Montblanc Unveils the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition with Burgundy Dial
At this year's Watches & Wonders Montblanc introduced a stunning new version of its 1858 Split Second Chronograph, released in a limited edition of just 100 pieces. Certain to attract the interest of discerning chronograph collectors, it comes with a beautiful, almost mesmerizing burgundy dial with the historic Minerva logo. Enhanced with a sunburst finish, the shade dynamically changes depending on the light— ranging from deep crimson to brighter nuances of red.
This rich hue is sharply contrasted by the two black sub dials, one for the small seconds and one for the chronograph minutes, and vintage-style hour and minute hands, as well as the two chronograph second hands. The Arabic numerals and the hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility in the dark. There is also a tachymeter scale integrated onto the flange, which completes the authentic retro aesthetics drawing inspiration from Minerva stopwatches from the 1930s, originally designed for military use. A crown-integrated pusher at 3 o’clock is used for for start, stop, and reset, and a second pusher at 2 o’clock for the rattrapante function.
At the heart of the rattrapante chronograph ticks the beautifully hand-finished, hand-wound Montblanc MB M16.31 caliber with a 50-hour power reserve. Crafted in the Minerva manufacture in Villeret, this movement is a showcase of traditional horlogery at its finest.
The technical prowess is evident in the two column wheels (one for the chronograph, one for the rattrapante function), a large screw balance with a hand-bent Phillips overcoil, and a wealth of decorative finishing including beveling, perlage on the main plate, sunburst finish on the winding wheel, and Geneva Waves. A modern heir to the historic Minerva 19-09CH (1909) and its successor, the 17-29 from the 1930s, it also features a sophisticated swan-neck regulator.
The stainless steel case of the 1858 Split Second Chronograph LE100 measures 44mm wide and is equipped with a dark red calf leather strap with a triple-folding clasp with fine adjustment. Pricing is marked at $50,000.
To learn more, visit Montblanc, here.
