Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100
Angus Davies provides an in-depth review of the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100, a watch, recently launched at SIHH 2014, with a high-frequency chronograph.
This detailed review of the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100 includes live images and specification details.
Last year, I recall looking out of my office window and noting the spring flowers, delicately decorated with a smattering of snow. They appeared overwhelmed by the mass of their temporary icy coating, slightly drooping, but exceptionally beautiful nonetheless. Their colours were refracted through diamond-like frosted facets, accentuating the hues still further and twinkling with a beguiling charm.
Sadly, in common with many objects of beauty, their presence was only temporary, being cruelly snatched away, never to be seen again.
I was reminded of this recently, whilst attending SIHH 2014. A few limited edition timepieces provided a mouthwatering spectacle. Their creation protracted and excellence profound, they bestowed horological wonderment. Unfortunately, association with these rare watches is often restricted, the delectation short-lived, and, in a fleeting moment, they were gone, rendered to mere memory.
The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100 was a case in point. It’s a haute horlogerie creation par excellence, harnessing much innovation and sublime craftsmanship. However, it is limited to only 100 pieces worldwide. The opportunity to examine its form was limited to just thirty minutes of intimacy, given its star billing.
The dial
I adore seeing the movement of a timepiece via an exhibition caseback. The site of a finely finished movement is something which always engenders a smile of appreciation from my direction. However, in this instance, Montblanc takes has take this to another level.
Prying eyes are indulged with a sight of the inner workings from the dial-side of the watch. There can be few spectacles more appealing than the sight of micro-mechanical components collaborating to impart time.
The rhodium-plated hour and minute hands are comparatively short in length, interfacing with an hour ring suspended over a sea of perlage. Although the hour and minute display occupies a relatively small proportion of the dial area, the time is easy to interpret. Moreover, the line of Superluminova adorning the centre of both hands delivers good visibility in restricted light.
At 6 o’clock, two chronograph counters are presented on one subdial. A 15-minute chronograph counter occupies the central area of the subdial, employing a red open-worked hand. Meanwhile, encircling the perimeter of the subdial is a 60-second chronograph counter which records elapsed time using a longer black open-worked hand.
Positioned at 9 o’clock is a small seconds display. It uses a rotating sapphire crystal disc, marked with Arabic numerals, to show the continuously running seconds. Whilst small in scale, it delivers a delightful flourish of aesthetic charm. Montblanc has imbued this watch with many such details. Indeed, I found myself making repeated discoveries with the TimeWalker Chronograph 100 during my brief acquaintance, each time thrilled by the experience.
The large, red central seconds chronograph hand is long and lithe, stretching to the inclined flange marked with 100 integers. It is the sight of seeing this hand make one full revolution each second that provides a point of differentiation.
The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100 is made at company’s Manufacture in Villeret. Formerly called the Minerva Manufacture, it produces some of the finest movements in existence and, in my opinion, bears comparison with the most prestigious haute horlogerie brands.
In the case of the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100, the finishing is exemplary. I adore seeing the winding stem and the adjacent bridge with its brushed appearance. Look closely beneath the small seconds display and two holes in the main plate can be seen, revealing the pallet stones of the Swiss lever escapement beneath. However, my favourite element Montblanc has left exposed on this timepiece, is the column-wheel positioned adjacent noon.
The dial display is the fruit of patient endeavour. It is stunning and demonstrates the perseverance shown by the artisans at Montblanc.
A high-frequency chronograph
I adore chronographs, they are one of my favourite complications and often prove useful in many situations. But, this is no “ordinary” chronograph, it is exceptional. The Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100 is capable of measuring intervals to the nearest 100th of a second. This is no small feat.
Montblanc has fitted two balance wheels to this movement. One serves the timekeeping functions of the watch, with a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), whilst a second balance serves the stop-watch functions of the TimeWalker Chronograph 100 with a frequency of 360,000 vph (50 Hz). This latter frequency is incredibly high and utilises a small balance capable of operating at this dizzying speed.
The exactitude of Montblanc extends to fitting two barrels to the TimeWalker Chronograph 100, one to serve the going train for timekeeping (watch) and one to serve the chronograph. This ensures that should the latter barrel become exhausted, the prevailing time is accurately displayed, courtesy of its independence from the stop-watch.
