Nicolas Rieussec is of course the noted and lauded inventor of the chronograph mechanism, with the actual writing of time via ink on the dial. Today, the chronograph in a wristwatch of course uses hands, subdials, rotating discs, retrograde displays and others to display elapsed time.

For its part, Montblanc introduces a monopusher chronograph with an in-house movement to complement its haute horlogerie line and has obtained rights to use the name Nicolas Rieussec, hence the name of this piece.

This movement originates from Montblanc itself, not Villeret, and forms a key part of Montblanc's strategy. That alone may be enough to draw the attention of collectors who have previously not paid serious attention to watches from the brand.

The watch has an exceptional power reserve (72 hours) through twin barrels, an unusual monopusher at 8 o'clock and is currently available with a manual winding calibre. There is an automatic but we shall tell you more about this at later date. Also notable is the fact that this is a column wheel with vertical clutch chronograph.

It is available in rose gold only and water resistant to 30 meters.