The Montblanc 1858 Collection pays tribute to the manufacture founded under the name Minerva. The latter today is an integral part of the Montblanc replica watchmaking manufacture.
1. Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter (Limited Edition of 100 pieces)
Minerva manufacture was founded in Villeret in the Saint-Imier valley in 1858. Montblanc chose, for its Montblanc 1858 collection, to reinterpret a chronograph launched by the Minerva manufacture in the 1930s. In the dimensions of the 44 mm 18-carat red gold case of the contemporary model, one can discover this “vintage” profile. The winding crown that incorporates the chronograph push-piece is also reminiscent of that of the fluted facets on period timepieces. The dials of the replica watches in the replica Montblanc 1858 collection still bear the historic logo of Montblanc that was used at that time. The large dial has large Arabic numerals and “cathedral” hands coated with Super-LumiNova. This material that remains luminescent for a long time means that the timepiece can be used both night and day. The entire display is laid out around two counters, the first of which continually displays the seconds (at 9 o’clock) with the second showing the minutes that have elapsed once the chronograph has been started. The dial background painted in deep black, on which the historic Montblanc emblem has been drawn, also shows a traced rail track, to which has been added a tachymetric scale.
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 pieces
The calibre MB M16.29 is the same size as that of a pocket-watch. It is visible through the transparent sapphire case back. It was inspired by the original chronograph movement, the 17.29 calibre, designed by Minerva in 1929. Consequently, it has components with many similarities. Just like the historic chronograph it has a column-wheel activated by the single push-piece that is built into the winding crown. Through the transparent case back, it is also possible to see the iconic engraved “V” chronograph bridge, which has been protected by Minerva since 1912. All the components, including the cock of the large screw-regulated balance wheel for fine adjustment referred to as the “swan’s neck”, have a Geneva ribbing finish and edges with a large number of re-entrant angles hand-bevelled in the finest tradition of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The horizontal coupling in this classic construction is combined with a lever that holds the chronograph’s hammers, and is finished off with a little arrow, the visual signature of Minerva. This very classic mechanism, assembled, adjusted and finished by hand in the Villeret Manufacture comprises 252 components. It has a depth of 6.30 mm and its balance wheel oscillates at 18,000 vibrations per hour, a traditional frequency reminiscent of heartbeats that allows an autonomy of 50 hours.
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 pieces
Movement Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB M16.29
Type of movement Manually wound monopusher chronograph with tachymeter scale
Chronograph Monopusher with column-wheel and horizontal coupling
Dimensions Diameter = 38.4 mm; height = 6.3 mm
Number of components 252
Number of jewels 22
Power reserve Approx. 50 hours
Balance wheel Screw balance, diameter = 14.5 mm; moment of inertia = 59 mg.cm2
Frequency 18,000 vibrations/hour (2.5 Hz)
Balance spring With Phillips terminal curve
Plate Rhodium-plated German silver with circular graining on both sides
Bridges Rhodium-plated German silver with “Côtes de Genève”
Going–train Gold-plated, faceted arms, diamond-polished surfaces
Displays Central hours and minutes, Small seconds at 9 o’clock, Chronograph’s elapsed-seconds hand in the center of the dial’s, Counter for 30 elapsed minutes at 3 o’clock, Tachymeter scale
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 pieces
Exterior
Case 18 carat red gold (5N)
Crystal Scratch-resistant and antireflective domed sapphire crystal
Back Screwed 18 K red gold back with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions Diameter = 44 mm; height = 13.15 mm
Water–resistance 3 bar
Crown 18 carat red gold (5N) with Montblanc emblem in raised relief
Push-piece Chronograph monopusher integrated into the crown
Dial Black dial with Super-LumiNova-coated, Arabic numerals, 18 carat red gold-plated luminescent hour-hand and minute-hand, historical Montblanc emblem at 12 o’clock, tachymeter scale around the dial circumference
Strap Black alligator-skin strap with 18 carat red gold pin buckle
Limited Edition of 100 pieces
Certified by the Montblanc Performance Test 500
Price 30.000 Euro including 19 % VAT.
>>> Discover the Montblanc 1858 Small Second Special Edition on page 2 >>>
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