The Mont Blanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic is by far one of their most ambitious forays into the world of Haute Horology. The watch is named after Nicolas Rieussec who, in 1821, created the first chronograph. Though Mont Blanc is best known for their writing instruments, the brand offers the full selection of luxury items. These include: leather goods such as wallets, pen cases, and even belts; and also Swiss made timepieces.
The Nicolas Rieussec chronograph featured here comes in stainless steel and carries a case diameter of 43mm, which is just below what is considered to be oversized. The case is quite thick with a height of 14.8mm. The bezel is fixed and holds securely a scratch resistant sapphire crystal which is domed. The case back also uses a sapphire crystal which reveals the meticulously crafted movement. The main crown is ridged and pulls out to set the date, time, and GMT function. At the 8 o’clock position on the case is located a single pusher for the chronograph. Monopusher chronographs are rare in the industry but this design trait is done purposely as the chronograph that Rieussec invented was definitely a single push piece chronograph.
The movement used to power this watch is an in house self-winding chronograph movement Caliber MB R200. This movement carries 72 hours of power reserve and beats at 4Hz (28,800 VpH). The main plate is decorated with diagonal Cotes de Genève, while the oscillating weight is skeletonized and features the Mont Blanc star. The chronograph uses a column wheel and a vertical disc coupling for greater accuracy.
The dial is anthracite with an off center subdial for the main time and GMT function. This subdial features black Arabic numerals and luminous hands displaying the hours and minutes. The GMT indicator is skeletonized and crafted from blued steel. At the 9 position on the main dial is a day/night indicator attached to the GMT, while at the 3 position is the date aperture. On the lower third of the dial is the piece de resistance – the chronograph. The chronograph rests on a steel bridge which features Cotes de Genève decorations. This complication uses two subdials which rotate once the chronograph is activated.
The strap is made from black alligator leather and is fitted with a single folding clasp with dual release push button safeties. This watch is water resistant to 30 meters. The Mont Blanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph comes with a two year international warranty and retails for USD $10,700.
