Introducing The New Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph

Since acquiring the Villeret-based manufacturer Minerva in 2007, Montblanc has drawn from its historical archives to breathe new life into the brand’s watch collections. Its latest release, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Burgundy, is a bold limited edition that pays tribute to Minerva’s 1930s military stopwatches, complete with a striking burgundy dial.

The stainless steel case is complemented by a fixed fluted bezel in 18k white gold. It measures 44mm in diameter and 15.2mm in thickness, with a brushed and polished finish. A fluted crown and a separate pusher at 2 o’clock operate the split-seconds (rattrapante) function, while the dial is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The burgundy dial shimmers with varying intensity depending on the light, shifting from deep crimson to bright cherry hues. It’s paired with two black sub-dials, small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Arabic numerals and vintage-style hour and minute hands are coated in Super-LumiNova for nighttime visibility. The two central chronograph seconds hands are lacquered in white, and a tachymeter scale runs around the flange. Both the Montblanc logo and the historic Minerva signature appear on the dial, an elegant nod to the maison’s dual heritage.

What sets this watch apart from most chronographs lies behind the sapphire crystal caseback, the hand-wound MB M16.31 movement, inspired by Minerva’s early 20th-century pocket watch calibres, most notably the 19-09CH (1909) and 17-29 (1930s).

It features two column wheels, one for the chronograph and one for the rattrapante, as well as a large balance wheel. Assembled and decorated by hand in Villeret, the calibre showcases Minerva’s signature touches, a V-shaped chronograph bridge (patented in 1912), an arrow-tipped hammer reminiscent of the goddess Minerva’s spear, and extensive haute horlogerie finishing, including Côtes de Genève, perlage, beveling, and gold-plated gears for contrast. The movement beats at 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) and offers a 50-hour power reserve.

The watch is paired with a burgundy calfskin leather strap with an alligator print, secured by a stainless steel triple-folding clasp. Limited to just 100 pieces, it is priced at CHF 47,500, approximately AED 212,300.

For more information, visit Montblanc’s official website.