Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100

In 2007 Montblanc's watchmaking expertise was further enhanced by the creation of the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie at Villeret, Switzerland, perpetuating 150 years of uninterrupted tradition of Minerva, a manufacture founded in 1858 famed for its exceptional handmade movements.

Over the last decade, Montblanc has been exploring Minerva's heritage, finding inspiration in historical functions, mechanics and design codes.

Capturing the spirit of the iconic Minerva chronographs from the 1930s in a contemporary way, the new Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 combines a 44 mm case made of bronze with a retro-vintage dial in salmon-colour featuring a sunray finishing.

Completing the design, the timepiece features large luminescent cathedral-shaped hands with a cloisonné design, blued chronograph and second hands for utmost refinement and better readability, luminescent Arabic numerals, a classic minute railway track and the original Montblanc logo from the 1930s era with its historical font and the emblem of the Mont Blanc Mountain.

Special attention has been paid to researching the ideal alloy of bronze for the case that will evolve with its owner by developing its own unique patina over the years.

Inside, the large screwed balance wheel of the hand-wound movement beats at a frequency of 18,000 semi oscillations per hour with a power reserve of 50 hours.

Designed in a large "pocket watch" style, the calibre MB M16.29 has been inspired by the original Minerva calibre 17.29, developed for pocket watches and wristwatches in the 1930s.

It features hand-made Côtes de Genève stripes, circular graining and red gold-coloured components, offering a look that matches the bronze alloy and the salmon-coloured dial.

As with all the historical calibres, one of the movement’s components is shaped into the form of the Minerva arrow to pay tribute to the Manufacture's heritage.

Completing the aesthetics, the timepiece is equipped with a vintage cognac-aged alligator strap made by the artisans at the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence and fitted with a satin-finish bronze-plated buckle.

Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 and produced in a limited edition of just 100 pieces, the new Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter with salmon-coloured dial (ref. 117064) has a price of Euro 27,500 / US$ 27,500, just like the version with champagne dial that we presented here last year. montblanc.com