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0 Has Montblanc found it’s stride with vintage inspired watches? If the new Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter has anything to say, then the answer is assuredly, yes! Today, we will take a first look at a noteworthy new offering from Montblanc in a modern size.
Limited to just 100 pieces, Montblanc has brought back a refreshingly new look to the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter with a bronze/titanium case with salmon dial. This color combination has a very nostalgic, vintage-inspired appeal in a not so vintage size. Sitting at 44mm wide and 13.15 mm high, this watch will no doubt have wrist presence. What really sets this watch apart from the 2017 SIHH offering (also limited edition), which coincidentally has the same bronze case with bronze-coated titanium back, is the new dial color. It’s a beautiful color of salmon, popularized in the 1930s and 1940s.
Vintage Look, Modern Size
On the dial, you will see crisp arabic numerals, cathedral style hands, onion-shaped crown, chronometer and tachyometer circling the the outer edge. Of note, is Montblanc’s choice to use it’s vintage inspired logo. This really sets the retro tone of the watch, bringing the price together cohesively. They did choose to include some modern elements including the luminous hour markers and pops of red on 30 second, 60 second, and tip of the second hand. One of the benefits to the size being 44mm wide is the dial is really easy to read. This watch effectively blends old and new styles.
I know, some of you may be put off about the size. At 44mm, this is no slouch. This is the same size as many Omegas and other watches from the 2000s. I honestly, think the color combination in its muted hues, really make the watch look more sophisticated. Also, the monopusher chronograph operated by the onion crown is much easier to use if you have bigger fingers. The large size will also feel less delicate and precious like the watches on the 30s and 40s which the inspiration is drawn.
Just the Right Touches
If you turn the watch around, you can see the beautifully decorated Minerva Caliber MB M16.29 movement. This movement is a slightly larger variant of their movement created in 1929. Added to the movement is a monopusher chronograph with two registers and a column wheel. Made with German silver and finished with rose gold plating, the finished product is stunning and rather pleasing to the eyes. The caliber is manually-wound with a 50-hour power reserve.
Don’t let the size fool you, this is a great watch for the money. If you are the type of collector who has some spare change and are looking for something different, I urge you to take a look at the 1858 line. I, for one, am very excited about all the vintage inspired watches coming out now.
The Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition in bronze with a salmon dial is limited to 100 pieces (each numbered on the caseback) with a price of $27,500.