This is a fully integrated chronograph movement, indulging my preference for column-wheel mechanisms. But, once again, ingenuity rears its head, albeit a very nice head in this instance. Montblanc has devised a patented system where the pillars on the column wheel, four narrow and four broad, are presented at two levels. The result is a separation of the start / stop action from the zero-return level for the elapsed-time counters. The one benefit readily discernible to the non-watch expert is a delightful tactility via the mono-pusher, sadly absent from many cam-lever actuated chronographs.
The case
Measuring 45.6 mm in diameter and with a case height of 15.48 mm, the watch exhibits a notable volume. I do not mean this as a criticism, quite the contrary. Indeed, it is thanks to its scale, that every nuance of the TimeWalker Chronograph 100 can be savoured. Furthermore, despite its size, the watch is not unduly heavy, owing to the widespread use of titanium. Indeed, the case is a mixture of titanium, stainless steel and carbon fibre.
The stainless steel bezel is coated with black DLC evoking a neoteric aesthetic, perfectly at ease with other elements of the design composition. This contemporary character is further reinforced by the seamless carbon-fibre monoblock adorning the titanium middle section of the tripartite case. Finally, the caseback features a large sapphire crystal to afford a view of the Manufacture calibre MB M66-25 within.
The crown is inlaid with the Montblanc logo, made of mother-of-pearl. A three row, fluted pattern encircles the titanium crown and feels wonderful to touch.
Between the horns at 12 o’clock, the mono-pusher resides.
The lugs are titanium and feature a vertical brush to their surface. The sides of the horns are skeletonised and the brand’s logo is depicted at the end of each lug.
Even the strap is worthy of mention. The black alligator-skin strap is hand sewn with contrasting red stitching, matching several of the design details of the dial.
Despite using several materials in its construction, everything sits in harmony.
The movement
The Manufacture calibre MB M66-25 is incredibly complex, consisting of 377 components.
While the technical prowess of this high frequency chronograph is remarkable, there are many other virtues which should not be overlooked.
The screwed balance will appeal to purists. It facilitates optimum poising by a competent watchmaker.
Montblanc fabricates its own hairsprings in Villeret and the item used on the balance wheel (watch) features a Phillips terminal curve, a detail which will again appeal to the cognoscenti. The Philips terminal curve takes skill to apply by hand, but enhances isochronism.
The main plates and bridges are rhodium-plated nickel silver. Perlage decorates the main plate, as tradition dictates and the bridges feature Côtes de Genève motif. The gear train features gold-plated wheels with faceted spokes and the hubs have polished centres.
The finissage is wonderful and, despite the modernity of the watch design, traditional craftsmanship is much in evidence.
In particular, I appreciate the aesthetic balance and symmetry of the movement design. The spring barrels are located near the crown, one located above the other. Conversely, the two balance wheels are positioned to the opposite of the movement. There is a horological rectitude to the architecture of the movement which usurps function with a beguiling beauty which is difficult to deny.
Closing remarks
Regrettably, my cherished time with the Montblanc Timewalker Chronograph 100 was over too soon and, with only 100 pieces being created, I suspect I will never see another example of this watch again.
It’s a shame, because its blend of innovative modern design and the technical prowess of the high frequency chronograph movement deliver profuse appeal. Everything has been expertly judged.
Most of all, it is the fine finishing of the movement which elicits the most praise from my direction. This is one of the most beautiful chronograph movements I have seen for some time. Indeed, it stands testament to the expertise of the former Minerva Manufacture, a centre of watchmaking excellence dating back to 1858.
Technical Specification
- Model: Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 100
- Case: Titanium, stainless steel and carbon fibre; diameter 45.6 mm; height 15.48 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; high-frequency chronograph.
- Movement: Manufacture calibre MB M66-25, hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 vph (3 Hz) for watch; frequency 360,000 kph (50Hz) for chronograph; 37 jewels; power reserve 100 hours for watch; power reserve 45 minutes for chronograph; 377 parts.
- Strap: Black alligator leather, hand sewn with contrasting red stitching, presented on a titanium pin buckle.
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces
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