Montblanc: 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins

Paying tribute to the origins of Minerva, Montblanc unveils the new 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. 

Presented in a 46 mm bronze case, the 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins unveils a black lacquered dial with beige luminescent Arabic applied numerals, luminescent rose gold and beige cathedral hour and minute hands, and the historical Montblanc logo at 12 o’clock. combined with the original Minerva logo at 6 o’clock. Other details include bi-compax counters with large small seconds and minutes chronograph, as well as a railway minute track that have been reproduced from the original design.

The case, made in a special alloy of bronze that will obtain an attractive patina over time, has been combined with an “officer” caseback decorated with engravings on both sides as in traditional pocket watches. 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. 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.

When opening the “officer” case back, the beauty of the hand-wound MB M16.29 Caliber with 50 hours of power reserve is revealed, showing an authentic reconstruction of the Minerva chronograph calibre dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. For this limited edition, the execution of the movement is of particular note as the mainplate and bridges have been left in raw Maillechort, a high-end traditional material used in Minerva movements in former times. Traditional finishings such as Côtes de Genève, inner angles, circular graining, and bevelling are, of course, all performed at the same Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. 

Like on the original chronograph calibre, the MB M16.29 features the iconic V-shape bridge, a column wheel, horizontal coupling, and a traditional frequency of 18,000 A/h. As a tribute to historical movements, the Minerva arrow is visible at the extremity of the chronograph “blocker”. 

Produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the new Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins is paired with a new brown Sfumato alligator leather strap with beige stitching. (Price € 30.000)