The enigma of time
It may be quite a mouthful, but there’s good reason why this piece is called the Montblanc Collection Villeret Tourbillon Bi-Cylindrique 110 Years Anniversary Limited Edition. Crafted to only three limited edition pieces, each wristwatch is priced at RM1,100,800. The key to its multifaceted nature – and verbose name – lies within a 52mm case of 18k red gold, sufficiently large enough to incorporate horology’s high points. One can scarcely fail to notice the hand-engraved anthracite serpent, coiled on the inner bezel. This glorious reptilian motif is a direct link to Montblanc’s earliest claim to fame; its Rouge et Noir writing instrument with its serpent clip – the world’s first non-leaking writing instrument courtesy of Montblanc’s proprietary piston technology.
A large 18.4mm tourbillon and the mystery clock-like time display are nods towards 19th century innovations in horology. All of this is powered by the manual-winding Calibre MB M65.63 with its double cylindrical hairspring – developed by the technically astute watchmakers at Villeret who inherited watchmaking wisdom of ages from its progenitor, the Minerva Institute.
