2009 Only Watch Nicolas Rieussec Piece Unique

Nicolas Rieussec, appointed watchmaker to Louis XVIII, created one of the earliest chronograph mechanisms in 1821 — a device for timing horse races by depositing ink dots onto rotating dials. Montblanc revived his name with the Nicolas Rieussec collection, reinterpreting the chronograph through its signature rising-disc display, where elapsed time is read on rotating discs rather than conventional hands. The result is a modern tribute to one of horology's earliest timing inventions.

This platinum example is singular in every sense. Created as the unique piece for Only Watch 2009 — the biennial charity auction benefiting research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy — it features the full-calendar monopusher configuration, with a single pusher at eight o'clock controlling the chronograph and an open date disc at twelve. The partially openworked dial offers a view of the automatic Caliber MB R110 beneath.

Every timepiece created for Only Watch charity auction is conceived as a unique expression of its maker's craftsmanship, and this Montblanc is no exception. While the Nicolas Rieussec is a regular production model, the distinctive dial execution and chronograph presentation were created exclusively for the auction, making this the only example ever produced.