MANILA, Philippines — Today, the Montblanc timepieces continue the journey of over 160 years of Minerva history in four fine watchmaking areas with Star Legacy, Heritage, TimeWalker and Montblanc 1858 product lines, all linking the past and the present through design, style and technical innovation.
The latest addition to Montblanc’s homage to the past is the new Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100, a re-edition of a 46 mm military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s that was equipped with the calibre 19-09CH.
A leading specialist in the fabrication of professional watches and stopwatches, Minerva developed the 46 mm military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s equipped with the calibre 19-09CH. This historical timepiece featured a large case size which was unusual for the time. This size allowed watchmakers to integrate the calibre 19-09, a movement of 19 lines developed in 1909 that was initially intended for a pocket watch. Far from the round pebble-shape of pocket watches, however, the case of the chronograph was specially developed for a wristwatch, leading to a particularly modern look that integrated all the comfort and ergonomy needed. The original timepiece showcased a black dial with bi- compax counters and cathedral-shaped hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, which were designed for military use and provided excellent readability both during the day and night.
Inspired by the 46 mm Minerva military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s, the new limited edition pays tribute to the origins of the Manufacture. The timepiece goes beyond a simple re-edition, keeping key elements of the original model while integrating vintage twists. Equipped with the Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.29, the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100 features a 46 mm case made of a special alloy of bronze, a distinctive “officer” case back, a vintage black dial with beige elements, and a matching brown Sfumato alligator strap.
The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100 case has been made in a special alloy of bronze that will obtain an attractive patina over time and is reminiscent of exploration tools from the past. An “officer” case back has been added, just like in traditional pocket watches, protecting the movement, which is adorned with distinctive engravings on both sides. The outside of the “officer” case back features the head of the Minerva Goddess.
The inside of the cover bears the inscription: “Ré-édition du chronographe militaire Minerva des années 1930 doté d’un calibre fait main dans la pure tradition horlogère suisse” (Re-edition of a Minerva military chronograph from the 1930s equipped with a hand-made calibre following the Swiss watchmaking tradition).
Montblanc uses a very innovative technique to create the image of the Minerva Goddess on the “officer” back giving it an authentic rendering in 3-dimensions, providing depth and realism as if it was a photograph. Made of titanium, the metal must first be structured, which means that the decoration will be engraved by laser, taking into consideration the relief of the drawing. Then the desired finish (matt and shiny) is also achieved by laser. Finally comes the colouring phase. The colours are created by laser-generated oxidation. It is the level of oxidation that determines the final colour obtained (and desired). Montblanc is one of the most advanced Swiss Maisons to use of this technology on such a large surface. This innovation is in line with the brand’s spirit of exploration.
The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100 is completed with a brand-new vintage-style brown Sfumato alligator strap with beige stitching and is strictly limited to 100 pieces.
Montblanc is available at Rustans Makati, Rustans Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5, City of Dreams and Resorts World.