Montblanc Timewalker Twinfly vs. Nicolas Rieussec
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Montblanc Timewalker Twinfly vs. Nicolas Rieussec

By jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) · Mar 20, 2014 · 11 replies
jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
WPS member · Montblanc forum
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Jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) seeks community advice on expanding his Montblanc collection, specifically choosing between the Timewalker Twinfly and the Nicolas Rieussec Gen 3, both with black dials. He aims to acquire a watch with an in-house Le Locle movement to complete his 'trilogy' of Montblanc movement pillars.

Dear all,

I need some honest opinion here between a Montblanc Timewalker Twinfly vs a Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec.
Some context: I have 2 Montblanc watches now. Both white metals, black dials. 

One is the Montblanc Star Worldtime, see below:





The other is the Montblanc Villeret grand feu black enamel (see below).





The Montblanc Star has a Sellita, non in-house movement. The Villeret has a Montblanc Villeret Minerva 13.21 calibre, one of the finest chrono movements around.
So I have 2 out of 3 pillars in Montblanc's watch category - non in-house movement at the base and Montblanc Villeret's Minerva movement at the top.
I lack the middle pillar, an inhouse Le-Locle movement Montblanc watch.

That leaves with me 2 collections to consider. The Nicolas Rieussecs or the Timewalker Twinflys. The problem is both of them are 43mm and a tad big for my small wrist. I made a trip to the boutique today to compare the 2. Here are some pictures and my thoughts.

I start with the Timewalker Twinfly, which is seldom discussed here I noticed.
Initially, I like the Limited Edition Twinfly Greytech but after months of looking at it, I find the Black Dial Twinfly being my favorite now. Here's a picture of the white and black Twinfly. I will only consider the black Twinfly to complete my white metals/black dial trilogy. 

The black Twinfly has a very modern and sporty look, with a nice splash of red (on the chrono minute hands and the tip of the chrono seconds hands) on the black dial. The red has a bright "blood" color and contrasts extremely well on a black dial.










The Twinfly has the in-house MB LL100 movement. Very unique as it has a twin flyback function (both the chrono seconds and min hands have a flyback function), with a GMT function. Pretty well finished LL100 calibre as chronograph with a column wheel. Not the standards of a Montblanc Villeret movement of course but pretty enough to look at and admire with the column wheel, the movement layout and bridge and blued screws. 










Despite being 43mm, it seems to fit my small wrist "quite well". I will prefer it to be smaller but the highly curved lugs made it fit better. Black dials also look smaller optically. Having sporty design cues, it also looks nice with its larger size, What do you think? Looks nice on my small wrist?






Next, I go on to the Nicolas Rieussec. I REALLY love the new Homage to Nicolas Rieussec but I just cannot carry that as it looks too big on me (I am very sure it will sell very well being Limited Edition and at a price only slightly higher than the regular Rieussecs... why is my wrist so small?!!). 

Anyway, to stick to my black dial rule for the trilogy, I have shortlisted a black dial Gen 3 Nicolas Rieussec. I am not a fan of the open hometime or open dates as I find them too cluttered. The Gen 1 looks oldish on me. The Gen 3 black dial is a perfect blend of classic looks with a bit of sportiness.

The day night indicator, with the blue and white adds a very nice contrast on the black dial. Many have said the new Homage's chrono bridge is neater than the usual Nicolas Rieussec's  chrono bridge (which resembles the face of a bull). But here on the black dial Rieussec, I feel the chrono bridge stands out very well against the black dial. The blued screws on the bridge also reflects light very nicely and when coupled with the blue on the day/night indicator, really brings out some blue colors amongst the black dial. 

Compared to the Timewalker Twinfly, it is more classical and I will prefer its design cues. Problem is the lugs extend out more and the watch does not sit as well as the Timewalker on my small wrist (although amongst the Nicolas Rieussecs, this is my best chance as it looks the 'smallest' being black).
What do you think? Is it too big for me?










