Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18

Montblanc's 1858 collection pays homage to the Minerva model design, drawing inspiration from historic timepieces from the 1920s and 1930s that were conceived for military use. Designed and conceived as instruments for mountaineering exploration, the Montblanc 1858 timepieces are an invitation to enjoy nature and the outdoors. A reinterpretation of a historic 46 mm Minerva military chronograph from the 1930s with a 19-09CH calibre, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 (limited edition of 18 pieces only) employs a case made of the innovative 18-carat gold alloy "Lime Gold", a distinctive gold-coloured dial with contrasting green elements and a vintage green nubuck alligator strap. This is the first time a watch manufacturer has used this colour of gold, named Lime Gold because of its intense golden hue with a delicate green-yellow tinge. Lime Gold is made from a special alloy of 18-carat gold (Au 750‰), silver (Ag 238‰) and iron (Fe 12‰), which gives it a distinctive colour with a distinctly vintage look. The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 features a distinctive gold-coloured dial with a soleil finish, perfectly coordinated with the colour of the new 44 mm case. Characterized by excellent legibility and a distinct vintage style, the monochrome aesthetic contrasts elements in different shades of green, such as the luminescent cathedral-style hour and minute hands, the chapter ring, the split-seconds centre hand, the tachymeter (snailed) and telemetric scale, as well as the historic Montblanc logo at 12 o'clock. The caseback opens to view the in-house calibre of the MB M16.31, which is inspired by the original Minerva 19-09CH calibres of 1909 and their evolution (the 17-29) made in the 1930s and used for both pocket and wristwatches. The calibre MB M16.31 has a particularly refined aesthetic thanks to traditional handcrafted finishes such as côtes de Genève, circular grainé effect and anglage, all made at the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. For this limited edition, the plates and bridges are made of 18-carat gold-plated German silver nickel silver, which matches the 18-carat Lime Gold case and dial. The calibre features two column wheels for the chronograph and split-seconds complication, a horizontal coupling and a 50-hour power reserve. Like its predecessor, it features a V-shaped bridge (whose design has been protected since 1912) and a large balance with 18 compensation screws beating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. Price: 50,800 euros.

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