TIME TRAVELLERS
Montblanc commemorates the 160-year-old heritage of the Minerva manufacture with the 1858 Collection that draws influences from watches of the 1920s and ’30s
INSPIRED BY THE functional and robust watches Minerva made for explorers and soldiers during the ’20s and ’30s, Montblanc’s new quintet for its 1858 Collection doesn’t just appeal with retro-chic elegance but also with useful complications. Featured extensively is the chronograph, for its utilitarian features and its significant role in the history of the manufacture.
These models are reworked with components that are immediately reminiscent of the original Minerva chronographs: slimmer horns with polished, bevelled edges; fluted crowns; domed sapphire crystal glass boxes; cathedral-shaped hands with domed cloisonné design, aged leather straps, and the original Montblanc logo.
An essential among entry pieces is the 1858 Automatic, a 40mm wristwatch with vintage sensibilities. Or consider the 1858 Automatic Chronograph, in bronze or stainless steel, which is powered by the MB 25.11 calibre.
Adventurous types will be pleased by the 1858 Geosphere’s take on the world timer. On the dial are two domed globes, each depicting the northern and southern hemispheres and rotating in opposite directions. Surrounding each globe is a 24hour scale that also serves as a day and night indicator, while a luminescent white line brings attention to the longitude reference meridian for both hemispheres. Other features include a second time-zone display, date and marked locations of the seven highest mountains on every continent. Names of each peak have also been printed on the case back in homage to the Seven Summits Challenge, the world’s toughest mountaineering quest. A self-winding calibre MB 29.25 lies within this timepiece, which comes in stainless-steel or limited-edition bronze. Each has three strap options: brown sfumato calf leather Bund-style, cognac aged calfskin or black NATO.
With the 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition 100, Montblanc honours the 13.20 chronograph calibre that debuted in 1920. Most stunning among its features is the MB M13.21 movement, which can be admired from the sapphire case back. Comprising a large balance wheel beating languidly at 18,000vph, column wheel and horizontal coupling, it also features the brand’s V-shape chronograph bridge and Minerva arrow.
But the most covetable among them all has to be the 1858 Pocket Watch Limited Edition 100. It can be employed as a table clock, a navigating tool (with its in-built compass), or pocket-or wristwatch). Its titanium case makes it lightweight despite its chunky 60mm size, while its dumortierite-stone dial guarantees excellent readability even in dim lighting. At its heart is the MB M16.24 calibre, inspired by the Minerva Monopusher chronograph MB M16.29.