Montblanc 1858 Collection

Of all the five new watches in the Montblanc 1858 Collection launched this year, the 1858 Automatic and1858 Automatic Chronograph are closest to original, boasting all the vintage aesthetics.

The 1858 Automatic is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with a bronze bezel and fluted crown. It is available in two dial versions of black and smoked champagne. The 1858 Automatic Chronograph, on the other hand, features a 42mm stainless steel or bronze case and bi-compax counters at 3 and 9 o’clock. Both models are water resistant to 100m and fitted with either a high-quality black and grey NATO strap or aged calfskin strap.

The 1858 Geosphere is dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit mountaineering challenge. If you didn’t know, the challenge is considered the most difficult mountaineering quest worldwide and only 500 athletes have ever completed it.

The timepiece features a world time complication with two turning domed hemisphere globes that make a full rotation in 24 hours. The northern hemisphere (located at 12 o’clock) turns counter-clockwise, while the southern hemisphere (at 6 o’clock) turns clockwise. Both of them are surrounded by a scale with the 24 time zones, along with a day/ night indication in contrasting colours. You can also see the longitude reference meridian on both hemispheres coated in Superluminova.

In addition, there is a second time zone indicator at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. To keep the spirit of mountain exploration alive, all the summits are marked on the globes with red dots. It comes with either a stainless steel or a bronze case limited to 1858 pieces.

The 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition 100 was inspired by the historical Minerva monopusher chronograph calibre 13.20 that was developed in 1920. Limited to 100 pieces, this new model shows off an enigmatic smoked green dial and matching green alligator strap. Reminiscent of the early Minerva chronographs, the bi-compax dial places the small second counter at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. On the case back, the sapphire crystal reveals the Calibre MB M13.21, recognisable by the iconic V-shaped chronograph bridge whose design was protected in 1912.

Last but in no way least, the 1858 Pocket Watch Limited Edition 100 represents the greatest attempt at embracing the Minerva Manufacture heritage. Designed for mountain explorers, the 60mm pocket watch(made from grade-two titanium that is both polished and satin finished) has three different uses.

You can set it up on a table with a stand or combine it with an in-built compass that can be accessed by laying it flat on a map. It can also be transformed into a wristwatch when attached to a unique brown Sfumato aged calfskin strap. Then, of course, you can hold it in your hand – just like a traditional pocket watch. The 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and small second counter at 6 o’clock are cut directly into the dreamy Dumortierite stone.