Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

1 0 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I M ontblanc has been in business for 111 years and is world renowned for its writing instruments, stationery and impeccable leather goods. In relative terms it is a new company in the rarefied work of haute horlogerie, and yet in a comparably short time it has soared to the lofty heights of creating some of the finest timepieces of the day. The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Rattrapante Limited Edition 8 is a prime example of how Montblanc has risen up the ranks to be at the forefront of watchmaking. The integration of Fabrique d'Horlogerie Minerva into the Montblanc brand almost ten years ago has been crucial as Minerva was a specialist in mechanical movements. The addition allowed Montblanc to “preserve its traditional know-how and pass it on to a new generation of watchmakers." The fruits of the greatest labours are seen in the likes of this extraordinary watch. The ExoTourbillon complication was first introduced seven years ago and was developed entirely in-house by the master watchmakers at the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. ‘Exo’ is derived from the Greek for external or outside and refers to the screwed balance wheel, which is positioned outside the tourbillon’s rotating cage. This innovated patented mechanical architecture allows the cage to be smaller and free of the weight of the balance wheel, saving 30% more energy than a conventional tourbillon. The fact that the balance is positioned outside of the rotating cage also means that it isn’t affected by the inertia of the cage, therefore improving precision. MontblancHeritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Rattrapante Limited Edition 8 Another exclusive feature of the ExoTourbillon is the slower speed of its rotations. Conventional tourbillons typically complete one rotation per minute but the ExoTourbillon rotates once every four minutes. The slower rotational speed requires less energy from the barrel while producing the same compensating effect. Part of the Heritage Chronométrie Collection, this watch owes its inspiration to the Minerva Pythagore timepiece. Developed in 1948 it featured a pure and elegant dial with applied Arabic numerals and indexes, as well as a precise minute scale. Housed in a slim polished gold case with curved horns and a stepped bezel, the Pythagore epitomised classic fine Swiss watchmaking. Today this historic piece provides the basis for the design of the new Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Rattrapante Limited Edition 8 with fine watchmaking details and finish that respect the Pythagore design, while offering a new and contemporary rendition of a horological classic. From the movement to the complications, everything comes together to celebrate the heritage of fine Swiss watchmaking. The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Rattrapante Limited Edition 8 captures all the magic of watchmaking past, while never stopping to push the boundaries of innovation and performance with its handcrafted in-house movement.

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