| Quick specs Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze Price: € 3.490 | approx. $ 3,850 | approx. £ 3,000 Size: 44 mm Reference: 116241  |
The Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze is one out of three new models in the 1958 collection with a bronze case. There is the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter which is a limited edition of 100 pieces, an 1858 Automatic Dual Time and this model.
All three models are inspired by military watches from the 1930s, when several brands developed time pieces for several army’s. One of them was Minerva, founded in 1858. Minerva was bought by the Richemont Group in 2006, also the owner of Montblanc. That was the start of a collaboration between Montblanc and Minerva. Minerva’s know-how of creating high-end movements is combined with Montblanc’s know-how of designing luxury articles. Like a watch.
The aforementioned 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter has a stunning Minerva based movement. Unfortunately, the other two models ‘just’ get a Sellita based caliber. However, this is in line with the price level of the 1858 Automatic, and the SW 200 caliber has proven its quality for years.
The vintage dial of the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze combines perfectly with the case and bezel
The result of combining bronze on the bezel with a satinated stainless steel case creates an attractive vintage look. Even the crown is bronze. To avoid corrosion, like on the vintage Minerva on the photo below, Montblanc used a special bronze mixture with aluminium. Stronger and with a better corrosion resistance. Over the years, the bronze will take on a uniform patina which makes it look better. The clean, vintage Minerva design of the dial makes it even more special and better looking. The watch has a solid steel back featuring a relief of the Minerva factory in Villeret, Switzerland.
If you are interested in a bronze Montblanc, you will have some time to decide which model you want. It is available from the beginning of July 2017.
On the right a Minerva military watch, probably from the early 1940s
technical data Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze |
| Reference: 116241 |
| Movement: Montblanc MB 24.16 (Sellita SW 200) | Automatic | Diameter: 25.6 mm | Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | Jewels: 31 | Hours, minutes | Power-reserve: 38 hours |
| Case & dial: 44 mm | Satinated stainless steel | Bronze bezel and crown | Height: 11.10 mm | Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire and anti-reflective crystal | Satinated stainless steel case back with special decoration | Black dial with super-luminova coated beige Arabic numerals | Rhodium-plated luminescent hour-hand and minute-hand | Water-resistance: 3 ATM / 3 bar / 30 meters / 100 feet |
| Strap: Cognac color aged-calf leather with vintage beige stitching | Satinated stainless steel buckle |
| Price Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze: € 3.490 | approx. $ 3,850 | approx. £ 3,000 |
| Website: www.montblanc.com |