Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph with silicon escapement

On 18th January, 2010 the Swiss watch maker has revealed its new Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch with some parts of its Calibre MB R120 hand-wound movement made of silicon.

Although its explicitly three-dimensional face looks rather busy with moving and static parts, it is still very legible because all elements are placed following the logic of usability.

The chronograph’s visual center is only a couple of millimeters lower than the real center of the dial clearly demonstrating that it is the hour and minute sector that really leads the cast of characters here. In fact, the dial with its tri-compax layout looks like the three sub-dials are in constant motion slowly orbiting their common center of mass.

Of course, what is the most interesting about this watch is its Montblanc Calibre MB R120 manual-wound movement.

Based on the well-known Calibre MB R110, this little engine has its lever and escape-wheel made of silicon.

Antimagnetic, corrosion-resistant and extremely lightweight, this material allowed the watchmakers from the recently established Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haut Horlogerie to lower the parts’s dead weight by about 70 percent, thus reducing energy loss and increasing the watch’s accuracy.

The movement is hidden inside an elegant round case 43.0 mm in diameter and 14.6 mm thick. Made of 18-carat rose gold and limited to only 25 units, the timekeeper has a solid, heavy appearance about it making one proud of owning such an exclusive piece of work.

Photos: Montblanc

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch specification

Price range: N/A
Movement: Montblanc Calibre MB R120, hand-wound, 18,000 vph, silicon escapement, twin barrels
Complications: Chronograph, date, power reserve
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case material: Gold
Bezel material: Gold
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire case back
Case size: 43.0 mm
Case height: 14.6 mm
Dial: White, partly skeletonized, three-dimensional
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Blue
Strap: Brown leather
Crystal: Sapphire, AR-coated
Water resistance: N/A