SIHH 2008: Montblanc celebrates the world premiere of its first own watch movement
From Monday 07 April 2008, Montblanc will present the first Montblanc chronograph with its own in-house movement, the ‘Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph’, to the international press and a specialist audience at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, as well as the ladies’ watch ‘Montblanc Profile Lady Elegance Diamonds’, a very special masterpiece.
SIHH 2008 – Premiere for a further milestone in the success story of Montblanc watches. At the renowned Geneva watch trade fair, Montblanc will present its first own in-house movement in 2008. Just over 10 years ago, Montblanc experienced its debut in the watch sector. The brand long since enjoys international success, and in the factory of Montblanc Montre S.A. in the Swiss town of Le Locle, the first own Montblanc calibre has now been developed. This is used to power the limited collectors’ edition “Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph”. Inspired by the technology of the “time writer” of Nicolas Rieussec, which was invented in 1821, the intricate precision mechanism of this chronograph once again bears witness to the handcraftsmanship of Montblanc Montre S.A., which satisfies the high standards of the art of traditional Swiss watchmaking.
Among the new timepieces for men, the classic 18 carat red gold “Star 4810 Automatic”, the avant-garde “TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic” with black high-tech ceramic and the “Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic” in the interesting combination of red gold and tantalum add new accents to the Montblanc range of watches.
A further sparkling masterpiece is added to the collection of ladies’ watches of Montblanc, the “Profile Lady Elegance Diamonds” in which a central Montblanc diamond forms the centrepiece of a star-shaped, sparkling combination of diamonds. High-carat diamonds of the new Montblanc jewellery watches also adorn the brown and beige variants of the “Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic”, as well as the large “Sport White Gold Lady Jewels” – here in a sporty black and white contrast with radiant Top Wesselton diamonds with black sapphires.
World premiere of the first own watch movement from the factory of Montblanc Montre S.A. in Le Locle
For more than 10 years, it has been the philosophy of the Le Locle-based Montblanc Montre S.A. to combine handcrafted Swiss watchmaking with state-of-the-art technology in order to create an outstanding watch masterpiece. 2008 will be the year of the world premiere: at the SIHH 2008, Montblanc will present the first timepiece with a calibre that was developed and produced in its own factory. “It makes us very proud to add a further milestone to the success story of Montblanc watchmaking with the introduction of our own in-house movement”, explains Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc International.
Dedicated to the inventor of the first “time writer”: the limited edition “Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph” with Montblanc in-house movement
For the premiere of its first own calibre, Montblanc has created a chronograph of historical proportions, which bears the name of the inventor of the chronograph: Nicolas Rieussec, who in 1821 developed a watch with rotating dials in which an ink marker attached to the fixed index wrote down the time. For the first time ever, this enabled him to time the finishing times of the individual horses at horse races. The invention was regarded as so ingenious that it gave the chronograph its name: “chronos” for time and “graphein” for “writing”.
Rieussec’s technique of two rotating discs provided the inspiration for the new Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph, and this was integrated in a unique masterpiece of chronographic watchmaking with twin barrels and a 72-hour power reserve. The fascinating chronograph movement of the artistically decorated Montblanc calibre MB R100 can be admired in detail through the sapphire crystal base of the case.
The Montblanc calibre MB R100 is a watch mechanism that is wound manually and a chronograph that is controlled by a classical column wheel with a vertical, almost wear-free disc clutch. As a result, the chronograph function can remain permanently switched on. It is striking that this calibre only has one chronograph pusher, which is set into the side of the case at 8 O’clock. An extremely rare configuration which is convenient to operate and undoubtedly gives the watch an unmistakable appearance. The first press starts the second disc, the second press stops the measured time, which can then be read from the second disc and the 30-minute counter. The third press resets the two discs to zero and prepares the watch for the next time measurement.
