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The Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph opens a window to the movement The Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph opens a window to the movement
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The Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph opens a window to the movement

Buffy Acacia
  • The Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 sheds light on the new calibre MB M17.26 with sapphire windows in the case sides.
  • The whole movement is designed back-to-front, giving you the best view from the dial.
  • It has a 43mm stainless steel case, and is limited to 100 pieces.

There are two main schools of thought in watchmaking. The first is that tradition should be protected and unchanged, clinging to the glories of the past for good reason. The second is that of innovation, exploring mechanical engineering to its limits both aesthetic and technical. Between them is a blend which the new Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 adopts. Is adapts traditional watchmaking into a contemporary context, respecting the past and simultaneously pushing boundaries.

Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 1

Richemont’s acquisition of Minerva back in 2006 and its subsequent allocation to Montblanc was a bold move – one which went mostly unrecognised by watch enthusiasts until the debut of the Montblanc 1858 in 2018. Since then, many of Minerva’s beautiful, historic calibres have made their way into the upper end of Montblanc’s catalogue. While Montblanc may bear the name of a pen company, there is some hefty watchmaking weight behind it. The Calibre MB M17.26 isn’t exactly a Minerva movement in the traditional sense, but we will return to that. The fact is that Montblanc has been proud of its Minerva association for a long time, and displaying that is the primary goal for the new Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100.

While you’d need to look at the caseback for a view like this on most watches, the movement has been rearranged so that you can see all of its components from the dial side. It’s not just a skeletonisation, allowing you to peer through the dial, but actually a complete flip. Columns have replaced plates, suspending the parts in place without blocking the view from any point, and all of the most exciting pieces have been prioritised. For example, the column wheel sits immediately at 12 o’clock, opposite to the balance at 6. The chronograph bridge, easily identifiable thanks to the iconic “V” shape and its bright blue coating, runs between the centre pinion, down to the vintage Minerva arrow logo, and back up to the chronograph’s 30-minute counter. Because the movement has been modified so much to show off its features, it can no longer really be considered a true Minerva design. However, it is still functionally identical with all of the key designs intact.

Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 2

In terms of performance, the 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 operates as you would expect a modern-day execution of an older monopusher chronograph to work. It has a slow beat rate of 2.5Hz, common to antique pocket watches and stopwatches, with an approximate power reserve of 50 hours. It’s manually wound, with the chronograph button set into the crown. The 43mm stainless steel case is designed to let as much light in through the movement as possible, even going as far as having sapphire windows in the sides for maximum, “Unveiled” visibility. The fluted bezel, echoing a design from 1927, is made from 18k white gold for an extra touch of lustrous luxury. Flipping the case over won’t reveal another window, because you get all the view you need from the front. Instead, there is an elaborate engraving of the Minerva Manufacture.

Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 pricing and availability

The 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100 is available as a limited edition of 100 pieces. Price: €48,000

Brand Montblanc
Model 1858 Unveilved Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE100
Case Dimensions 43mm (D) x 14.78mm (T)
Case Material Stainless steel and 18k white gold
Water Resistance 30 metres
Crystal(s) Sapphire front, case sides
Dial Open
Bracelet Blue calf leather, steel folding clasp
Movement MB M17.26, manual winding, column wheel chronograph
Power Reserve 50 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, monopusher chronograph
Availability 100 pieces
Price €48,000