Montblanc

Spent a lot of time going through PuristS and found some fantastic and reliable info, much of it difficult to find elsewhere.  A great site, so I decided to stop lurking and ask some questions.

So I fell in love with the all silver (appears more white than silver) guilloche machine dial of the Nicolas Rieussec 106487.  It is the auto version that has the same dial finish of the 190th Anniversary Edition.  I have purchased the watch, love it, but I find that this model number is more difficult to put your hands on than the auto NR's that have been out since the beginning.  Even the authorized dealer I purchased from had difficulty finding one, and it is not listed on the Montblanc website.  The question:  Are there fewer of these models (the 106487 (silver) and the 106488 (black))?  Is this only a one year issuance of this type of dial?  If so, does anyone happen to know how many of these models exist?

Also, I discovered that the outer and inner box have changed for this model.  Outer box has a NR movement print on it, and the inner box is no longer the wide laquered wood / resin case.  It is now some hard leather / leatherette box that is now square in shape, not rectangular.  Interesting, but seems to be a step down from the previous packaging.  That said the watch is, of course, gorgeous.

Photos of the above described.

and thank you for posting your new Montblanc Rieussec.

This is the second generation of the Montblanc Rieussec GMT/Chrono.

I did a review of its predecessor here: montblanc.watchprosite.com

I like the new release better.

It is a cleaner dial and the chrono disks are easier to read.

The Montblanc site (as well as most major watch brands) are slow on updates so eventhough these new Rieussecs were previewed at SIHH 2011, they typically won't even be displayed on the official websites until a year or two later.

There are a few reasons why these new models are hard top find.  Eventhough the Rieussecs are assembled in an "industrial" manner the actual production number is being closely regulated by MB.  They will not let the Rieussecs flood the market or create so many and allow gray markets to undercut the price.  MB have learned their lesson and are trying to create more exclusivity for the Rieussec owners.  No one really knows how many are produced.

Also new models being shown at SIHH 2011 don't typically hit full production until October of the same year...I think you probably have one of the first samples to hit the stores.

I don't think this is an one year release.  Typically MB will show and produce a limited edition Rieussec each year in precious metal.  I suspect this stainless steel model(s) will be the new "basic" Rieussec for the next few years. 

I wouldn't worry about the box...Who needs a heavy box anyways   But at least the presentation remains classy...not the usual small box that the other MB watches come with.

Congrats again.  Looking forward to hearing about your experiences with this new Rieussec.

Best, Mike

Mike,

Thank you for your congratulations!

I am very well versed in your review.  It was a fantastic source of information (and drool) prior to my purchase.  I was aware that this is a 2nd gen auto, but I was unaware of the speed to market considerations, so thank you for the info.  It appears I am seeing the same situation with the stainless version of the Timewalker Twinfly Chrono.  Another in-house, column wheel, vertical disc clutch, Montblanc beauty that appears elusive.  Of course, would love the titanium limited edition, but I was asleep at the wheel on that issuance. 

I, like you, really prefer the 2nd gen NR autos, and the 3rd gen NR manuals.  Additionally, I too am amazed at the pace of Montblanc's development and advancement across the board.  The thoughtful redesigns within the NR line alone is a prime example.  If they can maintain their distribution discipline as you have suggested, I think some MB owners could be in for an exciting ride.  Interestingly, I have had a couple of discussions debating whether one wants to be involved with a manufacturer who is focused on where they have been, or one who is focused on where they are going.  I'd say MB is the latter.

Anyways, thanks for the answer, insight, and the hospitality.  I'll be spending more time around PuristS!

R.959

BTW, WRT the packaging, that must be new, as some 106487s shipped in the old packaging.  (Far from consequential.)