amanico
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Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Tachymeter Steel version. First thoughts.
Minerva has a rich patrimony of some wonderful watches and movements.
Montblanc revisits this large heritage, from time to time, in a modern way, for our biggest pleasure.
Let me introduce you the steel version of the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, which also exists in rose gold.
The rose gold version, which Foversta will review:
The steel version takes its inspiration from different chronographs which were in production in the Thirties and Fourties.
An example from the Thirties, side by side with the 1858:
And another one from the late Thirties, early Fourties:
From the first, the 1858 takes the case, the coaxial monopusher and Cathedral hands. From the second, it takes the tachymeter.
From both, the 1858 takes this incredible presence, spirit, the luminous hands and indexes, and the oversized case. An oversized case which is not so oversized from our days habits, since it is 44 mm big ( and 13, 5 mm high ).
But this generous size is not only a matter of current trend. There is a good reason for such a generous case: The size of the movement, which is... 38, 4 mm big and 6, 3 mm high )! THAT is unusual, by our current standards.
As we are at the movement, let's see this Cal 16.29, which is absolutely not disappointing.
All the codes of belle ( or at least traditional ) horology are here: Cotes De Genève, perlage, beveling, mirror polish of some parts, swan neck, and this splendid " Devil's Tail ", which, in fact, is a Chronograph break lever.
The 16.29 is a clear inspiration of the Cal 17.29 CH, born in 1929:
Which you can see here, in a condition which would require a good service.
The Cal 17.29 CH was already generously sized: 37, 9 mm big, 5, 85 mm high.
Both the modern and the original beat at 18000 alternances per hour, have a column wheel, a large balance wheel.
But the 16.29 has a better power reserve, with 50 hours, while the original had only 33 hours... A bit short.
The 16.29 adds a very sensual swan neck, and this beautiful " Devil's Tail ".
That being said, what I like a lot is the fact that Montblanc didn't stick to one chronograph, for this 1858, but to several pieces.
They opted for a classical tachymeter, instead of the snail one you can see on the dial of the chronograph from the Fourties posted above, they respected the spirit of the Chronograph from the Thirties, with choice of some key elements, such as:
- The Cathedral hands, which are luminous, as well as the indexes.
- The superb pear shaped crown.
- The Two subdial configuration.
- Last but not least, the coaxial chronograph monopusher ( located in the crown ).
The contributions from modernity are, naturally, the choice of luminova instead of radium as per the international reglementations, sapphire instead of plexy, a see through screwed case back, and the option of a blue dial for the steel version.
And another sensual touch is the use of an old Montblanc Logo, which I like a lot, much more than the better known " star symbol " to sign this dial.
All in all, Montblanc achieved to find the right compromise between the Minerva Patrimony and Modernity, to respect the spirit of the vintage chronograph without sticking to it.
The outcome is so breathtaking that, in my opinion, I rank it in the category of fine chronographs.
Dare I say, it is a Patek 5170 and 5070 killer.
Let me demonstrate it with the following pictures:
Patek 5170 / Montblanc 1858, front side:
Backside, Cal 16.29 / Cal 29-535:
The dial of the 1858 is much better balanced, its case is, at least in my opinion more sensual, the movement is better looking than the Patek, even if this last one has a power reserve which lasts 15 more hours.
And if you add the fact that the 1858 is a bit more than twice less expensive, in rose gold ( 2, 5 in steel! ) than the 5170G...
Patek 5070P / 1858 Steel... The comparison is cruel for this Patek which is... 5 times more expensive than the steel 1858.
You are not convinced?
Ok...
The dial of the 5070 has my preference over the 5170, but even here, Patek had to deal with a big case / small movement, which is obvious on the pictures and in the real. The 1858 is more harmonious.
The 5070 has a lot of charm, the 1858 is much more harmonious, the movement of the Montlbanc looks more refined, the case of the Patek seems a bit outdated in comparison....
