Montblanc Releases New Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph 2022 Watches

Inspired by the original chronograph timing device developed in 1832 by Nicolas Rieussec, the new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watches for 2022 come in a standard stainless steel version and a more contemporary black DLC coated case design – each powered by an in-house Calibre and each boasting blue accents inspired by the ink droplets used to measure elapsed time in the original 19th-century device.

The sixth royal watchmaker to the King of France was named Nicolas Rieussec. He created the very first chronograph back in the 18th century for the horse racing industry. The box-shaped instrument could accurately record the time of races by placing a drop of ink on two rotating counters – one for the seconds and one for the minutes – each time a horse crossed the finish line. Centuries later and modern-day chronograph watches are perpetuated by luxury watch brands like Montblanc. The company has continuously worked to create a broad and varied range of chronograph designs.

Since 2007, Montblanc has been producing timepieces inspired by the design of Rieussec’s original creation with many nods to the birthplace of the chronograph, albeit not quite by dropping liquid onto the dial. In previous years, these timepieces measured much larger – 44.8mm to be precise - but the new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch for 2022 instead measures a more compact 43mm. The two versions include a limited edition model exclusive to 500 pieces, whilst the standard steel version will join the brand’s current catalogue as a highly popular collectable.

The new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

The two new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watches are both pebble-shaped in design. Sitting at 15.1mm thick on the wrist, they adapt well to smart, professional attire, sitting effortlessly underneath a shirt and jacket. Likewise, a supple textile band makes for a particularly comfortable fit for complimenting casual attire at the weekend. Whilst both crafted from stainless steel, the limited edition version of the Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is DLC coated in a black colour to compliment its darker dial, giving it a resolutely modern feel. The standard production model is a mixture of brushed and polished surface finishes that give depth and detail to the design. At the 8 o’clock location on the case the two new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watches you can see the large rectangular-shaped pusher protruding from the side, balanced by an onion-shaped winding crown at 3 o’clock. The back of the case reveals some subtle differences between the two models. Although both feature a sapphire crystal glass exhibition caseback, the limited edition version of the Star Legacy watch boasts a semi-transparent tinted sapphire glass material, whilst the standard version features the familiar clear sapphire glass variety. On the top of both models, however, a domed sapphire glass top has been treated with layers of anti-reflective technology to assist with a clear view into the dial at any given moment in time. Both the limited and non-limited edition of the new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch s integrated with 50-meter water resistance.

The dials of both Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch from the Star Legacy collection belonging to Montblanc are finished in a different colour palette. The displays are similar in many ways to previous Nicolas Rieussec watches, with a Clous de Paris (hobnail) pattern applied to their surface. This extends into the surface of the oscillating weight, which can be viewed via the sapphire-backed case of each watch. The dial effect replaces the previous “Grain d-Orge” design of models of the past. In the large register at the top of the dial, you can read the time. A secondary hour hand on the time-telling dial offers a dual time function, along with a day/night indicator at the 3 and 9 o’clock locations within this feature. Beneath this, two rotating titanium discs sit.

And here’s where the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch becomes interesting. It offers an unusual layout that provides a unique way to measure elapsed time. One single hand is situated in between the two rotating discs crafted from platinum. One disc measures the seconds, and the other measures the minutes. The layout is reminiscent of the original 1821 Nicolas Rieussec device. Blue elements are injected across both the standard and limited-edition variations of the chronograph watch as a nod to the blue ink used in the original timing device. The standard version features a silver dial with blue-filled chronograph counters, blue hands and blue screws. The limited edition version features just the skeletonised secondary time zone hand and the single double-sided indicator hand for the chronograph features. The rest of the display is executed in black to compliment the DLC finish on the case.

An in-house calibre powers away at the heart of the new Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch. The self-winding MB R200 comprises 319 individual hand-assembled components including 40 jewels and houses the same layout as the brand’s very first in-house movement. As aforementioned, the monopusher chronograph movement is also a dual time function and is column wheel controlled. In addition to its unique disc-oriented display, the movement provides an impressive 72-hour power reserve and performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour whilst also featuring a rapid free set mechanism that allows for the changing of the hour hand and date display without affecting the position of the minute hand.

The new limited and non-limited versions of the Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watches are certainly complex models within the brand’s non-Minerva selection and come fitted on a textured blue textile strap adorned with a Clous de Paris pattern, with a stainless steel or respective black DLC clasp. For more information on either the standard or limited-to-500-piece Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453