Montblanc [2021 New Release] "Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100"

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2021.03.13

Montblanc

Paying homage to the Minerva original, the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100 has been released, a re-issue of a 46mm military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s powered by the caliber 19-09CH.

A chronograph named Origins

When customers and journalists visit the Manufacture Museum in Villeret, they often exclaim in amazement at the modern aesthetic of a 46mm Minerva Military Monopusher Chronograph from the 1930s. With its black dial and luminescent vintage elements, this timepiece is the inspiration for the entire Montblanc 1858 collection, hence the name Origins.
Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100
Manual winding (Cal. MB MB18.69). 22 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Bronze (diameter 46mm, thickness 14.5mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide. Price: 3,171,500 yen (tax included).

　Like the original chronograph caliber, the MB M16.29 features the iconic V-bridge (the design of which was patented in 1912), column wheel, horizontal coupling, and the traditional 18,000 A/h frequency. As a homage to the historic movement, the chronograph "button" features a Minerva arrow at the tip.

The original, first released in 1930, also had a diameter of 46mm.

　In the 1930s, Minerva, a chronograph specialist, developed a 46mm military monopusher chronograph fitted with the caliber 19-09CH. This historic timepiece featured a large 46mm case, unusual for its time. This size allowed it to house the caliber 19-09, a 19-line movement originally developed for pocket watches in 1909. However, rather than the round, pebble-like shape of pocket watches, this chronograph's case was specifically developed for wristwatches, resulting in a particularly modern look that combined all the necessary comfort and ergonomics. The original timepiece featured a military design with a black dial, bicompax counters, and cathedral-shaped hands coated with Super-LumiNova, providing excellent legibility day and night.

Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins

Equipped with the monopusher chronograph caliber MB M16.29, the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins features a 46mm case made from a special bronze alloy, a distinctive "officer" caseback, a vintage black dial with beige accents, and a matching brown sfumato alligator strap.

　The rose gold-colored cathedral-shaped hands and hour markers are filled with beige Super-LumiNova for improved nighttime visibility. The small seconds, 60-minute counter, and chronograph hands are color-coded with white Super-LumiNova for easier reading. The Minerva logo, reminiscent of the original chronograph, is located at 6 o'clock. Vintage details, such as the bicompax counter (second horizontal counter) with the large small seconds and minute chronograph, and the railway minute track, recreate the original design.

Caliber MB M16.29

Opening the "Officer's" caseback reveals the hidden beauty of the Manufacture monopusher chronograph caliber MB M16.29, a faithful reproduction of a Minerva chronograph caliber dating back to the early 20th century. The movement's perfection is particularly noteworthy in this limited edition, as its mainplate and bridges are crafted from untreated German silver (Maillechort), a traditionally high-quality material once used in Minerva movements. Nickel silver exhibits a slightly yellowish hue compared to the more common rhodium-plated finish. Traditional finishing touches, such as Côtes de Genève, interior corners, circular graining, and bevel cuts, are, of course, all carried out entirely at the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret.

Engraving on the back of the officer's case

The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins case is crafted from a special bronze alloy that acquires an attractive patina over time, evoking the exploration tools of the past. Similar to traditional pocket watches, an "officer's" caseback protects the movement and features distinctive engravings on both sides. The exterior of the "officer's" caseback features the head of the goddess Minerva. The inside of the cover is engraved with the words "Reissue of a 1930 Minerva military chronograph with a handmade caliber in the pure tradition of Swiss watchmaking."