The uniqueness of the Montblanc Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph represents genuine Swiss watchmaking – a chronograph that is produced, assembled and set with skilled watchmaking handcraftsmanship. As collectors’ items, the various models of this timepiece are strictly limited: 25 chronographs in 950 platinum, 75 chronographs in 18 carat white or yellow gold and 125 chronographs in 18 carat red gold.
Montblanc Profile Lady Elegance Diamonds: a timekeeping crown jewel with the Montblanc star design
As an absolute highlight among the jewel-studded jewellery watches, Montblanc shines at the SIHH 2008 with the Montblanc Profile Lady Elegance Diamonds, which presents the legendary Montblanc star in a shiny and new style.
The focus of the luxurious Profile ladies’ watch is the exceptional beauty of the Montblanc diamond. This solitaire has a unique cut: the patented Montblanc cut. Intricate calculations and the experience of the best stone cutters were necessary to define the shape and angle of the 43 facettes, which create a perfect star – the Montblanc star.
The 0.1088 carat Montblanc Diamond forms the centre of the seemingly pulsating Montblanc star. In waves, bands of diamonds with 482 Top Wesselton diamonds of a total 1.82 carats undulate across the mother-of-pearl dial and on to the case and strap of 18 carat white gold. And a further Montblanc Diamond of 0.055 carats lights up the winding crown.
This watch features the sophisticated and creative decorations of the first-class art of jewellery. Each diamond was individually selected by qualified experts until a complete set of precious stones was compiled, of which the quality, colour, cut and size are a perfect match. This is the only way to ensure that the Montblanc Profile Lady Elegance Diamonds radiates magic and fascination in the diamond glow of the Montblanc star.
Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic: sparkling timepiece with the light of the moon
Diamonds are also the focus of the new Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic, which lights up the stars in the watch sky. Since time immemorial, moon and stars have defined the cycle of life and once even constituted the first units of time. The Star Lady Gold Moonphase Automatic collection is dedicated to these, and Montblanc has added two precious new models to mark the occasion of the SIHH 2008.
A total of 104 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds with a baguette cut decorate the bezel and lugs of the 36 mm automatic watch of 18 carat red or white gold. Mysteriously dark as the night or light as moonshine, the shimmering mother-of-pearl dial displays the heavenly bodies in a curved moon phase indicator, and shows their current position between 9 and 12 O’clock.
As the most striking star in the firmament of the Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Automatic, the unmistakable Montblanc Diamond works its magic here too, accompanied by 80 diamonds setted flange and 24 more diamonds that circle the round date indication at 6 O’clock in the form of a sparkling band. Designed to match the coloured models, a beige satin strap with 18 carat pin buckle harmonises with the white gold watch, whilst a brown satin strap complements the red gold model.
Sport White Gold Lady Jewels: two diamond-studded sports watches in contemporary black and white design
Montblanc’s sporty watches also feature diamonds, because sportiness and elegance always did form an aesthetically pleasing combination in the Montblanc watches of the Sport White Gold Lady Jewels range. The collection’s two new variants feature the Montblanc colours of black and white.
The Sport White Gold Lady Jewels of 18 carat white gold stylishly measures time with white diamonds and black sapphires. 48 fiery Top Wesselton diamonds of a total 2.6 carats and 12 black sapphires of 0.72 carat adorn the bezel in a baguette cut, whilst a further 63 diamonds (0.88 carats) and four sapphires (0.077 carats) embellish the light mother-of-pearl dial and compliment the luminescent hands. The crowning glory of this 38 mm diameter, large ladies’ sports watch is the legendary Montblanc Diamond in its striking shape, positioned at the zenith at 12 O’clock.
The second variant is dominated by dark shades: it features a total of 72 black sapphires (3.34 carats) and 55 radiantly light Top Wesselton diamonds (1.15 carats), which illuminate the black shimmer of the mother-of-pearl dial. In addition to the water resistant case, the sportiness of both models is catered for by the white rubber strap – because these brilliant timepieces meet all demands of sporty activities up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m water depth).
