Exclusive! Montblanc Club M58: Membership Definitely Has Its Privileges
The watchmaker’s under-the-radar VIP membership program may be re-opening its waiting list rolls after its first two-year run. Interested? Here are the details, plus an exclusive look at the second phase club-only watch with is own unique movement that could be yours… if you pass muster.
By Watchonista
Riddle me this: What club, founded in 2022, is strictly limited to only 58 members, has a two-year membership term, and requires the purchase of a limited edition watch with a specially created movement to join?
Did we stump you? That’s okay; a few weeks ago, we wouldn’t have known the answer either. Then we learned some more about Montblanc’s Club M58 program and its high-tier benefits.
With its inaugural membership term coming to a close, Watchonista received some exclusive insight on Minerva's Club M58, which runs on a kind of “if you know, you know” basis.
Members Only
The Club M58 (M for Minerva) experience begins with the approval to purchase a limited-to-58-pieces M58 watch that can begin, or renew, your club membership. The Manufacture is currently in the process of delivering the latest model, presented in April behind closed doors to the 58 members of the Club...so there's no point in trying to get your hands on one of these exceptional timepieces at this stage, as all the pieces have already been pre-sold.
The 42mm stainless steel case is adorned with a gleaming white gold-fluted bezel (inspired by the one created by Minerva in 1927). This bezel is rotatable and reveals, as appropriate for a super-secret club, private views of the movement’s peripheral oscillating weight engraved with a panoramic view of the Alps and the Montblanc Massif (at 6 o’clock) as well as special Minerva badging (at 12 o’clock). Shhh.
Note that this is the very first time that Minerva launches its own automatic caliber since 1858 … and mainly created using components coming from the historical hand winding calibers developed by the brand.
The unique-to-this-club watch’s MB M14.88 manufacture automatic movement is exquisitely hand-finished and decorated and provides an 80-hour power reserve.
A Sfumato blue sunray dial, in a mesmerizing deep blue gradient, comprises most of the dial surface, with a bold, extraordinarily unique, single arrow small seconds feature at 6 o’clock (it almost has the appearance of a spinning computer cursor) and 18K white gold hands with blue luminescence for time-keeping.
The Club Watch Back Door
An exhibition case back gives a splendid view to the exclusive movement, but also carries some apt details: Minerva Manufacture engraving, the original Minerva logo, additional club-recognizing badging, and the movement itself features an arrow-shaped bridge and a large balance wheel for visual drama (by the way, did you know that Minerva produces all components for all calibers internally? Yes, the hair spring as well!).
With a 3 bar water resistance rating and interchangeable dark blue leather strap, this ticket-for-entry second phase club watch is nothing if not lust-worthy.
The Keys to the Club
Do we have your attention? Your local Montblanc boutique manager is your staring point to learn about Club M58, the new M58 timepiece, and to schmooze your way onto any waiting lists. Now, you might be wondering why you have to go to a boutique.
That is because the M58 timepieces, and therefore Club M58, are so shrouded in secrecy; you won’t find any mention of them on the brand’s website! In fact, Montblanc (with Minerva belonging to the brand since 2007) has never made any sort of official statement about the club.
Hush, Hush
It seems impossible in the digital age, but we were only able to find a few oblique references to the M58 models and Club M58. However, one of the few more overt references came from Montblanc’s Global Managing Director Laurent Lecamp during an interview with Swisswatches Magazine in 2023. He said:
“We founded a club for our best 58 customers. Its members come from 23 different nationalities. The club members are offered an exclusive watch every two years.
“These timepieces are not based on historical existing calibers, but we develop a completely new movement for these club members only every three years. The models are slightly below Minerva’s average price whereas they should be much more over. Why? Simply to thank our dear members for their trust and their passion for Minerva. For me these members are not customers but fans, which makes a huge difference in terms of approach and relationship. They collect most of our novelties, every year, and even ask to pre book the next ones without having seen any part of them. That is what Minerva and the Club M58 are made of!
“Our Fans could post the Club M58 pieces on Instagram, but they don’t. These people love to remain unrecognized.”
The Waiting Game
Released in 2022, the inaugural M58 model, which is rarely ever seen, was offered to VIPs recommended by Montblanc boutique managers. The process will be the same for the next phase of the club and the waiting list; however, even then, club acceptance isn’t a given.
Participation is subject to Montblanc’s approval as, again, only 58 of every iteration will be sold. So, if you are offered the opportunity to buy the limited-edition watch and purchase it, you are in the club for two years at least.
A Bounty of Benefits
Of course, like many tightly focused, small-scale membership clubs, Club M58 has a raft of impressive benefits for its members beyond the exclusive members-only watch, including a private Minerva Manufacture tour with watchmaking workshops (members can visit the manufacture any day, any time, just showing – as a key - the Club M58 timepiece shining on their wrists) and a one-on-one meeting with a watchmaker.
Other membership benefits include separate visits to Montblanc dial- and case-making facilities, a customized one-hole strap experience (you get to keep the strap), outdoor adventures, an exclusive member dinner during Watches and Wonders in Geneva, and access to the chic Minerva Penthouse to host your own private events (based on availability).
Last but certainly not least, Club M58 members get access to Montblanc and Minerva timepieces ahead of the crowd and get first dibs on the ongoing limited-to-58-examples M58 timepieces that they are required to purchase in order to renew their membership for another two years.
Secret Knock?
If you want to know more, we suggest you visit your local Montblanc boutique and inquire about the club and the next M58 limited-edition timepiece. Tell ‘em, Watchonista sent you.