The movement is the well known MB R210. Personally, I prefer this movement to the Twinfly's. The movement is bigger and fills more of the caseback, it has more "sexy curves", a larger and more visible column wheel (I have a fetish on them) and a very nicely sized and positioned balance wheel.









Looks wise (dial and movement both), I prefer the Nicolas Rieussec. I prefer classic watches so that's the main reason why. It is also more iconic than the Timewalker imho. It is more expensive than the Twinfly, which has a value hard to beat. The big problem is I still find the Nicolas Rieussec a tad too big for me.

The Twinfly on the other hand fits my wrist much nicer. It can also diversify my collection with a more contemporary look (I have too many classical watches).
It also has tremendous value, being 30% lower in price than the Gen 3 Nicolas Rieussec. To be fair, it also looks very nice and sporty.

One of these 2 can complete my black and white metal Montblanc watch trilogy... isn't Black and White Montblanc's colors? smile
Which will you recommend for me?





And if it were you, will you choose the Twinfly or the Nicolas Rieussec collection (any variants, not just black dials).

cheers
robin

This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-03-20 01:59:19 This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2014-03-20 02:13:31

About the Montblanc Calibres Ref. MBR210

The Montblanc Timewalker Twinfly Chronograph, reference MBR210, represents a key offering within Montblanc's in-house movement category, distinct from their entry-level Sellita-powered watches and the high-end Minerva Villeret pieces. This model showcases Montblanc's commitment to developing its own calibers at its Le Locle manufacture, positioning it as a middle-tier option for collectors seeking integrated chronograph functionality with a modern aesthetic. It is often considered alongside the Nicolas Rieussec collection for those looking for an in-house Montblanc movement.

This particular reference features a 43mm case, often executed in white metals, paired with a black dial. The design incorporates a sporty and contemporary feel, accented by red details on the chronograph minute hand and the tip of the chronograph seconds hand. The watch is fitted with a crystal and houses an automatic movement, providing a power reserve suitable for daily wear. Its construction emphasizes both visual appeal and mechanical integrity.

For collectors, the Timewalker Twinfly Chronograph MBR210 appeals to those who appreciate Montblanc's horological advancements beyond its entry-level offerings. It provides a robust, in-house chronograph experience without venturing into the ultra-high-end Minerva territory. The black dial variant, especially when paired with white metal, is sought after by collectors aiming to build a cohesive collection with specific aesthetic themes, such as white metals and black dials.

Specifications

Caliber
MB LL100
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
43mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
SP
Spellbound
Mar 20, 2014

I think the answer is pretty clear from your post. Don't feel you have to get "the middle pillar" if you don't feel comfortable with the watches that are currently available due to concerns about size. I would wait if I were you. There is no pressure from anywhere or anyone for you to complete, as you say, a "Black and white metal Montblanc watch trilogy". I would focus just on buying watches that you are sure about, totally comfortable with, and find hugely desirable. Why not wait for and see w

LU
Luis6
Mar 20, 2014

Wait until the easy decision and obvious choice comes up. As for the two watches you compared, I would go for NR, as it's quite an iconic design. Unmistakably Montblanc.

JP
jporos
Mar 20, 2014

Montblanc is a house on the move with great things in store for the future. I would wait for that perfect size and movement.

FO
foversta
Mar 20, 2014

But this version is nice too... I was not convinced by the black dial:

MK
mkt33
Mar 20, 2014

but IMHO it is what is missing from your Montblanc collection. There is always a chance for a design change. Surely MB can slim down the 15mm in thickness down to maybe 12mm? While they are at it, the crown can be switched as well, looks to big currently. Of course no MB collection would ever be complete without something from their Timewalker line...the case for the Timewalker is iconic. So perhaps you should just add both... Wait a minute, I'm not a MB salesman :-) Best,Mike

JR
jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
Mar 20, 2014

I agree there is no need to rush. Also I am eyeing the new Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar. But that is not in my black/white trilogy theme although it fits me nicely. Will sleep over this for a few more weeks/months. Thanks Dean! Cheers Robin

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