Montblanc Introduces Bronze Into Its 1858 Collection, Including The Stunning 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter

The Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze

The first of the 3 watches that Montblanc presents in Bronze is the simply stunning 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, a watch that we already explained here, in its gold version, and here, in its steel edition (ps. the one that won the chronograph category at the GPHG 2016… a well deserved award). Why stunning? Well, this watch looks just superb, but that’s not the real deal. Turning it back and those who know will understand… It features what certainly is one of the top 5 chronograph movements ever. No less than that. We’ll go back on this a later.

In terms of style and design, Davide Cerrato, the recently appointed Head of Watches for Montblanc fortunately only changed the materials and colors, staying true to the design already seen in the gold and steel versions. So we find back the same 44mm case – yes, that’s large, but it fits the concept of a military chronograph and its actually faithful to the vintage watch that was used as an inspiration (see photo below) – which is now manufactured in a bronze alloy. This metal is used for all the parts – central container, bezel, lugs, crown, but not the caseback, which is bronze-plated titanium (bronze ages and in contact with the skin, it’s not very healthy. Usually, bronze watches have a steel or titanium caseback). As said, the alloy used here has a relatively cold and light color, thus clearly differentiating from gold. This Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze was almost unworn when photographed, so it was still very “bronzy” but it will change color, turning into a vintage green while worn.

Combined to this bronze case is a new dial and set of hands. Davide explained that he wanted a monochromatic look for this version, explaining the light champagne dial and the gold hands. The indexes retain the cream “faux-patina” paint, however here, they really blends into the dial, then again enhancing the monochromatic look. Contrast is not as good as the steel or gold versions for sure, however, no to be blamed either. Actually, it doesn’t really matter as this face is simply superb: warm and discreet, not screaming its noble origins, delicate, vintage enough… Again, what a watch!

On the wrist, the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze is a large watch, this is not debatable. I do have a small (really small) wrist and on the photos, you can see that it might feel a bit weird. However, again, this large diameter is part of the military / pilot chronograph concept and, even if large, the watch always felt pleasant on the wrist. The bronze case is combined to a hand-made, Italian alligator leather strap with a rich color. The overall look is rather subtle and much more understated than gold for instance. Even the steel version, with its bright blue dial, might be more visible on the wrist.

Now it’s time to talk about the real deal: the movement. This Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze features a manual-wind, monopusher, column-wheel chronograph movement which is almost equal in every aspects to a vintage Minerva engine. And that is just brilliant. I don’t have anything against modernity and I can properly enjoy a nice, integrated, modern automatic chronograph. But this Minerva MB M16.29 is just out of this world. For sure, technically speaking, it is old school. It doesn’t have a vertical clutch, it runs at 2.5Hz and it has a power reserve of “only” 50 hours. But look at it. What a layout, what a depth, what a finishing.

First, this movement is 38.4mm diameter (yep, the average dress watch size) when an ETA 2824 is 25.6mm. Thus, there’s a real joy when looking at a movement filling the entire case. Then, there’s the design of the bridges and levers. The chronograph levers on the upper half of the movement, the Y shaped bridge, the large balance wheel, the visible chronograph gears… All of that is part of a now forgotten conception of horology, and it’s so pleasant to see it here. Minerva obliges, the movement features the arrow shaped lever or “devil’s tail”.

While technically somehow “outdated”, this is a real finishing masterpiece. All the parts (visible or not) are finished in the traditional way: gold chatons, internal angles, bevelled bridges and levers, hand engravings, continuous Geneva stripes, perlage, straight graining of the steel parts… What a feast for the eyes. In order to end with the monochromatic idea, the movement of the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze has been gold plated. This movement alone deserves to buy this watch.

The Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze will be limited to 100 pieces and will be priced at 27,500 Euros (and consider the movement you have in it and you’ll understand that it is a real bargain).