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In 2009, the “Watch of the Year”-Prize presented by the Swiss watch magazine Montres Passion for the 16th consecutive year, rewards the best horological creations of the year from both an aesthetic and a technical point of view. This year, the jury awarded the third prize to the “Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic” manufactured by Montblanc.




Lutz Bethge, Montblanc's CEO with the third prize of the Montre de l'année 2009
Montblanc is very delighted to receive this prize, set up by the specialised publication Montres Passion, an ambassador of high-quality watches. The trophy was presented to Lutz Bethge, Montblanc’s CEO, at the award ceremony on 28 October 2009 in Geneva, reasonably considered the greatest event of the watch year.

The watchmaking professionals composing the jury, awarded the first prize to “Historiques American 2921” by Vacheron Constantin and the second prize to the “Ti-Bridge” by Corum.






Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic - winner of the third prize



Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic

As one of the most striking new models released on the Swiss watch market this year, the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic comes with a host of sophisticated watchmaking features that will delight even the most discerning connoisseur.

To find out more about this time-keeping masterpiece, inspired by Nicolas Rieussec’s invention from 1821, visit
the Nicolas Rieussec Special on Montblanc.com

Since 2005 the Prix Montblanc Award is intrinsic part of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation honouring young emerging instrumentalists in the classical music world.

On Tuesday, 27th of October 2009 the PRIX Montblanc Award 2009 will be handed over to this year's winner Nicolai Tokarev during a gala concert of the Philharmonia of the Nations under the musical direction of Prof. Justus Frantz. The prize is endowed with 10.000 USD and the Montblanc Donation Pen Arturo Toscanini.


International celebrities such as Montblanc Brand Ambassador Eva Green, Michael and Pat York, actor Clemens Schick, topmodel Franziska Knuppe, Minu Barati-Fischer, designers Ivan Strano, Klaus Unrath and Jetto Joop will attend the gala concert, which is hosted by Montblanc at the "Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt" in Berlin.


The PRIX Montblanc 2009 for a young talented pianist: Nikolai Tokarev


This year's winner of the PRIX Montblanc Award is the 26-year-old Moscow virtuoso pianist Nikolai Tokarev who will be honoured during the gala concert of the Philharmonia of the Nations by a jury, consisting of Prof. Justus Frantz (Director of the Philharmonia of the Nations), internationally acclaimed percussionist Prof. Li Biao, music professor and composer Prof. Jürgen Christ and Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc International.

The young emerging pianist began his career at the age of six and is considered as one of the great discoveries in contemporary piano playing. His remarkable debut CD "No.1" had already earned him the Echo Klassik award for the best newcomer in 2008. His style is described as a breathtaking combination of his supreme technical skill and his unmistakable delight in playing.

The Philharmonia of the Nations - "Let's make music as friends"


The Philharmonia of the Nations was founded in 1995 by Justus Frantz under the credo of Leonard Bernstein "Let's make music as friends" which still serves as motto and inspiration for the orchestra's activities.

The idea behind was the formation of an unconventional, multicultural orchestra of young creative musicians from different nations and cultures whose common language is music, thus conveying a message of peace and harmony.

Sharing these ideals Montblanc is one of the founding sponsors and patron of the Philharmonia of the Nations.

PRIX Montblanc winner of 2008 was the 23-year-old Russian violinist Alina Ibragimova.

The ensemble is made up of young talented musicians, currently from 40 nations and four continents and has been reviewed by the New York Times as one of the ten best orchestras in the world.



Nicolas Rieussec: The inventor of the world’s first chronograph


A historical moment occurred on September 1st in 1821, at a horse race in Paris, when the watch maker Nicolas Rieussec succeeded in recording the time of every horse passing by the finishing line to an accuracy of a quarter of a second. A remarkable achievement: before that Saturday in Paris, time could not be accurately measured.





