SIHH 2016, Montblanc: the heritage of chronometry

In 2016, the manufacture Montblanc complete its Heritage Chronométrie collection with two models, a chronograph with annual calendar and a timepiece equipped with a date hand. These beautiful novelties, which perfectly combine heritage and innovation, are sure to attract attention at SIHH.

Following the success of the launch of the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection at SIHH 2015, the Maison presents two new complications – a manufacture date complication and a chronograph with annual calendar – further enriching this elegant line.

A continuation of core values. Montblanc’s passion for fine watchmaking is the driving force behind The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection. From the movements, the functions, the complications, the precision and the design, everything comes together to celebrate the heritage of Swiss fine watchmaking. The inspiration for the collection dedicated to precision was drawn from the legendary 15th century explorer Vasco da Gama whose quest for new frontiers changed the course of history, while the design finds its creative influence in the Pythagore watches crafted in 1948 by the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret, that was set-up under the name of Minerva.

The Manufacture Minerva was renowned for its ground breaking calibres that put precision at the heart of everything it created. The French term chronométrie translates as precision timekeeping and is a core value that remains deeply engrained in Montblanc’s horological philosophy today. The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection pays tribute to both the technical and aesthetic beauty of the watchmaker’s art, bringing the past to the present in this timeless and elegant collection.

Iconic Design Details. The iconic Pythagore wristwatch featured the finest watchmaking codes – refined Arabic numerals, faceted appliqué indexes, distinctive sword hands, slim cases, straight bezels and graceful curved horns – which have now been beautifully reworked in the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection.

Evolution of a passion. Since its launch at SIHH 2015, the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection has been equipped with a number of complications including a patented Exotourbillon mechanism with chronograph, a dual time function, an annual calendar, a quantième complet and a number of limited editions. This year, Montblanc unveils two attractive new models – one with a manufacture date complication developed entirely in-house, and the other model with a chronograph combined with an annual calendar.

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date

For the new Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date introduces a brand new date complication that has been completely developed and manufactured in-house by Montblanc’s master watchmakers. This new complication is powered by the MB 24.23 automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve. One of the most useful complications, the date function is indicated on this model in a subdial, rather than the more traditional date aperture. The size of the counter has been maximised to enable a clear reading of the graduating dates, while a blued-steel date hand provides excellent visibility.

The date counter is balanced by a small second subdial at 9 o’clock, with a blued-steel hand and a red ‘60’ numeral, creating perfect colour harmony across the dial. The inclusion of a second function further reinforces Montblanc’s respect for precision and its passion for elegant design that is at the heart of this collection.

While the design codes of the Heritage Chronometrie collection are inspired by the fine watchmaking expression of the legendary Minerva Pythagore, the Twincounter Date takes its inspiration from the classic double counter look of the Minerva chronographs from the 1950s.The 40mm polished steel case is stylishly slim at only 9.85 mm thick and features curved horns with satin-finishing on the inside surfaces, affirming Montblanc’s devotion to horological details. The sophisticated dial further enhances the level of design, with a silvery-white sunray finish, facetted sword hands and red gold-plated applied indexes, as well as prominent Arabic 12 and 6 numerals. Other details include the highly recognisable Montblanc emblem, crafted as a distinctive relief atop the crown and an elegant alligator leather strap made by the Montblanc Pelletteria, the Maison’s own leather manufacture in Florence, Italy.

Once complete, the entire timepiece is certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 that simulates rigorous real-life situations for a total of 500 hours, guaranteeing the timepiece’s high quality and precision. Montblanc shares its passion for fine watchmaking with this new Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection Twincounter Date which embodies the Maison’s heritage, passion for precision, useful complications and devotion to the beauty of fine watchmaking.

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Chronograph Quantième Annuel

Montblanc presents this year for the first time a new combination with a chronograph associated with an annual calendar that only needs setting once a year at the end of February. Inspired by one of the first chronograph wristwatches created by Minerva in the 1920s, this heritage is reflected in the new model.

Montblanc’s watch designers created a clear and legible dial by keeping all the chronograph-related hands in blue and the hands for the hours, minutes, seconds and calendar functions in plated red gold. The chronograph seconds are indicated with a central blue hand, the elapsed minutes are displayed in a counter at 9 o’clock with sectorial scale, and the hours in a counter at 6 o’clock. For the annual calendar function, the days of the week are on display at 6 o’clock, the date is shown at 12 o’clock and the months are featured at 9 o’clock. The ten hands are operated by the automatic movement calibre MB 25.09, with a 42-hour power reserve, and are easily set thanks to four individual correctors positioned in the middle-piece of the case and operated by a dedicated Montblanc pin that is delivered with the timepiece.

A sophisticated moonphase complication has been included in a counter at 3 o’clock, displaying the four principal cycles of the moon via four individual red gold-plated moons – new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter – that are identified with a red gold hand. This striking moonphase indication evokes the beginnings of timekeeping when ancient civilisations relied on the lunar calendar for their timing needs and adds a striking feature on the watch’s silvery-white sunray dial.

The refined and elegant aesthetic of the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Chronograph Quantième Annuel follows the collection’s fine watchmaking codes with facetted sword hands, red gold-plated indexes and Arabic numerals in a highly polished 42mm red gold case. The timepiece is fitted with an alligator leather strap crafted by the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and, like all the other timepieces in the collection, is tested for 500 hours following the stringent requirements of the Montblanc Laboratory 500 Test.