating.
The new series takes Paris as its inspiration. The dials feature the Clous de Paris Guilloché pattern, which is also used on both the strap and the movement's rotor. Near the 6:00 position on the flange, the inscription "Academy of Sciences, Paris" serves as a reminder of the complication's past.
Caliber MB R200, designed and produced by the brand in-house, beats inside the stylish models. Equipped with a screw balance, flat hairspring, and monopusher chronograph with column wheel, the automatic movement offers a power reserve time of up to 72 hours when fully wound.
Both models are offered for sale with a navy blue textile strap with Clous de Paris pattern. The stainless steel version of the Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec retails at $8,200, while the DLC version retails at $8,600 (US list prices).
