Amanico introduces the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Bronze Limited Edition, a piece designed as a characterful daily wearer. His initial impressions highlight its aesthetic and functional simplicity, while also raising a pertinent question about the proliferation of bronze cases in the market. This article explores the watch's design, movement, and the community's reception.
The cool daily beater, which has character. That's what Montlbanc certainly had in mind when releasing this version of the 1858 Automatic.
Just the strictly useful, here, with no date nor seconds. Hours, Minutes and basta cosi, as our Italian friends use to say.
The movement is automatic, the Cal MB 24.15, beating at 28, 800 vibrations per hour, and offering a power reserve of 38 hours.
The case is made in an alloy of aluminium and bronze, and has some very nice beveled lugs. You can be a beater and have an elegant case!
It is 40 mm big, and 11, 07 mm high.
The back has an engraving, the Spirit of Mountain ", which I didn't have the time to take in picture.
The dial is khaki green, very cool looking, with vanilia colored indices and Cathedral hands for the retro look.
And cherry on the cake, a cool " Nato Style ", a very good band.
A nice watch, but Montblanc should not abuse of these bronze cases, in my opinion. It starts to be too much.
Best,
Nicolas
About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Boucheron 1858
- Case
- 18k white gold
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph is a limited edition offering within the 1858 collection, distinguished by its complex split-second chronograph complication. This particular reference, limited to 100 pieces, features a unique burgundy dial, setting it apart from other models in the series and appealing to collectors seeking a more exclusive and visually distinct timepiece with advanced horological functions.
The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and 15.2mm in thickness. It is fitted with a fixed 18k white gold fluted bezel. The dark burgundy dial, finished with a sunray pattern, complements the case materials. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. The timepiece is powered by the hand-wound MB 16.31 calibre, which measures 38.4 x 8.13 mm, and offers a power reserve suitable for its intricate mechanical functions.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in high-complication chronographs and Montblanc's Minerva heritage. Its limited production run and specific dial color make it a notable variant within the 1858 collection, offering a blend of historical design cues and modern watchmaking. The large dimensions reflect its pocket watch-inspired movement architecture, a characteristic often appreciated by enthusiasts of traditional horology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB 16.31
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 44mm
- Dial
- Burgundy
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
