The Montblanc 1858 product line pays tribute to the Minerva Manufacture’s heritage and professionnal watches that were conceived for military use and exploration.
Like on the original timepiece, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph features a telemeter scale that runs around the dial, which was a typical feature on the Minerva chronographs. A telemeter makes it possible to measure the distance of a phenomenon which is both visible and audible, like the lightning and thunder in a storm. The chronograph hand starts at the instant the phenomenon is seen (lightning); it is stopped when the sound is heard (thunder). The position on the scale shows the distance in kilometres separating the phenomenon from the observer. Calibration is based on the speed of which sound travels through the air, which is approximately 340 meters per second or 1,115 feet per second.
The timepiece also features a tachymeter (base 1000) at the centre of the dial in a colimaçon, snail shape, which allows the user to measure a length of time up to three minutes instead of one minute in a traditional chronograph scale around the dial. The tachymeter scale is to show the speed of a moving object, such as a car, over a known distance. As the moving car passes the starting-point of the measured course, whose length corresponds with that used as the basis of calibration, the owner starts the chronograph hand and stops it as the car passes the finishing-point. The figure indicated by the hand on the tachymeter scale represents the speed in kilometres or miles per hour.
The chronograph is combined with a “rattrapante” (split second) complication that allows the user to measure intermediate times without interrupting the ongoing measurement of a longer elapsing time. The “rattrapante” can be admired through the sapphire glass of the case back like on traditional timepiece with such a function.
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph comes in a 44 mm full satinated bronze caseand has a black lacquered dial paired with red gold-coloured elements that accentuate the vintage style while also providing excellent readability of the complications. The glass has an anti-magnetized treatment on the inside top sapphire glass to allow great precision of the two second-hands of the chronograph. The chronograph indications are displayed via a red-gold coated central chronograph second hand, a white-coloured split second hand to measure a second time interval and a chronograph minute counter at three o'clock.
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 100 is equipped with the brand-new Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.31 that features two column wheels, horizontal coupling and a power reserve of 50 hours. The movement takes its inspiration from the original Minerva calibre 17.29 developed in the 1930s, that was used for both pocket watches and wristwatches. This modern-day version features beautiful handcrafted finishings — Côtes de Genève stripes, inner angles, circular graining and bevelling — as well as fine details such as the Minerva arrow, a chronograph bridge shaped in the form of a “V”, and a large screwed balance that has a traditional frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour.
This 100-piece limited edition is fitted with a black alligator strap with beige stitching.
