If you’ve been following Montblanc for a while, you’re probably aware of their hottest retro release till date. Earlier this year at the SIHH 2017, Montblanc introduced their 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition In Bronze; a watch that was inspired by the iconic Minerva chronographs from the 1930s.
With the new 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100, Montblanc’s going even more 30’s. That retro-vintage dial in salmon-colour featuring a sunray finishing complemented by a 44 mm case made of bronze captures the spirit of Montblanc’s past in a contemporary vintage way.
Particular attention has been paid to researching the perfect alloy of bronze that will evolve with its owner by developing its own unique, uniform and attractive patina over the years. Completing the design, the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 features large historical luminescent cathedral-shaped hands with a cloisonné design, blued chronograph and second hands for utmost refinement and better readability, luminescent Arabic numerals, a classic minute railway track and the original Montblanc logo from the 1930s era with its historical font and the emblem of the Mont Blanc Mountain.
At the heart of the timepiece lies the traditional manual monopusher chronograph, the MB M16.29, with a column wheel mechanism, horizontal coupling, chronograph bridge in a ‘V’ shape and a large screwed balance wheel with a frequency of 18,000 semi oscillations per hour. Designed in a large ‘Pocket Watch’ style, the calibre MB M16.29 has been inspired by the original Minerva calibre 17.29, developed for pocket watches and wristwatches in the 1930s.
It features hand-made Côtes de Genève stripes, circular graining and red gold-coloured components, offering a look that matches perfectly the bronze alloy and the salmon-coloured dial. As with all the historical calibres, one of the movement’s components is shaped into the form of the Minerva arrow to pay tribute to the Manufacture’s heritage.
Completing the aesthetics, the timepiece is equipped with a vintage cognac-aged alligator strap made by the artisans at the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and fitted with a satin-finish bronze-plated buckle.
For utmost reliability and performance, the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 has been rigorously tested by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500.