The evolution of the Rieussec from 2008-2011
mkt33
Only three years have passed since the Nicolas Rieussec model line was shown to the public.
The highlight of SIHH 2008 was the surprise introduction of two new inhouse chronograph calibers by Montblanc.
The most intriguing was the manual wind MBR 100. It is an integrated column wheel chronograph movement utilizing a vertical disk clutch.
It made its debut as a limited edition of 300 ( a mix of precious metals only). This is generation one.
Then in 2009, Montblanc very quickly introduced generation two of the manual wound Rieussec. Although the base movement was essentially the same, it was renamed MBR 110 to denote the fact that the chronograph disks were now partially skeletonized. (Limited 25 platinum, open series in rose gold and in stainless steel)
In 2010 we saw Montblanc play with the new trend of incorporating silicon escapements. It released a new Rieussec with these components. I'm going to call this generation 3. Notice the change in dial aesthetics while keeping the skeletonized chrono disks. (Limited 25 pieces in RG)
And of course we have the fourth generation released just this year which continues the aesthetic evolution; the MBR 110 has remained unchanged. Interestingly, MB decided to move away from the skeletonized chronograph disks, instead a much simpler, solid version is now standard. Perhaps MB finally agreed that it was difficult to read the chrono. I think the skeletonized disks were better aesthetically but it ruined the functionality. For me, this shows that MB is dedicated to making the Rieussec as perfect as it can. ( Limited 300 pieces in precious metals)
I hope you all have enjoyed this quick synopsis of the manual wound Rieussec collection,
Best, Mike
This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-09 21:06:53 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-10 05:30:05 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-10 19:48:45
The highlight of SIHH 2008 was the surprise introduction of two new inhouse chronograph calibers by Montblanc.
The most intriguing was the manual wind MBR 100. It is an integrated column wheel chronograph movement utilizing a vertical disk clutch.
It made its debut as a limited edition of 300 ( a mix of precious metals only). This is generation one.
Then in 2009, Montblanc very quickly introduced generation two of the manual wound Rieussec. Although the base movement was essentially the same, it was renamed MBR 110 to denote the fact that the chronograph disks were now partially skeletonized. (Limited 25 platinum, open series in rose gold and in stainless steel)
In 2010 we saw Montblanc play with the new trend of incorporating silicon escapements. It released a new Rieussec with these components. I'm going to call this generation 3. Notice the change in dial aesthetics while keeping the skeletonized chrono disks. (Limited 25 pieces in RG)
And of course we have the fourth generation released just this year which continues the aesthetic evolution; the MBR 110 has remained unchanged. Interestingly, MB decided to move away from the skeletonized chronograph disks, instead a much simpler, solid version is now standard. Perhaps MB finally agreed that it was difficult to read the chrono. I think the skeletonized disks were better aesthetically but it ruined the functionality. For me, this shows that MB is dedicated to making the Rieussec as perfect as it can. ( Limited 300 pieces in precious metals)
I hope you all have enjoyed this quick synopsis of the manual wound Rieussec collection,
Best, Mike
This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-09 21:06:53 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-10 05:30:05 This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2011-08-10 19:48:45
Comments:
KIH August 9th, 2011-21:21
Somehow, I like the generation 2 best.... ... manual winding, and dial looks more spartan. Gen. 3 is fine, too, but for some reason, I like gen. 2 better.... Thanks for the summary, Mike. Ken
Jester August 9th, 2011-22:00
Great post... I've always been interested in the Rieussec but was a bit puzzled by the 'new' release at Basel every year... Now your post has clarified everything! Like Ken, I think Gen2 & Gen3 are nice while I have a SLIGHT preference to Gen2. I do think the partially...
mkt33 August 10th, 2011-05:28
Open series meant that these are being serially produced at least that is what I gather from the Press releases. So the Rose gold and stainless steel models of Gen 2 are being constantly produced (unlimited) I was surprised because MB usually limits the production of the precious metal pieces but the PR didn't ...
mkt33 August 10th, 2011-05:42
One error, I made a mistake on the production numbers of Gen 4. There are only a total of 300 pieces of varying precious metal pieces (not 1950 as I stated in the post...now corrected) So taking a look. 300 for gen 1 25 for gen 2 25 for gen 3 300 for gen 4 Total of 650 manually wound Rieussecs + the open ser...
amanico August 9th, 2011-22:59
LIke Ken, I much prefer the last generation. Maybe because I'm convinced by the very nice manual movement? Maybe because this last version reached a certain maturity in style, with style? I don't know, but the last Rieussec was an unexpected pleasure, for me. Best, and thanks for a very interesting ...
Chris Meisenzahl August 11th, 2011-09:06
Beautiful ... I really like the look of those.
SJX August 11th, 2011-09:58
I like the last series best The dial has less fussy details and looks a lot better. - SJX
marcelo August 15th, 2011-10:18
Strange... Any watch of the Rieussec level would make me enter the store and have a look at it, even more considering that the place where I live is a haute horlogerie desert. I have seen it three times on the window of this AD, but never felt like asking for a clos...
mkt33 August 15th, 2011-10:40
Why? Please be frank. It would be interesting to hear (nt) .
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Two new Montblanc Timewalkers have arrived at US boutiques
mkt33
The newly redesigned Timewalker Chronograph with the updated continuous seconds counter The Timewalker "Club Brown" Chronograph We first saw these at SIHH 2011. SJX took some nice photos of them. Finally after 6 months of waiting, these two models have finally arrived at the US Boutiques. The Chronograph is 18K red gold and in the usual MB fashion, the precious metal models get a few "upgrades".
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