Montblanc’s most distinctive wristwatch is the twin counter Nicolas Rieussec chronograph. The latest iteration of that model, the limited edition Homage to Nicolas Rieussec, is also the most tasteful. Whereas the earlier versions of the Rieussec were unnecessarily fussy, the new Homage to Nicolas Rieussec has a simple ivory dial with blue accents.

Inspired by 1821 chronograph of Nicolas Rieussec, which was actually a stopwatch in a box, has twin white lacquered discs, made to resemble the enamel of the original, for the seconds on the left and minutes on the right. A horizontal blued steel hand which acts as a pointer for both counters.

Inside is the R200 movement, made in-house by Montblanc. Self-winding with twin barrels, it has a three day power reserve. Additionally, it is a monopusher chronograph, with a button at eight o’clock for start, stop and reset.

The dial has a grained, eggshell texture, with a date display at three o’clock, and a day and night indicator for the second time zone at nine. The second time zone hand is skeletonised, and can be hidden under the hour hand.

The hour index above appears unadorned, with a simple railway minute track. But in the dark its Breguet numerals become visible. Because the luminous numbers are exactly the same colour and flush with the dial, they are invisible in the light.

The case is 43 mm in diameter, available in either rose gold or steel. The rose gold version is limited to 193 pieces with a retail price of €26,900 (~US$36,500), while the steel is limited to 565 pieces priced at €8990 (~US$12,200). Both will be available in autumn 2014.

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