NIC Of Time

The Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is the most distinctive timepiece of its class

- Alvin Wong

What makes a watch iconic? When posed the question, even the most prolific watchmakers and designers would be stumped. “We will never know” seems to be the most appropriate response. This would often be followed closely by an admission of – or resignation to – greater powers at work. “It is the customers who decide,” the men behind the watches are wont to say.

Even so, we want to believe that there is an intent for greatness; a hedging of creative bets, if you will, for a new watch to not only do well, but be lauded among the best and most recognised. We are sure that the designers behind the Porsche 911, the iPhone, the Burberry trench coat, the Nike Air Force One, and so many other iconic accoutrements of our time are at least hopeful that their creations would hit the mark. What is the point then, if it wasn’t so?

By the same token, we assume that the said creators would have been vested in their offerings to a reasonably high degree. So, as much as it is the customers who ultimately decide, the onus is on the creators to craft products that are fully formed – so that these cars, shoes, bags, or apparel are immediately distinctive, primed for popularity, and can stand the test of time.

READY TO ROLL

When Montblanc premiered the first-generation Star Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph in 2008, its makers must have known that they were on the verge of something massive.