Hard not to admire this release

Apr 27, 2020,20:30 PM
 

Beautifully finished movement, lively dial, simultaneously fresh and traditional. The price is quite good, even if you concede that a large split seconds movement is far easier to construct than a small one. For one, the large diameter of the movement brings the superlative hand finishing into focus.

The big question lies with its wearing comfort. It’s light, but will it leave your wrist feeling awkward? Unlike smaller dress chronographs, this beauty will always find a way to remind you that you are wearing it.

This may be a social watch, a watch best enjoyed when it is being passed around at collector get-togethers. Not necessarily a bad thing, if you believe best things in life are shared experiences,

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Watches and Wonders 2020: Montblanc 1858 Split Second in Titanium and Blue Enamel. Some quick thoughts.

 
 By: amanico : April 26th, 2020-01:47
Our dear Mahesh posted this novelty from Montblanc some days ago, And I have to say that, to this day, the 1858 Split Seconds is one of the winners of this year. Last year, I fell in love with the Bronze 1858 Split Second, but I am not a big fan of that m...  

it's a beauty indeed!

 
 By: Arronax : April 26th, 2020-01:59
Love titanium and the telemeter scale, the only thing which bugs me is the overall thickness on some pictures, possibly inevitable because of the split second...

A lot to like!

 
 By: M4 : April 26th, 2020-02:14
A fine offering indeed. I agree with your assessment, Nicolas, and mark me down as a fan of the orange accents. I would add that the crown appeals to me as well. It's a little sportier and aggressive than the onion crown that I love so much on the 1858 ta... 

Nice dial colors great minerva caliber

 
 By: GuinnessForMeAndTheWatch : April 26th, 2020-02:21
Winner at that price point

What I think... [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 26th, 2020-02:25

That is the best looking MB-Minerva since a while.

 
 By: jlux : April 26th, 2020-02:35
For me personally,the 44mm case wpuld be a bit too much for this kind of watch.

Go, my friend, go! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 26th, 2020-02:56

After all the effort...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : April 26th, 2020-03:18
Montblanc decided on a 44mm case. A significant design error.

I did consider the movement size but...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : April 26th, 2020-04:24
That’s still 5.6mm. Looking at the Montblanc range, I think that they believe that larger cases sell watches.

Yes, a 40mm is fine ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : April 26th, 2020-09:23
It’s a classic style watch at 44mm that is out of place.

I knew this one was coming

 
 By: penfriend : April 26th, 2020-03:23
But i still decided some month ago to purchase the black enamel snail dial vintage chronograph: IMHO this new split second is too busy in its appearance: the mix of colors and the numerals and the hands lead to an unsteady look. I would not want to be puz... 

Nothing to add- it just ticks all the boxes-

 
 By: jlc.thomsen : April 26th, 2020-03:25
As many are pointing out the size is an issue, but so many things make up for it, and being a pocket watch based movement as some critics call it might just be the direct excuse-42 would have been grand! Maybe it's about time to organise a WPS visit to Mi... 

So far the best piece to come from W&W 2020!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 26th, 2020-10:56
Thank you for your introduction to this piece Amanico! This and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar are my favorite so far this year! Of course, this one costs a third of the price!

Hard not to admire this release

 
 By: jmpTT : April 27th, 2020-20:30
Beautifully finished movement, lively dial, simultaneously fresh and traditional. The price is quite good, even if you concede that a large split seconds movement is far easier to construct than a small one. For one, the large diameter of the movement bri... 

I can only support that

 
 By: penfriend : April 27th, 2020-23:44
I have two Minerva/Montblanc in this diameter (both in gold) and it is no problem on my wrist (which is rather normal in size). The weight is also well balanced - unlike my fullly white gold Daytona which becomes quickly too heavy for me when wearing it.