Montblanc Heritage Automatic Steel SIHH 2019

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Amanico provides a first look at the Montblanc Heritage Automatic in steel, fresh from SIHH 2019. This article offers a comparative analysis with the Montblanc 1858 Automatic, detailing their distinct vintage inspirations, case designs, and movement differences. Amanico's insights help readers understand Montblanc's strategy in balancing retro aesthetics with modern functionality across its new collections.

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There are two " first access " watches, this year, at Montblanc: The 1858 Automatic, which I already reviewed, and the Heritage Automatic, which we'll see, now.

The Heritage and the 1858 Automatic both play the card of a certain nostalgia, vintage, retro. You got the idea. But in a different way... The 1858 is more Retro, Vintage looking, cooler, too, while the Heritage is more elegant, formal. The 1858 is also more a tool watch, with its case water resistant to 100 meters, while the Heritage is resistant to 50 meters only.

The Heritage on the left, the 1818 on the right:

Another detail on the cases, they are not shaped the same way, the lugs seem a tad slimmer on the Heritage, but, at the contrary of the 1858, they are not beveled.

While the diameter is the same for both, the Heritage is a tad thicker than the 1858 ( 11, 65 mm high versus 11, 07 mm ).

Why?

Because the Heritage has something the 1858 doesn't have... Seconds, Central Seconds, here, which may be important for those of us who are giving a lot of importance to that detail.

The movements of both are close, MB Cal 24.25 for the 1818, MB 24.26 for the Heritage, a 24.25 + Seconds, then. Beating at the same pace, 28, 800 vibrations per hour, they also have the same power reserve, 38 hours.

The most visible difference lies in the dials, giving a different character to each of them.

The Heritage Automatic has a domed silver white dial partially grained. One thing Montblanc could or should have avoided, the luminous dots and hands. It would have been better without, because the lume is so scarce than it is not really useful. While the 1858 Automatic is a torch, in comparison.

The other dial versions:

The solid case back is engraved, representing the Minerva Manufacture. Nice.

There are few things I regret on that watch, in conclusion: The lume, the shape of the hands ( leaf hands would have been nicer, in my opinion ) and the absence of beveled lugs.

For those who are looking for a nice and affordable watch, this Heritage Automatic is certainly a good offer.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The Montblanc Heritage Automatic features impressive dial finishing with varied textures and well-chosen materials, enhancing its perceived value at its price point.
The Heritage Automatic wears comfortably due to its nicely shaped lugs and slim case, with the sapphire crystal creating appealing light play on the dial.
The movements in the Montblanc Heritage Automatic (MB Cal 24.26) and 1858 Automatic (MB Cal 24.25) are based on Sellita SW300 calibers, with Montblanc having exclusive rights to certain chronograph versions for a period.
Some collectors find the 'Heritage' font on the dial and the minimal luminous material on the hands to be minor aesthetic drawbacks.
The Heritage collection is seen as having period elements that feel less gimmicky than the 1858 line, especially when considering bronze versions, though some prefer the dials without the bottom text.

The Discussion

kev09

Mar 25, 2019

Of the two I much prefer the 1858.

The green Heritage one with the gold numbers looks the nicest to me but the pink one....oh dear. Just a couple of very picky things: I don’t like the font on the word Heritage and the letter G seems to have slipped; also, like you, I can’t see the point of the tiny amount of luminous material although Mont Blanc are not the only manufacture guilty of this. Regards Kev.

amanico

Mar 25, 2019

Thanks for your very interesting feedback, Kev. I didn't pay attention to the G of Heritage! [nt]

KtWP

Mar 25, 2019

Nice review!

Do we know yet whether the movements are based on Sellita versus new movements?

amanico

Mar 25, 2019

That I tried to find, without success, alas. [nt]

KMII

Mar 25, 2019