Limited Edition of 100 Pieces
Paying tribute to the origins of Minerva, Montblanc unveils the new Montblanc 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.
When visiting the Manufacture museum in Villeret, visitors are often surprised by the modernity and beauty of a 46 mm Minerva military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s. This timepiece, with its black dial and luminescent vintage elements, served as the main inspiration for the entire Montblanc 1858 collection, hence the name Origins. While every detail from the original watch has been taken into account from the dial to the case and movement the re-edition goes much further.
The Origins
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 o 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 SuperLuminova which were designed for military use and provided excellent readability both during the day and night.
The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins 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 "Réédition 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.
Technical Specifications:
The case, in a special allowy of bronze, polished and sating-finished, measures 46mm x 14.5mm. It has a "box" AR-coated sapphire crystal and it is water resistant to 30 meters. Screwed bronze-coated titanium caseback with sapphire crystal. Bronze-coated titanium "officer" caseback engraved on with sides with the head of the goddess Minerva on the outside and a special inscription on the inside: "RÉ-ÉDITION DU CHRONOGRAPHE MILITAIRE MINERVA DES ANNÉES 1930 DOTÉ D'UN CALIBRE FAIT MAIN DANS LA PURE TRADITION HORLOGÈRE SUISSE"
Movement is the Swiss manual-wind Montblanc in-house caliber MB M16.29 with 22 jewels, 18,000 vph and a power reserve of 50 hours. Monopusher chronograph with column-wheel and horizontal coupling. It features a Phillips terminal curve hairspring. The main plate is German-silver with circular graining on both sides. Going train: gold plated, circular grained, with chamfered diamond hubs on both sides. Functions are: hours, minutes, small secons at 9 o'clock. Chronograph center seconds, 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock.
Black lacquered dial with vintage SuperLuminova. Applied Arabic numerals. Rose gold-and-beigh cathedral-shaped hour and minute hands with vintage SuperLuminova. White seconds hand, as are the chrnograph hands. Historical Montblanc logo at 12 o'clock with original
It comes ona brown Sfumato alligator leather strap with beige stitching and a bronze coated steel pin buckle.
Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500.
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