Introduced at SIHH, this new chronograph from Montblanc incorporates some interesting features. The movement uses a column wheel and vertical clutch, and both the chronograph seconds and minute hands are mounted in the center. There is also a flyback function, a date window at 9 o’clock, and a second time zone with 24-hour display at 12 o’clock.
The Calibre MB LL100’s vertical disk coupling helps the seconds hand start smoothly when the chronograph is activated, and it reduces friction and so prevents unnecessary wear when the chronograph function is allowed to run for lengthy intervals. The center-mounted chronograph seconds can be read on the quarter-seconds scale on the outermost periphery of the dial, and the sixty-minute track is a separate scale inside the hours-circle.
Pressing the button at 4 o’clock while the chronograph is running causes both the central chronograph seconds hand and the red sixty-minute totalizer to “fly back” to their zero positions and, without further action by the wearer, immediately begin measuring a new interval. This zeroing of the twin centrally-axial hands gave rise to the “TwinFly” name.
This new caliber is also endowed with two barrels which provide multiple benefits. The power reserve is 72 hours, and the twin barrels generate ample power to compensate for differences in torque that occur when the chronograph function is switched on and off. This compensation reduces the difference in amplitude that accompanies the activation and deactivation of the chronograph function. The result is a more stable rate in each of the watch’s operating states.
The centrally-mounted chronograph seconds and minutes open up space on the dial for an additional function. Where a chronograph subdial would have been, the designers installed a 24-hour second time zone display which naturally indicates whether it is day or night in the second time zone. To maintain the dial’s symmetry, the continuous seconds are positioned on a subdial at 6 o’clock.
The TimeWalker TwinFly Chronograph is available in three versions, each 43mm in diameter. At the top of the line is the model pictured below which has a light and scratch-resistant DLC-coated titanium case. This piece will be issued in a limited edition of 300 pieces priced at $11,820. Also available are stainless steel models on strap at $7660, or on bracelet at $7920. The back of the case is equipped with a sapphire crystal so aficionados can appreciate the movement with skeletonized rotor beneath.
