Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection – Twincounter Date and Chronograph Quanitième Annuel
Montblanc enhances its Heritage Chronométrie collection by adding two new models: a manufacture date complication and a chronograph with annual calendar.
Launched at SIHH 2015, the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection celebrates the heritage of Swiss fine watchmaking. The inspiration for the collection dedicated to precision was drawn from the legendary 15th century explorer Vasco da Gama whose quest for new frontiers changed the course of history, while the design finds its creative influence in the Pythagore watches crafted in 1948 by the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret that was set-up under the name of Minerva.
The iconic Pythagore wristwatch featured the finest watchmaking codes—refined Arabic numerals, faceted appliqué indexes, distinctive sword hands, slim cases, straight bezels and graceful curved horns—which have now been beautifully reworked in the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection.
Since its launch at SIHH 2015, the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie collection has been equipped with a number of complications including a patented Exotourbillon mechanism with chronograph, a dual time function, an annual calendar, a quantième complet (full calendar) and a number of limited editions.
This year, Montblanc unveils two attractive new models—one with a manufacture date complication developed entirely in-house, and the other model with a chronograph combined with an annual calendar.
Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Twincounter Date
Montblanc introduces a brand new date complication that has been completely developed and manufactured in-house by Montblanc’s master watchmakers. This new complication is powered by the MB 24.23 automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve.
One of the most useful complications, the date function is indicated on this model in a subdial, rather than the more traditional date aperture. The size of the counter has been maximised to enable a clear reading of the graduating dates, while a blued-steel date hand provides excellent visibility.
The date counter is balanced by a small second subdial at 9 o’clock, with a blued-steel hand and a red ‘60’ numeral, creating perfect colour harmony across the dial. The inclusion of a second function further reinforces Montblanc’s respect for precision and its passion for elegant design that is at the heart of this collection.
While the design codes of the Heritage Chronometrie collection are inspired by the fine watchmaking expression of the legendary Minerva Pythagore, the Twincounter Date takes its inspiration from the classic double counter look of the Minerva chronographs from the 1950s.
The 40mm polished steel case is stylishly slim at only 9.85 mm thick and features curved horns with satin-finishing on the inside surfaces, affirming Montblanc’s devotion to horological details. The sophisticated dial further enhances the level of design, with a silvery-white sunray finish, facetted sword hands and red gold-plated applied indexes, as well as prominent Arabic 12 and 6 numerals.
Other details include the highly recognisable Montblanc emblem, crafted as a distinctive relief atop the crown and an elegant alligator leather strap made by the Montblanc Pelletteria, the Maison’s own leather manufacture in Florence, Italy.
Once complete, the entire timepiece is certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 that simulates rigorous real-life situations for a total of 500 hours, guaranteeing the timepiece’s high quality and precision.
Technical details
Model: Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Twincounter Date, Ident. 114872
Movement
Calibre MB 24.23
Mechanical movement with automatic winding, date by hand
Number of rubies: 31
Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
Balance: Flat hoop
Frequency: 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring: Flat
Displays
Hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock, date indicated by hand on a subdial at 3 o’clock
Habillage
Case
Stainless steel; polished case, polished & satin-finished bezel
Crystal: Scratch-resistant, flat and antireflective sapphire crystal
Back: Stainless steel with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 9.85 mm
Water-tightness: 3 bar
Crown: Stainless steel with Montblanc emblem in raised relief
Dial
Silvery-white dial with sunburst pattern, facetted indexes, Arabic numerals “6 & 12” as red gold-plated appliqué, red gold-plated sword hour-hand and minute-hand, blued date-hand, blued small second hand
Wristband
Black alligator-skin strap crafted in the Montblanc Pelletteria in
Florence with stainless steel triple folding clasp
Certification
Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500
Price
2’790 Euros
Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Chronograph Quantième Annuel
Montblanc presents this year for the first time a new combination with a chronograph associated with an annual calendar that only needs setting once a year at the end of February. Inspired by one of the first chronograph wristwatches created by Minerva in the 1920s, this heritage is reflected in the new model.
Montblanc’s watch designers created a clear and legible dial by keeping all the chronograph related hands in blue and the hands for the hours, minutes, seconds and calendar functions in plated red gold.
The chronograph seconds are indicated with a central blue hand, the elapsed minutes are displayed in a counter at 9 o’clock with sectorial scale, and the hours in a counter at 6 o’clock. For the annual calendar function, the days of the week are on display at 6 o’clock, the date is shown at 12 o’clock and the months are featured at 9 o’clock.
The ten hands are operated by the automatic movement calibre MB 25.09, with a 42-hour power reserve, and are easily set thanks to four individual correctors positioned in the middle-piece of the case and operated by a dedicated Montblanc pin that is delivered with the timepiece.
A sophisticated moonphase complication has been included in a counter at 3 o’clock, displaying the four principal cycles of the moon via four individual red gold-plated moons—new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter—that are identified with a red gold hand. This striking moonphase indication evokes the beginnings of timekeeping when ancient civilisations relied on the lunar calendar for their timing needs and adds a striking feature on the watch’s silvery-white sunray dial.
The refined and elegant aesthetic of the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Chronograph Quantième Annuel follows the collection’s fine watchmaking codes with facetted sword hands, red gold-plated indexes and Arabic numerals in a highly polished 42mm red gold case.
The timepiece is fitted with an alligator leather strap crafted by the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and, like all the other timepieces in the collection, is tested for 500 hours following the stringent requirements of the Montblanc Laboratory 500 Test.
Technical details
Model: Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Chronograph Quantième Annuel, Ident. 114876
Movement
Calibre MB 25.09
Mechanical movement with automatic winding, chronograph function, annual calendar with moon-phase display
Number of rubies: 42
Power reserve: Approx. 42 hours
Balance: Flat hoop
Frequency: 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring: Flat
Functions
Displays (watch): Hours and minutes in the centre, small second counter at “12 o’clock”, month by hand at “9 o’clock”, day by hand at “6 o’clock”, date by hand
at “12 o’clock” and moonphase display by hand on a subdial at “3 o’clock”
Display (Chrono): 30 elapsed minutes and 12 elapsed hour counters
Special features: Easy adjustment of calendar functions; individual correctors for each function to be set with a dedicated pin delivered with the timepiece
Habillage
Case
18 K red gold (5N); polished case
Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal
Back: 18 K red gold (5N) with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 13.83 mm
Water-tightness: 3 bar
Crown: 18 K red gold (5N) with Montblanc emblem in raised relief
Dial
Silvery-white dial with sunburst pattern, facetted indexes, Arabic numeral“12” as red gold-plated appliqué, red gold-plated sword hour hand and minute-hand, red-gold plated annual calendar hands, blued steel chronograph hands
Wristband
Black alligator-skin strap crafted in the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence with 18 K red gold (5N) pin buckle
Certification
Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500
Price
18’900 Euros
