SIHH 2019: A Spirit Of Adventure and Military-Themed Watches Steal The Show at Montblanc

Montblanc’s three new watches in the 1858 collection embody the spirit of expedition and exploration. The just-introduced timepieces are constructed with bronze cases, khaki green dials and performance-grade NATO straps. In terms of the movements, Montblanc has the benefit of 160 years of watchmaking from the legendary Minerva workshop. In fact, Minerva made watches in the 20’s and 30’s specifically for exploration and military use. An early pioneer in “tool” watches, Minerva developed a manual monopusher chronograph movement small enough to fit in a wristwatch in the 1920’s.
 

The 1958 Automatic is a solid choice for adventurers. Its dial features easy-to-read Arabic numerals, coated in SuperLumiNova that glows beige, fitting with the color scheme and vintage style. The watch’s hands are coated with the same material for ease in reading the time in darkness. The Automatic’s bronze case has a titanium case back to protect the wearer from skin sensitivities. The domed sapphire crystal further enforces the vintage look and feel of the timepiece. The watch is also available starting this year with a stainless-steel case and black dial.
 

The new 42mm 1858 Automatic Chronograph limited edition features the MB 25.11 self-winding movement. Its bi-compax counters are integrated into the khaki dial. With just one pusher, the watch has a sleek and rugged look while packing lots of horological know-how on the inside. The 1858 Chronograph will be produced in a limited edition of 1858 pieces.
 

Montblanc tests all of its 1858 Collection timepieces to ensure that the watches will perform in extreme conditions. Each watch is put through at least 500 hours of of simulated wear. The specific tests and controls under extreme conditions confirm the watch’s performance, allowing the owner to be worry-free whether he’s scaling the heights of Kilimanjaro or motorcycling through the Mojave desert.
 

With the 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition, the world is literally on your wrist. The timepiece features an in-house world-time, movement, the calibre MB 29.25. On the dial, two domed globes representing the Northern and Southern hemispheres rotate in opposite directions over the course of 24 hours. Day and night indicators provide extra clarity and the domes are encircled by a full 24-hour scale.
 

The watch is “dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit mountaineering challenge, the holy grail of mountaineering adventures,” according to the brand. The watch features the bronze case and khaki green dial in keeping with the new 1858 novelties, further boosting the rugged look of the new timepiece.
 

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)