Montblanc is already projected into the year 2017 with the release of its three new stainless–steel and bronze or bronze timepieces. We are talking about the Montblanc 1858 Chronometer Tachymeter Limited 100 (we dealt with the stainless steel version on this occasion already), the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time and the Montblanc 1858 Automatic. All these watches are equipped with a stainless–steel case and a bronze bezel (but the Tachymeter that is full bronze, case back excluded that is made of titanium); a unique combination in the world of watch-making. The peculiarity of this material is that, with the passing of time, it creates a patina that makes it unique and therefore quite tied to its owner.
The design of the dial is typical of the 1858 Collection; an ample dial with Arabic numbers and “cathedral” indices coated with SuperLuminova. The same SuperLuminova coating is also present on the tips of the small seconds hands of the Dual Time version; a detail that I have very much appreciated. The Tachymeter comes with a beautiful champagne dial with sunray finishing and sports a nice contrast between the polished bezel and the satinated case. The case back ring is a bronze coloured piece of titanium. The aged leather strap completes the vintage spirit of this collection.
A special mention goes to the in–house built Minerva caliber of the Montblanc Chronometer Tachymeter Limited Edition 100. The Tachymeter hosts the superb Minerva MB M16.29 with column wheel mechanism, horizontal coupling, the unmistakable V–shape bridge, and the balance wheel oscillating at 18,000 vph for a maximum 50 hours of power reserve. On the Dual Time version, the local hour hand can be adjusted separately by the home hour hand, thus allowing a quicker process in setting the hour when changing timezone without affecting minutes and seconds hands.
At first sight, these are well-thought-out timepieces minus the 44mm case size that is probably a bit too big in my opinion on a watch that features classic lines and a vintage style; we reserve however the right to give a more complete opinion about this timepiece as soon as we are given the chance to wear it.
The year 2017 of the watch-making industry starts surprising me as I could never expect to see a Montblanc 1858 made of bronze; a material that is catching on more and more after its debut on two diver’s watches this year (the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze and the ORIS Carl Brashear Limited Edition). The baton is now in Montblanc’s hands, and the manufacturer takes a small step ahead and uses this material on a timepiece that is much more classic than the above mentioned watches. I bet that we will see the stainless steel and bronze combo being used on other manufacturers’ collections now on.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Montblanc)
Matteo Bulla @Horbiter®
