Minerva chronograph watch from the 1930s. Image credit: secondtimearoundwatchco.com
The Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition has a 44mm-wide case that is 13.15mm thick and very much feels like others which have come out of the Montblanc Villeret arm of the brand (especially because of the crown). As a monopusher chronograph, the pusher for the chronograph is designed into the crown itself. This leaves the case feeling a bit more elegant as compared to two-pusher chronograph watches.
While the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition is offered in a rich-looking 18k red gold case with a black dial (reference 112637), that model is certainly not the value-friendly option of the two limited editions even though it is undeniably good-looking. Luckily for collectors, Montblanc also includes a steel-cased (reference 114086) version of the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition with a trendy blue dial and matching alligator strap which you see here on my wrist.
When you buy a watch with a steel case and finely made movement, it can often feel better for collectors because they don’t get the sensation that they are paying a premium for a case material that for many people doesn’t enhance their ownership or wearing experience. Sure, there will be those people who only like precious-metal cases, but in line with being inspired by the actual vintage Minerva chronograph watches, having the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition seems to make more sense and actually allows the “limited edition” part of the equation feel more special. The case, by the way, is only water resistant to 30 meters – which isn’t a surprise.
Minerva Chronograph watch from the 1930s. Image credit: johngoldbergerwatches.com
On the wrist, the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition is attractive with its hyper-legible dial and sporty-yet-vintage looks which are timeless in their appeal. Designs such as this have endured over the ages which makes them very versatile from a style perspective. There aren’t too many other watches of this ilk which you can easily wear with jeans or something a bit more formal. The retro aviator-style hands are painted in lume as are the Arabic numeral hour markers. The slight sunburst polish on the dial adds a hint of shine while the face otherwise is pleasantly utilitarian. As the watch name implies, the dial bears a tachymeter scale which adds style, but realistically offers zero functionality as I have yet to meet anyone who ever uses these in tandem with a chronograph.
Inside the watches is the very attractive Montblanc calibre MB 16.29, visible through the rear sapphire crystal. This is similar to the MB 17.26 and other monopusher chronographs from the “Minerva” Villeret locations. The movement is sexy, but super old-school in its performance, operating at a frequency of 2.5Hz (18,000 bph) with 50 hours of power reserve. The movement is made from 252 parts and offers the time with subsidiary seconds dial and 30-minute column-wheel chronograph. What makes the movement standout in addition to the gracefully formed bridges is the competent level of fine decoration and polishing. As “ordinary” as these watches might seem at a cursory glance, they immediately feel special once you flip over the case and view the movements.
Will this new 1858 “sub-brand” of Montblanc have legs, or will this be another interesting design experiment at Montblanc… which is certainly keeping it interesting in terms of product diversification lately. I can’t answer that, but I can say that these two Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition watches, limited to 100 pieces (each), are certainly the types of items that collectors appreciate (in the future). Ever consider how much love “transitional” models get on the collectors’ market? What do you think watches like these represent? The Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition reference 114086 in steel has a retail price of around $26,000 and the red gold reference 112637 has a retail price of $32,900. montblanc.com
