At SIHH this year, Montblanc unveils a host of truly exciting new timepieces (and writing instruments!). Top among them is the Vintage Tachydate, Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858. The 43.5mm timepiece houses a special hand-wound movement with chronograph function, small second and date indication. The monopusher chronograph watch with column wheel and horizontal coupling will be available as of May. As in all of the Montblanc Minerva manufactore’s movements, here too, the manual polishing of the chronograph levers to tolerances of 1/1,000th of a millimeter – the so-called mise en fonction – requires many hours of undivided concentration.Crafted in 18-karat white or rose gold, the watch features a transparent sapphire crystal and case back, solid gold dial, and alligator strap. It’s really an inspirational vintage piece that recalls the classic elegance of yesteryear with today’s technology. It retails for $58,000.
Other notables from the brand that we will explore later include the more affordable Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime Automatic watch. This one won’t be available until September, but is gorgeous to look at in the meantime. Offered in 18-karat red gold or in steel, the 43mm automatic watch houses the MB Caliber R210 and offers chronograph functions and home time. In steel it will retail for about $14,712, and this is really a bargain!