Montblanc Le Locle Manufacture Tour Part 2

mkt33 · 2009-08-04T12:32:18Z

Explore Montblanc's Le Locle manufacture, focusing on Nicolas Rieussec chronograph production. See how traditional skills meet modern tech.

mkt33

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mkt33 presents the second chapter of Don Corson's report on Montblanc's Le Locle manufacture, focusing on the production of the Nicolas Rieussec chronograph. This installment delves into how Montblanc integrates traditional watchmaking skills with modern technology, offering a unique insight into the creation of their in-house movements. The discussion also draws comparisons between Montblanc's Villeret and Rieussec collections.

Here is Chapter 2 of Don's report.

My personal opinion is that the Rieussec model will be the one to keep your eye on. If your tastes are a bit more conservative and your wallet a bit thicker I would jump to the Villeret collection without hesitation.

But even as I was impressed to see the Minerva Instiut De Recherche in Villeret, I think I was even more surprised to read the following chapter. Here at Le Locle Montblanc has successfully allowed old fashioned watchmaking skills to exist alongside technology. Again please enjoy and don't forget to thank Don.

Best, Mike

A visit to Montblanc Montre in Le Locle - part 2

Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec was a watchmaker for the King Louis XVIII of France. He invented the chronograph to give written documentation of the times of race horses, one of the kings great passions. The dials turn below the hands, the hands hold a drop of ink and when pressed make a mark at the beginning and end of a lap. Below we can see a reproduction of the first chronograph invented and patented by Nicolas Rieussec.

And here an original chronograph made later by Nicolas Rieussec In this case the hands turn and the front glass can be pivoted up to be able to erase the ink written on the enamel dial.

The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec chronograph exploits the idea of the disks turning under a still hand as in the original chronograph.

While the movement finishing is not at the level of the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 pieces, it is still nothing to be sneezed at. There will be more pictures further along in this report.

The manufacture is now dedicated to the assembly of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec movements and substantial investments have been made in equipment to be able to ensure highest quality in production. There are about 8 watchmakers active here. As I visit the workshop the first production batch of automatic Rieussec calibres is being assembled. The going train of the movements has already been assembled and tested and now the chrono parts are being added.

Cleaning the column wheel before installation on the movement.

Carefully placing the column wheel.

Following we will see some of the equipment that is used to ensure the best quality in each piece. Below, an automatic oiling machine.

A tester for the wheel shakes. The axle of the wheel is pushed up from below and the movement of the axle is measured from above for each wheel.

An automatic oiler for the antishock units with visualisation to be sure that the and oil has been placed correctly and in the correct amount. If the the oil is not symetrical around the jewel hole, the movement has to be disassembled, cleaned, and oiled once again.

This machine measures the draw of the pallets on the escape wheel. You can almost read the results on the screen, “hors tolérance”, out of tolerance, indicating that the pallet positioning needs to be retouched.

On this screen we can see exactly what is wrong. The draw, the distance that the pallet jewel to the left and the escape wheel tooth to the right overlap, is too large and the pallet must be adjusted on the echappmeter. This optical measurement not only verifies the positioning, but gives the values needed to adjust the pallet corretly on the echappmeter.

To adjust the pallet jewels the anchor is removed from the movement and placed in the echappmeter which heats it to soften the shellac used to hold the pallets and allows very precise corrections of the pallet position.

Finally this tool is used to precisely adjust the rate of the watch. The Rieussec movements have free sprung screwed balance wheels.

After timing with the red Witchi machine above the balance is held in place and a tool with measuring equipment is used to turn the 4 timing screws the exact amount needed to adjust the rate.

The watchmaker is checking the “réserve de marche". This particular movement did not run long enough so it is being disassembled to find the cause. On the bench we see all the dial side, the parts of the motion train and the date function.

Investigating why the movement didn't have its full running time, are there wheels touching each other ?

The dial of the Rieussec is assembled from several pieces. This dial is ready for the final assembly of the counter hands.

This jig assures the perfect alignment of the hands during assembly.

After mounting the dial and hands the movement is cased up. Here the front bezel is being mounted.

In the next instalment we will follow the production of some of the other Montblanc timepieces.

About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.

This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.

For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.

Specifications

Caliber: Boucheron 1858

Case: 18k white gold

Diameter: 38mm

Dial: Silver

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Montblanc Villeret collection occupies a distinct position compared to other rising brands like Chopard and Bulgari, offering a 'great c/p surprise' discovery element similar to the Rieussec's initial release.
Modern manufacturing tools, while not replacing a skilled watchmaker's ability, ensure consistency in mass production by eliminating human error on 'bad days,' though a watchmaker is still required for corrections.
The integration of modern technology, such as automated oiling machines, into traditional watchmaking processes is a source of continuous amazement.
Montblanc's Villeret line, despite its Minerva movements, is priced at the higher end compared to other brands, which may diminish the 'great cost/performance surprise' found in other brands.
The Montblanc Rieussec model is highlighted as a key piece to watch, while the Villeret collection is recommended for those with more conservative tastes and a larger budget.
The question arises whether a modern watchmaker, equipped with Montblanc's technology, can achieve results comparable to highly experienced mid-twentieth-century watchmakers without such advancements.

The Discussion

DRMW

Aug 4, 2009

Thanks DonC and MKT33 for the inside look at MontBlanc! Looking forward to the next part! -MW

chris9

Aug 5, 2009

great article, some equipment there I didnt know existed at all...

MichaelC

Aug 5, 2009

I definitely see a MB NR chrono in my future...

lien

Aug 5, 2009

Montblanc is really going full throttle with all these wonderful head turners~ Cheers, Ed~

Dr No

Aug 5, 2009

g Would you say that a good watchmaker of today, armed with the technology Montblanc has at their disposal, can produce similar results to the most highly experienced watchmakers of the mid-twentieth century that didn't enjoy the benefit of these marvels? Cordially, Art

mkt33

Aug 6, 2009

see the "crib" sheet next to the watchmakers highlighting the most important points! Best, Mike

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About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858

Specifications

About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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