Yesterday at the SIAR, Mexico’s international haute horlogerie fair, of which WorldTempus is media partner, Montblanc officially presented a new variant of its famous monopusher chronograph. At the same time, a select few international journalists discovered it along with the other surprises Montblanc has in store for 2018, during this week’s pre-SIHH press trip (WorldTempus was also involved). To find out more about that, however, you’ll have to wait for the event itself, in the new year.
For ten years, Montblanc has been mining the rich vein of Minerva’s chronometric heritage. Minerva’s watchmaking expertise goes back to the mid-19th century, and its technical innovations accompanied some of the major sports achievements of the 20th century. In this instance, the inspiration is the Minerva calibre 17.29, which equipped pocket watches and wristwatches from the 1930s, now transformed into the calibre MB M16.29 with column wheel developed by Montblanc, whose distinguishing feature is its V-shaped chronograph bridge and oversized balance with 252 parts. This manually wound movement has a power reserve of 50 hours. Montblanc’s contemporary input is reflected in the movement’s certification, the result of 500 hours of testing in its in-house laboratory, which guarantees reliability and performance. While hand finishing – including circular graining and Côtes de Genève – are to be expected in an haute horlogerie timepiece, the fact that some components are made of rose gold is all about ensuring visual harmony with the bronze alloy of the case and the salmon-coloured dial, a first for this collection. It’s been a year now since Montblanc started producing some of its collections in bronze, at the prompting of the head of the company’s watch division, Davide Cerrato. Each of the one hundred 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition watches will acquire its own unique patina over time, according to how its owner chooses to wear it.
Copper and cognac
The retro-vintage touches don’t stop there, as connoisseurs will no doubt have noticed. Minerva enthusiasts will have recognised the salmon dial and its sunray guilloché finish as a nod to the watchmaker’s own timepieces. Historical references continue with the generous cathedral-type hands, filled stained-glass-window-style with luminescent material, and the period Montblanc logo and symbol. For optimum readability, the chronograph hands are blued, which adds significantly to the aesthetic effect. The watch comes in a generously proportioned 44 mm case, with a large crown for easy manipulation, particularly where the chronograph functions are concerned. Montblanc has called upon another specialised division of the parent company – leather goods – to bring the finishing touch to this neo-vintage limited edition of 100. The beautiful vintage cognac alligator strap is made by Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence. A photo of this watch on the wrist may well be featured on our social media accounts in the near future. Follow us to find out!