Some will object that it not a Patek.
I would answer: " So what "? A signature on the dial doesn't make all.
When I see that kind of watch, I just want to applaud, and to call my banker to see if I can get one.
It is well thought, not made in the easy way, a serious and reasonable offer.
What more can we ask for?
Bravo, Montblanc. Bravo. This may well be my first Montblanc, and I will wear it proudly!
I just fear that the 100 pieces of this version will sell a bit too fast.
I just have to confirm these thoughts with a test in the real world, just to see if it sings as loud in my wrist than on these official pictures.
I will keep you updated.
Best,
Nicolas
This message has been edited by MTF on 2015-11-22 04:00:36 This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-04-11 22:45:39
More posts:
Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Tachymeter Steel version. First thoughts.
Minerva has a rich patrimony of some wonderful watches and movements. Montblanc revisits this large heritage, from time to time, in a modern way, for our biggest pleasure. Let me introduce you the steel version of the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, which al...
very nice report.
Only fear that because of this I will also have to purchase the steel version (my RG version is due to arrive in a few weeks)
That blue sunburst dial is stunning, and the movement finishing is exquisite.
Your gusto is passionately conveyed through your writing, which is just as nice as the watch.
Great comparison !
when I saw the MontBlanc I was immediaely sold by the great blue dial and layout, having the opportunity to visit the Minverva manufacture a few months ago no one needed to convince me on the fine handcraft these people make overthere. I allready have a 5...
wow, Alex, Patrick, me .....les Belges sont éveillés
Nice post Nico These MB are superb but I'm sure it is all a matter of taste, some prefer a Datograph, others a Vacheron, etc Same with the shape of the case , while you say a 5070 could look a bit more outdated .... that makes it imo much more beautiful. ...
The Francophone world is awake, indeed. ;)
There are many things to discuss, which is very exciting. The hands, it is a wink to these old Chronographs. Liking them is indeed a matter of taste. Linking them to their roots is obvious. The shape of the case and lugs, it is clearly a choice dictacted ...
Thank you Nico for a fantastic post and Bruno for very relevant comments.
I would not hesitate between 5070P and MB a second and go for 5070P. MB is very very nice but like Bruno said, there's nothing special in the case design. Based on the looks, MB beats easily 5170 but I suppose the latter is technically more sophisticated....
I tried to compare white metal together. So WG versus Steel, and steel versus Platinum. Which makes oranges with oranges.
Even more when I find two white metal with two blue dials. But on that we agree, the apple is the 5070P. Especially if we compare the price quality ratio, which is another business platinum rule. Best, Nicolas
Big smile!
Oranges vs. oranges is gold vs. gold. We all know that the only common thing between steel, white gold and platinum is the whitish colour of the material. For a watch steel remains (IMO) the best, platinum the most difficult to work with as well as giving...
Fantastic review Nico
I hope to see this steel 1858 Chrono with the blue dial soon too! Actually Alex Schmidt is in Singapore now and many collectors have seen this watch today (unfortunately I had to take care of my kids today and couldn\'t make it to the boutique). I hope to...
I know you couldn't do it today, I " spoke " with Alex, today. ;)
And I told him that the case would be too big for your wrist. If the 44 mm time only is too big, I don't see how it could be different for the chrono case. A pity as it is wonderful, at least from what I see on official pictures. Please take a ton of pict...
Thanks Nico!
Yes I took some pics today. Met Alex and the Singapore Mgt team Will post soon Cheers Robin
That is absolutely a beauty.
You were so right about this watch. Funny...I could swear I already said this yesterday...
Thanks for looking, Padj. If I can, and after checking it in the real, I will take it!
I cannot say better... Best! Nicolas
A very nice limited edition
I'm surprised to see that I see more things (and positive) from the steel version picture than from the rose gold one. I guess it is due to the blue dial/steel case combination. I find it great and very appealing indeed (as I did already with the first Vi...