The Chronograph

Chronograph: Nicolas Rieussec’s chronograph was a wooden case containing a clock movement that drove two rotating dials on the lid. Above them was a fixed index that left a drop of ink on the rotating dials each time a button was pushed.

The revolutionary device which allowed him to measure the time was a wooden case containing a clock movement with two rotating discs beneath an ink-filled tip. By pushing a button, the tip would come into contact with one of the dials leaving a visible mark to measure the time.

Taking the Greek word for time; chronos, and graphein; to write, Nicolas Rieussec had invented the very first chronograph.

After six months, on March 9th in 1822, Nicolas Rieussec was finally awarded a patent to protect his idea and the chronograph received its first official recognition.




Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph


Even though chronographs have as a matter of course developed considerably since 1821, Nicolas Rieussec’s invention continues to serve as an inspiration for Montblanc’s master watchmakers. The principle of the two rotating discs is the key element which gives the timepieces of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Collection a highly distinctive face.

The rotating discs are securely mounted in gleaming red jewel bearings on a bridge with chamfered and polished edges. The shape of the bridge is reminiscent of the upwardly curved corners of a smile.


Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec - Monopusher Chronograph, MB R100 manufacture movement with manual winding, off-centre hour, minute and date display, power reserve display, 30 minutes and 60 seconds rotating disc counters, 950 platinum case, black alligator-skin strap. Limited to 25 pieces.


Le Locle – the home of time


Montblanc’s watches and own mechanical movements are manufactured a thousand metres above sea level in the mountains of the Swiss Jura. Even though this is the home of time, time here seems to stand still: Le Locle, the birthplace of traditional Swiss watchmaking and home to the worlds finest watchmakers for centuries.

Le Locle is also the home of Montblanc Montre S.A. The manufacture is housed in a historic villa built in 1906, the same year the cornerstone for the company Montblanc was placed. Montblanc’s passionate master watchmakers combine historic traditions of the art of Swiss watchmaking with the very latest technology. They work to tolerances of a few hundredth of a millimetre and continue to create mechanical pieces of art.

With the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Collection, and especially with its first own manufacture movements, the handwound calibre MB R100 and the self-winding calibre MB R200 built from first to last in the workshops in Le Locle, Montblanc established its credentials as one of a select group of watch brands referred to as manufactures.


Montblanc Calibre MB R100, manual winding manufacture movement, 13 ¾ lines, column wheel control, vertical disc clutch, large screw-balance (moment of inertia: 12 mg.cm2, diameter: 9,7 mm), frequency 4 Hz, 33 jewels, twin barrels, power reserve approximately 72 hours.


Montblanc Calibre MB R200, self-winding manufacture movement, 13 ¾ lines, column wheel control, vertical disc clutch, large screw-balance (moment of inertia: 12 mg.cm2, diameter: 9,7 mm), frequency 4 Hz, 40 jewels, twin barrels, power reserve approximately 72 hours.



Find out more about the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec collection and visit our website www.montblanc.com.





Coming soon:

Montblanc Manufactures - Part 2: Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie

Writing Time


On September 1st, 1821, at a horse racing event in Paris, the watch maker Nicolas Rieussec presented a revolutionary invention - a device with two rotating discs beneath an index filled with ink to measure elapsed time: the Chronograph.

Taking the essence of Nicolas Rieussec's invention, Montblanc unveiled in 2008 four time-keeping master pieces incorporating the rotating disc technique. The time pieces feature Montblanc’s first own manufacture movement – the handwound calibre MB R100 – and established its credentials as one of a select group of watch brands referred to as manufactures. Montblanc mastered the expertise and craftsmanship needed to engineer, design and produce a movement from start to finish.


Exclusive Facebook Preview:
Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic


For aficionados of mechanical movements with automatic winding, Montblanc is now presenting the self-winding calibre MB R200. Besides the essence of Nicolas Rieussec’s revolutionary invention from 1821, the calibre offers a second time-zone, date and day-night display.


