In partnership with Sincere Fine Watches, Montblanc has unveiled an exclusive 1858 Split Second Chronograph, limited to only eight pieces.
The watch features a gradated red dial, a striking and vibrant hue that brings this timepiece to life. According to Matthieu Dupont, Montblanc SEAO President, this bold colour was chosen for its association with adventure and those who dare to explore in both their personal and professional lives.
“We are delighted to launch this stunning limited edition in collaboration with Sincere Fine Watches who shares the same passion for the pinnacle of technical and fine watchmaking as we do at Montblanc,” said Dupont in a statement. “This masterpiece is a refined chronograph complication incredibly rooted into the story of Minerva featuring a telemeter scale that runs around the dial, which was a typical feature on the legendary Minerva Chronographs.”
Made for connoisseurs who carry an appreciation for handcrafted in-house movements, precious materials, and fine craftsmanship, the timepieces had to undergo over 500 hours of simulated wear, with specific testing and controls executed under real-life conditions. This was done in order to guarantee the performance of the product line.
“2020 has been an incredibly insightful year,” said Sincere Fine Watches CEO, Ong Ban. “It has given us the opportunity to be selective in our projects. This limited edition of solely 8 pieces is a way to showcase Montblanc and Sincere Fine Watches’ determination, shared passion and resilience. By creating such limited editions with Montblanc, we stay true to the brand’s values, authenticity and exclusivity.”
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 8 features a robust, satin-finished 44mm Grade 5 titanium case, which houses the red gradated lacquered dial that was created using a special process that demands great dexterity and time. It’s achieved first by applying a red varnish for the colour, and gradated by fading the centre. Fifteen layers of translucent lacquer are then applied to dial, with each layer needing to dry for a contrasting shine. Finally, it’s polished to prevent any impurities that could interfere in the dial’s clarity.
The red backdrop is paired with white elements that accentuate the vintage style, while also providing readability of the complications both at day and night. The sapphire crystal of the titanium case has an anti-magnetised treatment to ensure greater precision of the two seconds hands of the chronograph.
A white telemeter scale runs around the dial, making it possible to measure the distance of both visible and audible phenomenon such as lightning and thunder. The timepiece is also equipped with a tachymeter (base 1000) at the centre of the dial in a snail shape, or colimaçon, which allows the wearer to measure a length of time of up to three minutes, rather than one minute in most traditional chronograph scales.
The timepiece is also combined with a complex “rattrapante” (split second) complication that was developed by Montblanc engineers, enabling the wearer to measure intermediate times without interrupting the ongoing measurement of a longer elapsed time. It can also be admired through the sapphire crystal back. For increased legibility, the chronograph indications are displayed via a beige central chronograph second hand, an orange split second hand to measure a second time interval, and a chronograph minute counter at three o’clock.
In terms of power, the limited edition watch is built with the Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.31 that features two column wheels, horizontal coupling, and a power reserve of up to 50 hours. As the successor of the original Minerva calibre 17.29, it’s also composed of the same V-shaped bridge and a large balance wheel with 18 screws beating at the traditional frequency of 2.5Hz / 18,000 A/H.
Completing the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 8 is a black alligator strap with contrasting red stitching. This audacious, bold timepiece also comes with a limited edition watch box to celebrate the partnership between Montblanc and Sincere Fine Watches.
For more information on this masterpiece, visit Sincere Fine Watches. The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 8 is available for purchase at approximately RM145,505.34 excluding GST.
Photos: Montblanc