Montblanc Unveils Pre-SIHH 2017 Vintage 1858 Watches – In Bronze

Pre-SIHH 2017 Sneak Peek: Montblanc 1858 CC

For the first time ever, Montblanc is turning to a new material for its soon-to-be-released vintage-inspired 1858 timepieces: bronze. While the brand is releasing a series of three watches in bronze that pay homage to the year 1858 when the famed Minerva (which is owned by Montblanc) was founded in Villeret, the one we are most excited about is the 1858 Chronometer Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 watch. This piece embodies the beauty of the iconic Minerva chronographs from the 1930’s, with vintage-inspired dial and distinct appeal.

1858 Chronometer Tachymeter Limited Edition 100

Turning to bronze – a metal of yesteryear – for this collection was a bold yet smart move. In the case of the Chronometer Tachymeter, the bronze offsets the color of the dial and the antique camel-color strap with true vintage appeal. Best of all, of course, is the fact that the bronze will age – giving it a unique patina over the years that is strictly a result of the wear of the owner.

Like the Minerva chronographs of the 1930’s, this new watch features such distinct design codes as large cathedral hands, Arabic numerals, shaped crown and a superb minute railway track on the outer edge of the dial. The watch even sports the original Montblanc logo from that era. The dial is champagne color with a sunray finish that matches the 44mm satinized bronze case. The hands are beige Super-LumiNova® for easy reading at night. The 100-piece limited edition is fitted with a bronze-colored titanium caseback (for hypo-allergenic reasons against the skin) and a polished bezel.

The Minerva manual monopusher chronograph movement, Calibre MB M16.29, with column-wheel chronograph, powers the watch. It offers 50 hours of power reserve. This movement is an evolution of the Calibre 17.29 used in pocket watches of the era, with similarly shaped components but different, updated finishings and rose-gold colored parts to further accentuate the bronze metal and vintage feel. The movement consists of 252 meticulously finished parts. Chronograph functions include central seconds hand and minute counter at 3:00. There is also a tachymeter scale on the dial for measuring speed, and small subsidiary seconds hand at 9:00. The watch is tentatively priced at 27,500 Euro.

As mentioned, in addition to this version there are two other Montblanc 1858 Automatic watches being released in bronze at highly affordable prices We’ll bring you more after SIHH 2017.