The New Montres KF Lady EI8HT

Introduced in December 2020, the Montres KF EI8HT is a tourbillon for daily wear housed in an angular sporty case. With a focus on precision and resistance, it is powered by a hand-wound movement packed with smart, innovative technical solutions. The model is now offered in a smaller Ladies version, still customizable to the max via the brand’s Bespoke Only concept.

Originally available in a large 44.5mm case, the Montres KF EI8HT is now offered in a reduced-size ladies’ model. Still, the Lady EI8HT is not small by any means and its distinctive faceted case now measures 42mm. Its octagonal-shaped design with its multiple facets offers numerous possibilities in terms of gem-setting.

This new version of the EI8HT required a new movement. The Lady EI8HT is powered by the hand-wound Novamag 02 calibre that shares a lot with the Novamag 01 but was modified to achieve smaller dimensions. The pillar-type movement is now 35.8 mm x 6.8 mm (versus 37.7mm x 7.4mm). The hours and minutes indication are now slightly off-centred while the tourbillon is visible via a large opening into the dial at 6 o’clock over a dazzling diamond backdrop whose setting can be personalized.

From a technical perspective, the new movement is now driven by one barrel instead of two. The resulting autonomy is of 45 hours, yet the power reserve is actually longer but is limited by a Maltese cross mechanism to use only the optimal range of the mainspring. The keyless works with their patented anti-shock system were also modified. 

Now set with precious stones, the tourbillon itself keeps the same architecture. Its construction features an escapement designed in house, a balance with variable inertia and auxiliary thermo-compensation. The balance-spring features a Grossman internal curve and a Phillips external curve. A rare feature for a tourbillon, it is fitted with a stop-second mechanism (with an original technical solution). Last but not least, several key components of the movement are made out of amagnetic material and the movement complies with the ISO 764-2020 established in 2020. Turning the watch over, the Novamag 02 calibre is visible via the exhibition caseback. The main plate still displays impressive skeletonization and it is also diamond set on that side.

Of course, as you have come to expect with Karsten Fraessdorf, the Lady EI8HT is highly technical. But there is more than just a technical movement. Like the larger version of the EI8HT, this new tourbillon is available as Bespoke Only. The aesthetics of the watch can thus be completely personalized: the case and its material, the dial typology and motifs, the decoration and stone-setting of the movement, of the tourbillon cage, the balance wheel weight, the crown, the strap or the buckle can be tailored to the client’s choice. The model has been nominated in the Ladies’ complication category the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve 2021. Price is of CHF 145,000 for the blue dial version presented in this article. For more information, please visit www.montreskf.com.