Montblanc

I'm a bit late to the party...but I finally received my piece!

Received an e-mail from the Montblanc Boutique (NYC) that my 1858 Chronograph arrived this past week whilst I was on holiday in L.A. Needless to say, I scurried over the day after I landed to pick it up - Santa clearly got confused with Thanksgiving this year...

When the 1858 Chrono was first introduced in rose gold, it seemed like a mighty fine watch (and it definitely is having seen it!) When the steel version was announced, I definitely wanted to see this in person as well. Unfortunately, by the time I got around to asking in boutiques I was told they were sold out (at least in the U.S.); alas, it seemed like this watch was not for me...

Nonetheless, during early summer I received an invite from the New York Boutique to an event they were hosting with Hodinkee, and as this was close by the office I decided to pop by after work. It was pretty well attended, and they had some fantastic pieces (although missing the Metamorphosis, ExoTourb Rattrapante and Pythagore which would have been fantastic). Jerome Lambert was in attendance, and I was lucky enough to spend a decent amount of time speaking with him about Montblanc, other Richemont brands and the industry in general. It was easy to tell his passion for watches, and his anecdotes were great. We also discussed the 1858 Chrono, what a great watch it was, and how I looked for one in the U.S. but as they were gone I would be looking forward to Montblanc's new additions at SIHH 2017. It was a fine evening and I thought that was that.

The next day I received a fairly excited call from the boutique saying if I had firm interest, Mr. Lambert had kindly offered to track one down for me (which I had not asked for...) and if I were interested, one could be mine. This was totally unexpected, and I hesitated as I had not ordered a watch unseen before. Nonetheless, after a brief period of intense thinking (i.e. browsing PuristS' photos) and along with some positive enabling from Nico and Robin I gave a call back and all I needed to do was wait for a few months.

Picking up the watch at the Boutique earlier today was a great experience; the watch came sooner than expected which was fantastic and they were also very (wisely it must be said) accommodating to my better half. The staff there (Christian, Jimmy, Jennifer et al.) are very friendly and I highly recommend visiting the boutique when you are in NYC (there is also the added benefit of most major watch shops and boutiques being in the vicinity).

I have to say I was surprised as the watch was much nicer than the many images I have seen of it. The blue dial is honestly a beauty, and the movement is so bloody large (!) it's hard not to look. The large onion crown is a nice detail and makes winding very easy, and the integration with the monopusher was a great touch. It's a very substantial watch for sure, but well put together into an attractive and cohesive package.

Very much looking forward to spending more time with this, and my sincere thanks again to Mr. Lambert and the wonderful staff at the boutique who made acquiring this piece such a pleasant and enjoyable experience. In addition, thanks Nico and Robin for your thoughts and positive enabling :P

A few quick phone pics below:

Next to my 1815 Chrono:

Poor lighting but it gives a sense of how large the movement is!

More posts: 1858 CollectionCollection VilleretMetamorphosis

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