Montblanc introduced the new Heritage Chronometrie Collection at the 2015 SIHH that includes one of the brand’s most spectacular timepieces: the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph. In addition to this incredible watch, the company also announced a limited edition version of it dedicated to Vasco de Gama and his flagship, the São Gabriel. Named the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Vasco da Gama Limited Edition 60, the watch is strictly limited to 60 pieces – referring to the 60-man crew of the São Gabriel. Except for the magnificently decorated dial and the 18K white gold case of the limited edition version, both the watches are identical.
The upper part of the dial is decorated with a slice of aventurine, dyed dark blue, with numerous small dots to emulate a starry night sky. A wave-shaped guilloché, designed in flinqué style and coated with blue paint, in the centrally positioned hand-type date display refers to the nocturlabium (star clock), which was one of the navigational instruments aboard the São Gabriel. A diamond in the shape of the Montblanc emblem sparkles at 12 o’clock. The pane of sapphire crystal in the case back is decorated with a sketch of the historic sailing vessel. Montblanc debuted the patented ExoTourbillon mechanism, which was completely developed and built in the Manufacture in Villeret, as part of the Collection Villeret in 2010. The Greek prefix “exo” refers to the innovative tourbillon, whose balance wheel is outside the cage. The limited edition watch is priced at 45,000 euros ($48,300 approximately).
