jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
[Moderator]
14171
Review: Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph Steel with blue dial – Part One
Dear PuristS,
Much
has been said about this lovely 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph watch from
Montblanc’s relatively new 1858 Collection. We know quite a few members of our
community, myself included, who have received or are about to receive this watch,
either in steel (blue dial) or red gold (black dial), both limited to 100
pieces each. Initially, I was concerned that a watch at 44mm diameter would be
too big for my small wrist at 6.2 inches and was hesitant to commit. After using
it for close to a month now, I must say that I am very thankful for making the
choice to buy it! Yes, it is large but it doesn’t look out of place at all,
especially with its pilot watch inspired design (pilot watches look nice even
when oversized) and with nice matching cuffs. I very much love this one and
will share some recent pictures plus some of the ideas behind this watch.
I generally prefer classical watches and those with a good background history ; a tribute to a vintage iconic watch or watch collection, somehow appeal to me even more. For Montblanc, of course they are a relatively young player in the watch industry, having only started in 1997. It is one thing to innovate and create new watches and designs such as the Montblanc Timewalker series or new innovative movements such as the patented Montblanc Villeret Bi-Cylinderique Tourbillon, all of these innovative efforts are of course important to a brand. But with a history to draw inspiration from, the element of romanticism can be brought to life in a watch. That is why I am happy that Montblanc has the venerable Minerva manufacture (158 years of history), as well as its own history of fine craftsmanship in writing instruments (110 years of history), to draw inspiration from. This 1858 Tachymeter effectively has both of these inspirations in the watch, the old Montblanc mountain logo, which I really like, as well as vintage Minerva chronograph watches, of course.
The
picture below illustrates the design cues the 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph has
taken from a vintage Minerva chronograph from 1930. The large sized vintage
onion shaped crown and the vintage Montblanc mountain logo, which they used in
their early writing instruments, are my favourite features in terms of the
watch’s design.
The very large vintage inspired crown, seen from the side profile of the case.
In
fact, I find the steel blue dial version of the 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph
looking more modern and cooler in feel, with white metal and blue combination
as well as white luminous hands. The red gold 1858 Tachymeter with its black
dial and cream hands (which, in a way, appears like patina on the luminous
material) look a lot warmer and closer to the vintage 1930 Minerva Chronograph.
One of our very blessed PuristS, Alex 007 has the red gold 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph. The very nice picture above was taken and shared by him on our forum. Notice how warm and more vintage feeling the red gold version brings. Truth be told, I had a hard time choosing the red gold vs. the steel as the price difference between the two is not too big (making the red gold version very good value in a way). Unfortunately, during the launch of this watch in Singapore late last year, I was told I had to be on waitlist for the red gold version and hence I booked my steel version instead and managed to secure Piece 100 / 100, which is also something I like.
The
case of the modern 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph is also very much inspired from
the vintage Minerva Chronograph from 1930. See illustration below.
I
really struggle to describe how much I love this watch, the dial, the case and
of course the calibre 16.29 and everything in it including the super large,
slow oscillating balance wheel and the superbly finished chronograph V-bridge.
I can only let my pictures speak for themselves.
Some blue dials disappoint to be honest where press photos are nicer than in the metal. I assure you this 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph does not. Even on my small wrist, I feel it looks good due to the sporty and pilot inspired design of the dial.
The watch goes extremely well with blue and white shirts from my experience.
And blue shoes and belt if you wish to match.
In
Part Two, I will share some details of the calibre 16.29, the Tachymeter
function, as well as recent shots I took from my own watch. I really enjoy
looking at this beautiful calibre with a loupe all day long.
Here
is a teaser shot.
And
a video of the in-house manufactured balance wheel and hair spring.
Looking
forward to completing Part Two and sharing with you soon.
Cheers
robin
Review: Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph Steel with blue dial – Part One
Dear PuristS, Much has been said about this lovely 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph watch from Montblanc’s relatively new 1858 Collection. We know quite a few members of our community, myself included, who have received or are about to receive this watch, eith...
Outstanding work Robin.
I especially agree with your assessment of the differences between the steel and gold models. Patiently awaiting part II... and July ;-)
July will come in a flash ;)
Thanks Michael and glad you liked the read. One of my friends in Singapore will have his arrive in Nov or Dec so yours is not too bad I was told first come first served so that\'s fair (no special queue for me as a moderator!) Cheers Robin
Fantastic, Robin!
I'm on my 48 hour countdown and your excellent post makes me wish it was a 48 minute countdown! Thank you. M4
Thank you so much for the brilliant post!
Definitely a feast for the eyes for everyone here! Can't wait to read on Part II!
Fabulous start to another review series of yours :)
Especially like the comparison between the rose gold and steel versions and your impressions of it are better promotion than anything marketing can generally come up with Already looking forward to part 2!
Thanks my friend!
I hope you will like part 2 too. I will share more macro shots there
Bravo, Robin. Very good points.
Comparison points are excellent. Though, I feel the 1858 is a blend of two vintage Minerva Chronos. I will post something on that. You are totally right, this 1858 is big, but it is in the spirit of this watch. And Blue dials can disappoint, sometimes. He...
So happy we share the same deep love :)
I am curious to know which other Minerva. I suspect one from the 50s . Looking forward to your sharings too Cheers Robin
Superb pictorial & very nice review, Robin !.. Really understand your enthusiastic love & happiness with it. :))
Indeed a real beauty & technically refined Chronograph. Your comparisons with the historial sister are very instructive. The dial pics are awesome, too. Continue to enjoy her in the Best of your health ! Again, congrats to you & thx for sharing ! Best, hs...
Thank you hs!
You are very kind. I am happy to share with you what I know about this watch Cheers Robin
Extremely tempted...
...I must admit, and you are the reason for it - and of course Nicolas with his reports earlier this year. I was told by the AD that few pieces are still open for order - ETA December . I am looking for a special watch - one to hand down to my son one day...
Good questions Stefan
And yes you can always blame me and Nico as we are the Vlads .... Muahahahahah :p Ok on your questions : My wrist is around 6.2 to 6.3 inch. So technically a watch at 40mm is max for me. 44mm is big and here is some lug over hang if I am completely honest...
thanks for the advise, Robin. I tried on another 44 mm watch and i can actually waer it ok. My wrist is 18 - 19 cm, so not big but a bit larger than yours.
I should have the chance to put the real thing on my wrist this coming Friday. I agree that despite the size, it looks good on your wrist, no doubt at all. The visual presence of the watch is very strong. I still have some doubts about waering it with a s...
My Montblanc Villeret calibre 13.21
Is in my Villeret chronograph grand feu enamel and not the Pulsograph. This one : It is a smaller watch and hence on first look, the calibre 16.29 with the larger bridges and balance wheel will look more impressive. Of course the calibre 13.21 is equally ...