Montblanc Star 4810 Automatic: the modern classic of the art of watchmaking
Focussing on the basics has created a timeless design. Watches that outlive all fashion trends feature a surprisingly classical and simple design. A case in point is the traditional three-hand watch in the new Montblanc Star 4810 Automatic with 18 carat red gold. It clearly shows hours, minutes and seconds, and in a large field at 6 O’clock the date. Together with the luminescent Roman numerals, these clear-cut elements give the silver dial a stylish and distinguished look.
The elegant design is offset by an engine-turning design with the shape of the Montblanc signet. With alternating angles of incidence, the Montblanc star seems to vibrate on the dial and capture the dynamism of passing time. Selected to meet the highest demands, the solid red gold case forms a harmonious unity with the elegant brown alligator strap.
The new Star 4810 Automatic – 41.5 mm in diameter and with a COSC-certified automatic movement – is the calm continuation of the classical watch range Montblanc Star, which was once the start of the success story of Montblanc in the world of haute horlogerie.
Montblanc Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic: high performance meets attractive design
One look at the new Montblanc Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic suffices to recognise that this is an homage to the sporty use of precious time. This chronograph meets the highest demands, both in terms of sport and appearance, and is the perfect lifesaving companion for extreme sports such as diving.
Tantalum and 18 carat red gold, two exclusive metals that are practically unsurpassable in terms of preciousness and appearance. The impressive 44 mm Montblanc Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic features a case made of the extremely tough and corrosion-proof metal tantalum, which is enclosed by a bezel of 18 carat red gold. The knurled chronograph pusher, as well as the crown studded with the Montblanc star are also made of solid red gold.
The technical features are just as sophisticated: thanks to the screwed case back and a special automatic helium valve, the COSC-certified high-frequency automatic movement with 28,800 semi-oscillations an hour precisely displays the time even under extreme conditions of up to 30 bar (300 m water depth). The scratch-proof and coated sapphire crystal protects a black watch dial with illuminated indices, stop seconds, 30-minute and 2-hour totaliser, as well as a date indication at 3 O’clock. And the unidirectional bezel with 60-minute scale prevents any unintentional yet life-threatening extension of the time set for a dive.
The new Montblanc Sport Chronograph Tantalum Automatic presents an optimum combination of precious materials and high functionality – with a sporty black rubber strap with a pin buckle, which is also made of 18 carat red gold.
Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic: powerful, futuristic and individualistic
With their avant-garde design, all watches of the TimeWalker collection transfer the classic Montblanc values to a new generation of timepieces. Montblanc points the way forward with a chronograph of this successful range, the TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic. Its material qualities: black high-tech ceramic, stainless steel and domed sapphire crystal.
The striking aura of this 43 mm chronograph is coupled with a puristic functionality. All standard chronograph functions can be clearly and precisely read under the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflecting coating. There are no superfluous accessories. The fixed bezel, which is made of black high-tech ceramic, matches the matte shimmer of the black dial and the ceramic elements which are inserted in the centre of the stainless steel strap. The crown is also made of black, scratch-proof ceramic and bears the Montblanc signet.
The clear readability of all technical details is also continued in the case base. Just like all timepieces of the Montblanc TimeWalker collection, a sapphire crystal base gives you an exclusive look at the inside of the COSC-certified automatic.
Montblanc Travel Timepiece – your punctual companion
The essence of an alarm clock is its acoustic alarm. This was the realisation of Plato and Aristotle, who invented a system that emitted a high-pitched whistling after a set time.
Montblanc’s elegant travel alarm clock Travel Timepiece wakes you in a much gentler fashion. To set the alarm function, you simply push apart the brown calfskin cover, with an elegant alligator look that gives your bedside table a hint of faraway lands. This reveals a silver dial with blue figures and illuminated hands, which is powered by a precision quartz mechanism.
The flat, just 94 x 50 mm timepiece easily fits in all travel luggage and is a punctual companion for anyone who doesn’t want to use other alarm services.