Montblanc have introduced three new models to their Heritage Chronométrie Collection: two are new interpretations of their patented Exo Tourbillon Slim, and the third is a modern expression of the perpetual calendar complication in sapphire.
The new models feature redesigned dial aesthetics, 40-mm thin polished case, hours and minutes are indicated with sword-shaped hands. The slim horns anchor beautifully finished, brand-new dark-blue-coloured alligator straps crafted at Montblanc’s Pelletteria in Florence. Performance and precision of the three new models are certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500.
The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire is a modern interpretation of the perpetual calendar complication. It features the hours, minutes, day, date, month, leap year and moon phase. The latter is depicted on a realistic 3-Dimensional, domed view of the moon from earth. All of the calendar indications can be easily adjusted by individual correctors on the side of the case.
The dial is smoked sapphire whose transparency allows a view of the movement and the functions beneath. Other details include a white minute track, rhodium-plated indexes and numerals that have been directly applied on the sapphire, and the perpetual calendar indications are featured in dark-blue colour that matches the flange and the alligator strap.
The watch is powered by Montblanc’s automatic calibre MB 29.15. All this is fitted into a polished steel case that is a mere 9.6 mm in height. The watch is suitable for both men and women.
The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Exo Tourbillon Slim, a minimalistic treat, is Montblanc’s tribute to its exceptional watchmaking heritage. It features a 3-Dimensional dial that is slate grey with a vertically-brushed finish, encircled by a blue flange with a white minute track. The hours and minutes are indicated by applied indexes and numerals. The 40 mm case is polished with 18-karat white gold, with a height of 8.9 mm and slim horns. The sapphire crystal caseback allows an uninterrupted view of the movement.
The slim Montblanc Calibre MB 29.24 complication features the patented Exo Tourbillon. An icon unique to Montblanc, it was first introduced in 2010 and was developed entirely in-house by the master watchmakers at Villeret.
The “Exo” refers to the balance of the tourbillon’s rotating cage which is positioned outside. This innovative architecture allows the cage to be smaller in size and free of the weight of the balance, thus saving more energy than a conventional tourbillon. It also means that it isn’t affected by the inertia of the cage, therefore improving precision. A distinctive semi-hexagonal bridge with a flat polished finishing and blued screws is fixed above the tourbillon’s cage.
The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Exo Tourbillon Slim Openworked is the other model that features the Exo Tourbillon but is distinguished by the “skeletonised” patterns on both sides of the movement and the dial. It features a contrasting dark grey and blue palette. The cubist-style pattern was originally a design technique used in World War I to camouflage ships. On the watch, however, it creates a “trompe l’oeil” effect; a unique 3D aesthetic. To enhance the 3D effect, many of the mechanical components have been rhodium coated.