Discover the exclusive Facebook Preview of Montblanc’s
Manufacture Movements in the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Online Special.


To get an exclusive sneak peek of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Collection please click here.


Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Automatic - Monopusher Chronograph, MB R200 self-winding manufacture movement, off-centre hour, minute and date display, second time-zone with day-night display, 30 minutes and 60 seconds rotating disc counters, 18 K red gold case, brown alligator-skin strap.



For more information, please visit our website.

To find a Boutique near you, please visit www.montblanc.com/boutiques.
- Golden dust, “4810” shining lights and seven beautiful fairies in the middle of an unexpected snowfall -

(f.l.t.r.) Lily Cole, Alice Taglioni, Juliette Binoche, Jacqueline Bisset, Lutz Bethge, Eva Green, Clotilde Courau and Virginie Ledoyen attend the Montblanc Paris Flagship Boutique Launch - Inauguration Cocktail party on October 1, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)


A fairy-tale like atmosphere surrounded last nights’ opening party of Montblanc's biggest flagship store in Europe – the new boutique in Rue de la Paix No. 7, Paris. Juliette Binoche, Jacqueline Bisset, Lily Cole, Clotilde Coureau, Virginie Ledoyen, Alice Taglion and brand ambassador Eva Green, dressed up as seven fairies, came to spread their blessing of glamour, success and beauty over the prestigious boutique in the heart of the Haute Joaillerie of Paris.












Among the guests: Sara Marchal and Jean-Claude Jitrois (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)
The ceremony was accompanied by an intimate dinner in Hotel d'Evreuy with a magnificent view over Place Vendôme, where the selected guests were offered a rare glimpse of the Montblanc Haute Joaillerie collection.


Guests Lily Cole and Enrique Murciano at the Montblanc Paris Flagship Boutique Launch - Inauguration Cocktail party . (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc)
French actor Francois Berleand attends the Montblanc Paris Flagship Boutique Launch - Inauguration Cocktail party on October 1, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)









With 500 square meters Montblanc's Rue de la Paix flagship store is the largest boutique in Europe. The prestigious address in Rue de la Paix is not only a boutique offering exclusive collections, bespoke pieces, limited editions, precious and rare finery - primarily in high jewellery, watch making and writing instruments – it is also housing Montblanc’s Designs Studio on the first floor and is a location destined to become a place of cultural exchange.


New Montblanc Boutique in the prestigious Rue de la Paix in Paris.
Montblanc opens one of its grandest flagship boutiques in the world in heart of the Haute Joaillerie of Paris. On two floors and about 500 square meters, Europe’s largest Montblanc Boutique presents exclusive collections, bespoke pieces, limited editions, precious and rare one-of-a-kind pieces primarily in high jewellery, watches and writing instruments.
The grand opening party will take place today, October 1st, 2009.




Boutique entrance with a three meter high glass chandelier.
Upon entering the Boutique in Rue de la Paix, one of the world’s most prestigious and fashionable shopping streets, visitors will be mesmerized by a three meter high glass chandelier decorated with about 630.000 Swarovski crystals, a unique piece created especially for the boutique.


















The Boutique presents Montblanc’s fascinating product range, such as handcrafted timepieces manufactured in Le Locle and at the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie, silver and fine jewellery, writing instruments and finest leather goods and showcases Montblanc’s longtime tradition of craftsmanship.



“Salons Privés”: On the top floor, several private rooms, await guests allowing them to discover a jewellery atelier in a special and private atmosphere.
A special enchantment is a space that has been designed to emulate a typical Paris apartment with a charming garden view to present high jewellery. In this area, one-of-a-kind pieces and other creations commissioned exclusively for the boutique will be displayed to visitors.

The top floor will host the intimate “Salons Privés” which have been designed to allow select customers to discover a jewellery atelier in privacy and perfectly demonstrate all the savoir-faire of the house of Montblanc.



