IN BALANCE
Taking the next step for its TimeWalker, Montblanc has equipped it with an exclusive complication previously gracing a number of timepieces in the maison’s classic Heritage Chronométrie collection.
The limited-edition TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph features the in-house developed one-minute ExoTourbillon, whose screw balance is positioned outside the tourbillon’s rotating cage.
The patented architecture allows the cage to be smaller in size and free of the weight of the balance, saving 30% more energy than a conventional tourbillon. Placing the balance outside also improves precision because it isn’t affected by the inertia of the cage.
The innovative tourbillon construction is integrated in Montblanc’s in-house developed chronograph calibre combining all the elements of a traditional chronograph with a contemporary highly-performant construction: monopusher with column wheel, efficient and precise vertical coupling, and automatic winding and two barrels.
The movement’s skeletonised winding rotor has been darkened with a coating of black rhodium, revealed through the titanium caseback.
While carrying TimeWalker design DNA, such as minimalised bezel, distinctive contoured typography and skeletonised horns, the 44mm timepiece showcases Montblanc’s use of high-tech materials in creating a lightweight yet robust case.
The three-part case is made with a unique mix of titanium, carbon fibre and
DLC (Diamond Like Carbon). The microblasted titanium bezel is coated with a scratch-resistant black DLC, while the middle piece of the case is crafted from a unique structure of carbon fibre bearing a horizontal striped pattern rather than the more common mesh motif.
Combining aesthetics with performance and legibility, the grainé dial displays the time in an-off-centred black dial at 12 o’clock with a mix of red and white Arabic numerals enhanced with a luminescent SuperLumiNova for nighttime reading.
The dial’s lower section houses the Exotourbillon and two semicircular counters with their double indication hands at 8 o’clock for the elapsed-seconds, and 4 o’clock for the elapsed-minutes.
Available in 100 pieces, the TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph is matched with a black alligator strap featuring red stitching reinforcing the sporty look of the watch.