Montblanc is unveiling the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18. The watch uses a new gold alloy called Lime Gold. The Montblanc 1858 line takes its inspiration from the professional Minerva watches from the 1920s and 1930s. These piece were used in extreme conditions, following their initial conception for use by the military.
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 is a reinterpretation of the historical military chronographs from the 1930s. These were equipped with the calibre 19-09CH, with a diameter of 46 mm. The somewhat smaller 44 mm case of the new timepiece uses the 18-carat gold alloy called Lime Gold. The dial comes in a matching gold-coloured coating with contrasting green elements.
Lime Gold veers towards a pale yellow green and isa special alloy – for the first time unveiled by a watch maison – composed of 18-carat Gold (Au 750 ‰), Silver (Ag 238 ‰) and Iron (Fe 12 ‰) that evokes a unique vintage look.
The gold-coloured dial has a sunray finish. By contrast, the luminescent cathedral-shaped hour and minute hands, the minuterie, the central split-second hand, the tachymeter and the telemeter scales, as well as the Montblanc emblem at 12 o’clock, are in different green tones. Only the central chronograph second hand, as well as the chronograph 30-minute and small second-counters, are gold in colour, thus matching the case and dial.
Inspired by the original timepiece, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 has a telemeter scale that runs around the dial. It allows the wearer to measure the distance of an event that is both visible and audible. Meanwhile, the snailed tachymeter scale measures a length of time of up to three minutes, instead of one minute, as it is the case in traditional chronographs.
The case back reveals the manufacture’s monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.31. It takes its inspiration from the original Minerva calibres 19.09CH from 1909, as well as the Evolution calibre 17-29 from the 1930s. The calibre MB M16.31 showcases finishings such as Côtes de Genève, circular graining and bevelling – all of which the brand craft at their Montblanc (former Minerva) manufacture in Villeret. Additionally, the plates and bridges are made of Maillechort (German-silver), plated in 18-carat gold.
The calibre has two column wheels (one for the chronograph and one for the split second complication), a horizontal coupling and a power reserve of 50 hours.
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 comes on a vintage green nubuck alligator leather strap. The buckle is also in 18-carat Lime Gold. Finally, the timepiece is a limited edition of 18 pieces. Its price is 49,500 euros.