This Chrono has to be big. The movement is 38, 5 mm big, so it cannot be housed in a 40 mm
Case. And it is part of its personality and DNA. These vintage Chronos were huge ( up to 46 / 47 mm, in the Forties! ). As for the level of decoration, and your comparison with JLC, my beloved manufacture released a Duometre in a LE of 100 pieces, the UTT...
This is not exactly what I meant, let me express myself better
Of course the Minerva is better finished that the Patek (or any regular higher much higher volumes chronographs). And I don't say that the lower the volumes, the better the finishing, automatically. But, if a brand chooses to have a low output volume for ...
Yes, they were gigantic for their time.
I am very enthusiast for the reason you mentioned. The level of movement decoration, for this level of price, is just outstanding. The steel version is priced at 24 K Euros! We are not used to that, from most of the Manufactures. And when it comes to Inde...
Yes, I agree...
For that price it is indeed very hard to compete when willing to have something special (a historical soul, character) and with a very high finishing. it is nice to have this kind of offer. Cheers, Mark
You will just have to explain this affordable price to the collectors who paid at a much higher price a Villeret chronograph...
And this is maybe one of the differences between the brands: consistency in terms of strategy. I will come back to this point. Fx
Solid gold case,
Solid gold dial, grand feu enamel on the solid gold dial, solid gold hands, hunter case back, lower production numbers (piece unique for PT, LE 8 for WG, LE 58 for red gold - and now all newer Villerets are only Piece unique or LE Max up to 18). This 1858...
Your initial thoughts on this one are quite welcomed, and bold!
I happen to love the second part about it - you are not afraid to compare to Patek. And despite the inevitable "apples and oranges" sentiments, you are correct to do so. When I fell in love with watches as a young boy, and then dreamed of a nice one as I ...
The secret is here: A superb blend of old and new.
Not really a Tribute, not a new watch, a bit of both, with some liberty in the design, but in total respect of the DNA. That's just brilliant. I used to say that, for me, the watch which represented the most the DNA of the brand was the Rieussec Chronogra...
Nico you are not saying that Patek is quite expensive for what it is ,are you?:):):)
The saint inquisition will get you ,you devil.... Great presentation of a great offering from Montblanc,I appreciate the effort and the result...For chrono lovers this is a dream. The ss version is much more appealing and cool ,that movement is to die for...
In my opinion, this is an anti snobbish Chrono.
Those who only swear by the name on the dial will avoid it. Which is good. Only for those who are more interested in the inner value of a watch. Yes, a Purist Watch. Definitely. To be confirmed in the real, though. Best, Mo. Nicolas
Well, I used to think the same about many traditional brands Mo (not politically correct answer inside)
but, I would say 2 or 3 things to think about when considering watch prices today. What brand is not (too expensive) when prices asked are above 20K€? (except for gold or diamond costs), 50K€? etc... Even many high-end indies (that you know I appreciate v...
Lets don't go down the real value of the watches avenue...or we will discuss forever..
Insane?Yes.... Compared to cars?Well a good minute repeater from a well marketed brand will buy you 2(two!!!!)Rolls royce wraith,1Bentley continental and probably with the change you ll get a WWgolf for everyday....does it make sense?NO! The sublime(often...
I agree with many of your points of course Mo,
as can show my reply to the Tag Heuer recent Smartwatch announcement post, about what I think of the overmarketing strategies and M. Biver's legacy (a great manager but someone who brung too much of these technics in watchmaking, now copied by everyone to...
Je repondrai comme un vrai Belge
... so that' surely be the dial of the 5070, but definitely the Minerva mouvement. No other brand, besides Montblanc, has created beauties with that level of elegance when talking about a mouvement. Poetry, simply poetry. Very privileged to have visited t...
Excellent report and photos....thanks !.....
.... finally a good contender for the patek chronographs.. Cheers !
