SIHH 2013 Preview: Montblanc - Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours

As a preview of the new watches that will be presented at SIHH 2013 later this month, Montblanc introduced the Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hou...

As a preview of the new watches that will be presented at SIHH 2013 later this month, Montblanc introduced the Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours for its Nicolas Rieussec line, which takes its name from the French watchmaker who invented the chronograph in 1822.

The distinctive characteristic of this new model is the patented "Rising Hours" indicator of the day and night at the 12 o’clock position, showing the figure that denotes an hour in gray or blue. The color is determined by two overlapping discs, the top one with the hour numerals cut out, and the lower one that is shaded half in gray and half in blue. As the hours pass, the disc below will rotate, so that the hour numerals will appear either as blue or gray, depending on the time of day. At 6 o'clock  in the evening the "6" figure will be displayed half in grey (on the left) and half in blue (on the right). On the contrary, at 6 o'clock in the morning the left half of the figure will be blue and the right half grey.

A skeletonised central minute hand indicates minutes, while the sub dials on the lower half of the dial indicate the minutes and seconds for the 30-minute mono-pusher chronograph. The indicator at the 3 o’clock shows the date while the indicator at 9 o'clock shows the day of the week.

The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours is powered by a Montblanc MB R220 automatic movement that is visible through the sapphire case back. It has a power reserve of around 72 hours.

The watch is available in steel or rose gold. A limited edition of just 28 pieces in platinum will also be available. The watch comes on a choice of either a strap or a bracelet.