For the first time ever, the Montblanc Haute Joaillerie collection will be presented under the same roof.


The Paris Boutique is destined to become a place of cultural exchange, exhibiting original artworks from Montblanc’s Cutting Edge Art Collection on a rotating basis. In addition, each month Montblanc will offer emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and exhibit their contemporary works of art in the Boutique. The first initiative to be hosted by the boutique will be the winner of the Prix Montblanc Docks Art Fair (Contemporary Art Fair of Lyons, France), a prize supporting emerging national artists.

The grand opening party will take place today, October 1st, 2009. Among the expected guests are Juliette Binoche, Clotilde Courau, Jacqueline Bisset, Lily Cole, Eva Green, Alice Taglioni, Jean Claude Jitrois, Sarah Marshall, Thierry Lhermitte, François Berleand, Irene Frain, Jean Cristophe Grange, Frédéric Beigbeder, Amanda Sthers, Charles Berling, Geraldine Pailhas.


To find a Boutique near you, visit: http://www.montblanc.com/boutiques
The Exhibition "Letters" in Dubai.
An exhibition of art and calligraphy by young artists, organized by Montblanc is held in the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall from September 14th through October 3rd. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Cultures), the exhibition called “Letters” presents one of the most revered art forms in the Islamic world.


Commenting on the event, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed said, “The Arabic language is inseparably linked with the development and evolution of Arabic script, and by extension, calligraphy. Today, calligraphy is easily among the most revered art forms in the Islamic world because it is linked to our literary heritage.” He is convinced that the huge interest by young artist and students towards this old Arabic art form reaffirm that Arab art is developing rapidly.

“Calligraphy is among the most revered art forms in the Islamic world” - HH Sheikh Majid.


HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opening the Exhibition “Letters” along with Montblanc Regional Brand Director, Joe Nahhas
“The very foundations of civilization and culture are rooted in language and writing and all enlightening experiences and exciting discoveries have to be recorded before they can be exploited and developed. Knowledge, ability and will are what transcend the individual and distinguish the culture of mankind.” said Montblanc’s Regional Brand Director Joe Nahhas during the inauguration of this exhibition on September 14th.







Montblanc presents contemporary calligraphic designs in the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall.
Montblanc promotes many different international activities that each contribute in their own way to the cultural life of society. In 2009, Montblanc renewed its cooperation with UNICEF and initiated “Signature for Good”, the third charitable campaign that once more advocates UNICEF’s educational programmes. In this context, the “Letters” exhibition in Dubai is one among a series of co-ordinated initiatives around the world.
Montblanc opened its seventh and largest Montblanc Boutique in Hong Kong at 1881 Heritage. The upscale Heritage 1881 shopping center is in a historical Hong Kong landmark which for a period of years served as headquarters for the Marine Police.

New Montblanc Boutique at 1881 Heritage in Hong Kong.


New Montblanc Boutique in Hong Kong with 400 square meters over two floors.
In the exclusive ambience of 1881 Heritage, Montblanc presents special writing instruments, precious jewellery pieces, handcrafted timepieces and more fascinating products on 400 square meters over two floors.










The first own room for the exclusive Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 timepieces.
With the first own room worldwide for the exclusive Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 timepieces, the new Montblanc Boutique offers its customers a very special and private experience of this exquisite line of timepieces.

Last night, on September 17, 2009, Hollywood’s best and brightest gathered for the Montblanc Gala and Auction to Benefit UNICEF. The sale of 12 Celebrity Portraits and one-of-a-kind writing instruments helps Montblanc surpass the goal to donate a minimum of $1.5 Million Dollar to UNICEF’s education and literacy programmes.

