Jrwong23 reports on the launch of Montblanc's refreshed 4810 collection in Singapore, featuring insights from Davide Cerrato. This article highlights Montblanc's strategic decision to update an existing line for its 110th anniversary and hints at future developments, including a dedicated sports watch collection.
Some of you may have read my introduction to the refreshed Montblanc 4810 collection part one:
Today I had the privilege to be invited by Montblanc for a very cosy lunch and also invited by Montblanc and Sincere fine watches (a leading AD in Singapore) for a dinner to launch this new 4810 collection. Mr Davide Cerrato was in town to present this refreshed collection to us. It is very interesting to hear two things from him:
1. That Montblanc decided not to launch another new classical line as they had launched many new collections the last 2 years eg Heritage spirit , heritage chronometrie, 1858. So for the maison's 110th anniversary, Montblanc decided to refresh the 4810 collection instead (previously known as Star 4810 collection).
2. That Montblanc sees a gap in its collection as it doesn't really have a sports watch (TimeWalkers with water resistance of 30m are not sports watches). There will be a sports watch collection coming very soon is what we suspect. Davide came from Tudor (with a great track record!) and I am sure he will be a big driver for a sports watch collection from Montblanc.
I will be covering Part two of my post on the 4810 collection soon. For now, some pictures to share, taken during my lunch and dinner today.
The cosy lunch set up. It was a pleasure to be amongst 12 esteemed Montblanc collectors and friends of Montblanc.
The new 4810 Automatic Date with silver dial. The exploding star guilloche on the dial plays with light very well.
4810 automatic date in black dial.
The 4810 Day Date. I saw it has a new bracelet and tried it. This is the best bracelet I have tried from Montblanc to date. Robust feeling, weighty and elegant with polished center links. A huge improvement over current models' bracelets to be honest and I hope Montblanc can extend their improved bracelets to their other watch lines.
The limited edition (110 pieces) 4810 Orbis Terrarum pocket watch.
Lunch with my 1858 Tachymeter chronograph and Montblanc 4810 ring.
The flagship 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim with a start stop second and balance wheel.
The micro rotor and movement on the ExoTourbillon slim is well decorated. An inhouse movement from Montblanc too.
Our lovely hosts Anouar and Davide.
The lunch menu.
I like this one! The 4810 ExoTourbillon slim limited edition to 36 for North America map, 36 for Europe and 38 for Asia adding to 110 which is Montblanc's anniversary this year. The miniature hand painting has a 3D effect and is very attractive in the metal.
Dessert during lunch
And a few hours later....
I returned for dinner hosted by Montblanc and Sincere.
A fellow esteemed Singapore watch collector brought his Montblanc Villeret vintage Pulsograph!
Calibres 13.21 and 16.29.
Dinner menu
My 1858 Tachymeter has a soft spot for sweets.
Some heavy weight watches I also saw yesterday , not from the 4810 collection.
Villeret Cylinderique Geospheres
Heritage chronometrie ExoTourbillon minute chronograph Vasco da Gamma edition. The blue Aventurine dial is amazing!
Villeret Bi-Cylinderique mysterious hours
And this one I really like. Villeret Retour-a-Zero with a zero reset function when you pull the crown.
Hope you enjoy this virtual lunch and dinner with me. I will share more details on the new 4810 collection on part two of my post soon.
For more details on the Montblanc 4810 collection, you can check out their website at this link :
Cheers
Robin
This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2016-07-22 08:33:39
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
About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Tachymeter
The 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph is a limited edition monopusher chronograph that draws inspiration from Minerva chronographs of the 1930s. This reference is distinguished by its historical design cues, including a tachymeter scale on the dial and cathedral-style hands, which are characteristic of vintage military and pilot's watches. It represents a significant offering within the 1858 collection, emphasizing traditional watchmaking and a vintage aesthetic.
This particular model features an 18k rose gold case measuring 44mm in diameter and 13.15mm in thickness. It houses the manual-wind caliber MB M16.29, a movement known for its large balance wheel and V-shaped chronograph bridge, visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours. A domed sapphire crystal protects the black dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.
As a limited edition, this reference appeals to collectors interested in historically inspired chronographs and the artisanal craftsmanship associated with the Minerva manufacture. Its monopusher complication and the visible finishing of the movement are key attractions. The watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap, completing its classic presentation and reinforcing its position as a collector-grade timepiece within the brand's heritage-focused offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB M16.29
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 44mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Star 4810 Collection Ref. Star4810Automatic
The Montblanc Star 4810 Automatic is part of a collection that debuted in 2006 to commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary. This line was re-launched in 2016 for Montblanc's 110th anniversary, building upon the original design and commercial success. The 4810 collection, named after the height of Mont Blanc, represents a significant offering within the brand's watchmaking portfolio, emphasizing classic design principles and mechanical watchmaking.
This reference features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 42mm in diameter. It is equipped with an automatic movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, and protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the dial side. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, ensuring reliable timekeeping.
The Star 4810 Automatic appeals to collectors seeking a well-finished, accessible mechanical timepiece from Montblanc. It serves as a foundational piece in the brand's contemporary watch collections, often featuring a silver-white dial with an exploding star guilloché pattern and rhodium-plated hands and numerals. The design maintains a balance between traditional watch aesthetics and Montblanc's distinct brand identity.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB 24.17
- Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Silver-white
- Water Resist.
- 5 bar (50 meters)
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Ref. Star4810Collection
The Montblanc Star 4810 Automatic is a three-hand timepiece with an analog date display, positioned as an accessible offering within Montblanc's Star collection. It represents the brand's efforts in horology following the acquisition of Minerva, balancing design presentation with a competitive price point.
The watch features a 41.5mm stainless steel case, water-resistant to 30 meters. It is powered by a COSC-certified ETA 2892-A2 automatic caliber, modified to Montblanc's specifications. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The large rotor obscures much of the movement, which exhibits machine finishing and chemically blued screws.
For collectors, the Star 4810 Automatic offers a glimpse into Montblanc's strategic development in watchmaking during the late 2000s. Its use of a robust, chronometer-certified ETA movement, combined with distinctive design elements like the guilloché dial and large crown, reflects the brand's approach to expanding its horological presence.
Specifications
- Caliber
- ETA 2892-A2
- Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter
- 41.5mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire