New Release
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.
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.
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 donβt like the font on the word Heritage and the letter G seems to have slipped; also, like you, I canβt see the point of the tiny amount of luminous material although Mont Blanc are not the only manufacture guilty of this. Regards Kev.
Do we know yet whether the movements are based on Sellita versus new movements?
I think they have done a lot lately to upgrade their non-Villeret offerings, which are the vast majority of their business. Thanks for the write-up!
I was impressed with the dial finishing, with the different textures. I think MB has worked hard to use materials that don't feel lacking in this collection and at the price points. The automatic wears well with its nicely shaped lugs and slim enough case. I found the watch to be very charming, in part due to the sapphire and the light play it produces on the dial. The monopusher is even more charming. The salmon dial is not done justice in stock images, but having looked at Time + Tide's video,
Any 2-hander really.. If one isn't keen on really keeping track of time to the second, might as well stretch out the moment even further with a manual movement. That aside, I prefer the Heritage. It has period elements but might be less gimmicky in feel (esp in bronze) versus the 1858. And the text on the bottom of both dials.. would be better without.
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