Montblanc International CEO Lutz Bethge, President & CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF Caryl M. Stern and Sotheby’s Chairman Jamie Niven present the result of the Auction: US$ 224.000 to the benefit of UNICEF. © Mark Sullivan
This exclusive Charity Gala, a grand finish of the charitable Montblanc & Signature International Cultural and Charitable Photo Project, was hosted by Montblanc at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. Guests were greeted by Montblanc International CEO, Lutz Bethge, and President & CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF, Caryl M. Stern and were accompanied by the evening’s MC, Michael York and Sotheby’s Chairman Jamie Niven. The auction of the 12 celebrity portraits by Roger Moenks each accompanied by a one-of-a-kind Montblanc writing instruments made of 18K gold, blue sapphires and white diamonds achieved a total amount of US$ 224.000 to solely benefit UNICEF’s education and literacy programs.

Montblanc International CEO Lutz Bethge greeted the guests of the Charity Auction Gala to benefit UNICEF. © Jesse Grant


Montblanc International CEO, Lutz Bethge,
“We are really thrilled about tonight’s auction result. In times like these, we are very grateful that there is such strong support globally for the work Montblanc is doing to benefit UNICEF. There is still much to be done to make education available to all children, but the funds raised tonight will certainly help in our continued efforts.”


Photographer Roger Moenks, President & CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF Caryl M. Stern and Montblanc International CEO Lutz Bethge. © Jesse Grant
Rachel Griffiths, Anil Kapoor, Billy Zane, Stefanie Powers, Catt Sadler, Perry Reeves, Cat Deeley, Katie Cassidy, Wladimir Klitschko, Morena Baccarin, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Jack Huston, Mace Neufeld, Nino Machaidze, Guiseppe Filianotti, Michael York, photographer Roger Moenks and many others attended this exclusive Charity Gala hosted by Montblanc.

Among the guests: Actor Anil Kapoor arrives at the Charity Auction Gala. © Michael Bezjian


First Lady of Gabon Madame Inge Bongo, Princess YAV Marilyn, Actor Billy Zane and Actress Morena Baccarin (f.l.t.r.) arrive at the Charity Auction Gala. © Michael Bezjian










Today, Sept. 17, 2009 Montblanc honours one of ten great patrons in Tokyo with the Japanese MONTBLANC DE LA CULTURE ARTS PATRONAGE AWARDS 2009.

MONTBLANC DE LA CULTURE ARTS PATRONAGE AWARDS 2009

In 1992, Montblanc established the Foundation d'Enterprise Montblanc de la Culture to support and honour modern-day patrons of the arts who devoted their time, energy and money in order to encourage cultural life to flourish.

Each year the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award recognises and celebrates the work of outstanding private patrons of the arts in 10 countries around the world.

The MONTBLANC DE LA CULTURE ARTS PATRONAGE AWARD winners 2009

Montblanc is proud to honour this year’s patrons of the arts:


All of these winning patrons have demonstrated both a history of personal commitment to the arts but also a concern that the wider public should benefit as a result of that support.

As an active corporate sponsor of a wide-ranging programme of cultural activities, Montblanc strongly believes in the crucial part passionate and committed individuals play for the arts. Since 1992, as a symbol of that belief, Montblanc has organised the annual Montblanc de la Culture Awards. A jury of internationally renowned artists chooses 10 winners from a shortlist of 33. The winner in each country receives a Montblanc Limited Edition ‘Patron of Art’ pen, specially created for the Montblanc de la Culture and 15.000 Euros which is to be donated to the arts programme of his choice.

Lutz Bethge (left) and the winner of the 2009 Chinese Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award Mr. Ma Wei Du (right).
Chinese honouree Ma Wei Du received the prize money of 15.000 Euros on June 8, 2009 in the Hyatt Bejing Grand Ballromm with which he will further support the Guan Fu Museum.


Additionally in 2009, and with the special agreement of the internationally renowned pianist, Lang Lang, who is also Chairman of the Montblanc Foundation, the Montblanc Cultural Foundation will be donating additional monies to the projects supported by the Winners. This extra help will be calculated on the basis of a donation of US $ 2,00 per sold of Lang Lang’s latest CD, released in October of 2008.