When Stars Align

From the watchmaking wizardry of Montblanc comes two innovative grand complications crowned with the manufacture’s unique and patented Exo Tourbillon.

- Celine Yap

Its labyrinthine construct and enigmatic presence make the tourbillon indisputably the single most mesmerising feature of any such grand complication timepiece. As much a part of the movement as it is a part of the dial, its job is purely functional – to ensure optimal chronometry – and yet this historical regulating device comports itself with the elegance of a pirouetting ballerina. Wherever you find it, the tourbillon is always the star of the show. And when it combines beautiful watchmaking heritage with an innovative spirit, we get the one-of-a-kind and state-of-the-art Montblanc Exo Tourbillon.

In spite of its ethereal beauty, the traditional tourbillon is far from perfect, so the Exo Tourbillon is Montblanc’s riff on a centuries-old classic. First, instead of containing the balance wheel, hairspring and escapement within a tourbillon cage, Montblanc placed those components outside the tourbillon cage, hence the Exo prefix.

Next, since the tourbillon cage no longer has to house the regulatory components, the balance wheel can be enlarged and the cage, made smaller. Finally, everything moves at a leisurely pace. The tourbillon rotates once every four minutes and the balance oscillates at a breezy 18,000vph. This helps the movement achieve better chronometric stability and energy efficiency, while also offering a magnificent view of the entire device.