Montblanc has unveiled a brand-new Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph limited edition of the historic model that began as a timekeeper on Paris’ famous Champs-de-Mars horse racing track in 1821, and has continued to be a sought-after timepiece by collectors around the world. The GCC Region Chronograph, limited to just 50 pieces, includes distinctive references to countries in the Middle East’s GCC region, where the spirit and legacy of horse racing and fine watchmaking is equally cherished.

The exclusive collection is a beautiful continuation of the Maison’s renowned “inking” chronograph, which was updated in 2022 in a new 43mm case size, and is now presented in this highly contemporary design in a stainless-steel case with black DLC coating, a multi-layered anthracite dial, and refined touches of dark green.

Combining finishes and textures that play with the light, the timepiece features a graphic anthracite Clou de Paris base plate, with added anthracite sub dials that stand out with their sunray finishing. The hour and minute indexes, along with the three counters, have been laser-cut to reveal the black finishings below, while the flange of the dial is satin finished for even more contrast.

Touches of green pay tribute to the shade of green included on most national flags of countries in the GCC, a colour that is deeply rooted in the region’s history, culture and religion, and represents unity, freedom and hope. The bevelled double indexes, skeletonized second time zone hand, screws, and Day & Night indications are also crafted in green, along with the alligator strap and the luminescence seen on the hour and minute hands when the sun goes down.

Adding both aesthetic and cultural appeal – and enhancing the watch’s uniqueness and collectability – the Limited Edition GCC Chronograph is the first Nicolas Rieussec timepiece to feature numerals on the chronograph counters and date in Arabic.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec GCC Limited Edition is powered by the self-winding Manufacture monopusher chronograph movement MB R200, and the first in-house movement by the Maison. Designed to reach the highest level of technical efficiency and aesthetics, the Chronograph is equipped with a column-wheel that controls the monopusher mechanism.

To improve the chronograph’s start, the connection between the gear train and the chronograph’s wheels is alternately engaged and disengaged by a vertical disc clutch and functions without any wear and tear. This mechanism prevents the elapsed time discs from jumping when the chronograph is switched on. The timepiece features a monopusher, which is ergonomically positioned at 8 o’clock, where the wearer’s thumb can conveniently operate it.

Additionally, a rapid-reset mechanism for the hour and date is extremely practical for travellers who journey from one time zone to another. These indicators can be reset either clockwise or counter-clockwise without affecting the position of the minute hand.

The rate is regulated by a large 10-mm-diameter balance wheel with screws, which oscillates regularly thanks to its high moment of inertia (12 mgcm²) and its frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz). The stable rate is further enhanced by the double barrel, providing 72 hours of power reserve. Furthermore, the balance bridge is open-worked, ensuring the precise positioning of the oscillator for optimal shock resistance.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph GCC Limited Edition comes with two interchangeable straps – one in green alligator, and the other in anthracite textile featuring the Clou de Paris motif – and will be sold exclusively in Montblanc Boutiques across the region.

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