Do you know? Montblanc’s Nicolas Rieussec watch series was not designed casually. It was inspired by the 19th century ink-drop timer! This unique eccentric design is not only eye-catching, but also adds a lot of luster to Montblanc’s watchmaking history. Want to know how this series wins the trust of consumers in the market? Read on!
The history and inspiration of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieus Collection
Since its launch in 2008, the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec series has been one of the brand’s most important chronograph watch series.
It is inspired by the 19th century drip chronograph, which has an eccentric design and has two chronograph sub-dials.
Montblanc’s first watch – the Perpetual Calendar Master released in 1924 – had an eccentric design, but it did not attract enough attention at the time.
The launch of the Nicolas Rieussec series actually gave Montblanc a boost in performance in the watch market.
The double star pattern of Montblanc chronographs
At that time, Montblanc had launched the 1858 series, but only one movement did not have a chronograph function.
At that time, consumers were quite skeptical of Montblanc. “The essence of watchmaking lies in the movement. Is the 1858 series equipped with a movement developed by Montblanc itself?”
Doubts came one after another. It was not until the advent of the Nicolas Cachet series that everyone’s doubts were completely dispelled.
Today, Montblanc’s two major chronograph series have formed a “double star” pattern, namely Nicolas Rieussec and 1858.
The former is a modern original, and the latter is a historical inheritance, but the combination of the two shows Montblanc’s diversity in the field of fine watchmaking.
Comparison of design style and movement performance
Judging from the appearance, the 1858 series and the Nicolas Rieussec series are almost completely different.
The design style of the 1858 series is obviously influenced by the historical Minerva chronographs. The military style is very strong, retro and rough.
The Nicolas Rieussec series is an elegant modern style, showing Montblanc’s top design and craftsmanship.
But this does not hinder the combination of the two. After all, no matter how the appearance changes, Montblanc’s most important watchmaking spirit remains the same.
Evolution of movement technology and consumer preferences
In terms of movement, the Nicolas Rieussec chronograph is equipped with the MB R100 and MB R200 models independently developed by Montblanc.
The former has flyback and single-button timing functions, and can accurately measure the time interval of 1/5 second. On this basis, the latter adds a two-way automatic winding function.
The 1858 series also has excellent movement performance, but the movement used is not completely independently developed.
Take the green dial chronograph currently on sale as an example. It is equipped with the MB 13.21 movement, which is derived from the Minerva Cal. 13.20 movement in 1923.
In other words, the 1858 series retains the classic design elements and continues the historical heritage, but makes modern adjustments to the movement performance.
When consumers choose the 1858 series or the Nicolas Rieussec series, they are also choosing different watchmaking concepts.
The former pursues traditional craftsmanship and historical continuation, while the latter shows the spirit of innovation and independent research and development. Because of this, there is a sharp contrast between the two.
The history of Nicolas Rieussec and the Minerva brand
Let me briefly introduce the Nicolas Cachet and Minerva brands.
As a famous French watchmaker, Keshe invented the unique drip-type timer in 1816, which can accurately measure the time interval of 1/5 second.
The Minerva brand that the 1858 series of chronographs pay tribute to was founded in 1861 and produced military pocket watches and wristwatches for the Swiss army in the early 20th century.
In 2008, the Richemont Group acquired Minerva and converted it into Montblanc’s new watchmaking workshop, thus creating a deeper connection between the two.
Conclusion
The comparison between Montblanc’s Nicolas Rieussec series and the 1858 series is really refreshing! The differences in design and movement performance between the two just reflect the diversity of the brand and the inheritance and innovation of watchmaking concepts. Which series do you prefer? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to give it a like!