Montblanc 1858 in bronze (photo: R. Naas, ATimelyPerspective)
If you are a lover of unusual watch materials, you may want to take a closer look at the newest vintage-inspired 1858 bronze watches from Montblanc. While not a high-tech material, bronze is rarely used in watchmaking, but when it is – it is highly coveted. The material ages differently in each and every case depending on its exposure to air, body fluids and temperatures and so it garners a patina over time that makes it unique. This year at SIHH 2017, Montblanc is unveiling a series of three watches in bronze that pay homage to the year 1858 when the famed Minerva watchmaking atelier (which is owned by Montblanc) was founded in Villeret.
We especially love the 1858 Chronometer Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 watch that embodies the beauty of the iconic Minerva chronographs from the 1930’s. The watch is a study in vintage from first look. The dial is parchment champagne colored with a sun ray finish and features an outer minute track as well as a tachymeter bezel — much like the vintage watches used to time sporting events. The red accents on the dial and the large cathedral hands give it that “active” appeal. Even the logo is a throw-back, picked up from the 1930’s watches. The 44mm satin bronze case is the true attraction though. It grabs the eye and makes the whole watch a real package.
The caseback of the new Montblanc bronze 1858 shown at SIHH 2017 is transparent for viewing of the movement (photo: R. Naas).
Created in a limited edition of just 100 pieces, the watch bridges the gap between Montblanc and Villeret at prices that are highly attractive. The mechanical mono-pusher column-wheel chronograph movement — Calibre MB M16.29 — features certain of the 252 components in 18-karat rose gold as a perfect complement to the bronze case. The watch offers 50 hours of power reserve and retails for approximately 27,500 Euro.
Montblanc is introducing three bronze 1858 watches for 2017 at SIHH.
