LEND A HAND Montblanc expresses the spirit of mountain exploration with a single-handed timepiece that serves two purposes

MONTBLANC’S 1858 COLLECTION quickly established itself as a pillar in the brand’s line-up after its debut, and for good reason. Its mix of classic design codes with rugged, sporty aesthetics isn’t just instantly recognisable, but also poised for wide appeal.

For Watches & Wonders 2020, the brand has unveiled additional models and references that continue to bolster the collection. The theme for the 1858 this year is mountaineering or, as the brand puts it, the “spirit of mountain exploration”, and the most interesting model among them is inarguably the 1858 Automatic 24H.

With just a single 24-hour hand, the 1858 Automatic 24H is certainly a curious sight. It may not, however, be the watch for anyone who needs to know the time down to the second, or even minute. The markings on its chapter ring makes it possible to read the time only to the nearest five minutes or so.

The watch isn’t prioritised for that though. Instead, the markings on the inner flange reveal its secondary function: to serve as a backup compass. The wearer needs only to hold the watch horizontally before rotating it to have the hand point at the sun to access this function. When the hand is aligned with the sun, the directions can then be read off compass markings on the inner flange just like a regular compass. (NB: directions are reversed for the southern hemisphere.)

Repurposing a watch as a compass is admittedly something that’s of limited use in day-to-day life. With just a single hand, however, the 1858 Automatic 24H does offer a unique aesthetic that’s markedly different from “normal” timepieces. This is bolstered by its other design details, from the representation of the Northern Hemisphere that’s printed on the dial, to the contrasting bronze bezel, to the black NATO strap. At S$4,470, the timepiece is also fairly accessible, and represents a compelling value proposition to anyone who’s looking to extend his collection with an uncommon yet appealing tool watch, whether he engages in mountain exploration or otherwise. AM