Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter: 8th Anniversary.

Mar 09, 2024,09:18 AM
 


What can I write I didn't already mention on this marvel? A real challenge, my friends... wink 

With time passing, love is getting stronger and stronger for this Chronograph which is a Champion in the high end manual winding Chronographs category. Yes, yes, you read well, high end Chronograph. 

All along these 8 years, this is one of the 5 watches I wear the most. One of the watches I always bring with me when I take some holidays. 

From Morocco, 


To France: 


Ok, the steel case could be nicer, less basic, it should receive at least some beveled lugs, but there are former versions for that, in gold, white or red which also offer an enamel dial... At a certain cost. 


BUT keep in mind that the price of this 1858 Tachymeter was " only " 25, 000 Euros. And that, at this price, all the so called high end manual winding chronographs are killed by this one because-or thanks-to its movement, the fabulous Cal 16.29 and its incredible level of finishings. 


Montblanc gave a lesson of humility to all the others, me included. I remember when Jerome Lambert told me, a few months before the official launch of this chronograph, that it was surprising that I didn't have a Montblanc in my collection. I answered him a peremptory " No way "... He laughed.. And he showed me this 1858 Tachymeter. Then he asked me again: " Sure "? Three months after, I picked it in Hamburg. smile  smile  smile


In fact, what pleases me a lot is its " Janus Character ", its contradiction between the cool dial and retro " Cathedral " Hands, the ( too ) simple case versus the highly sophisticated movement. Like a watch hiding a Tourbillon on its back side, who could guess that it is such a marvel? Only its owners and its admirers. 


And the immense satisfaction to own such a fine piece! 

Long Life to the 1858 Tachymeter, and to many many other anniversaries. It really became a strong part of my horological life. 


Best,

Nicolas


More posts: 1858 Collection

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Nicolas, such a lovely post. A beauty, indeed! Have you already posted the pictures from hamburg on watchprosite? ?

 
 By: Reuven Malter : March 9th, 2024-10:38
I must say that most of my "older" watches dont get that much love. I wish this changes a bit. Your post is an inspiration indeed. Thanks for sharing!

;-)

 
 By: Reuven Malter : March 9th, 2024-13:08

Thanks, Reuven.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:01

A great companion !.. What a wonderful share !

 
 By: hs111 : March 9th, 2024-11:22
- Simply love it ! Best, šŸ˜ŠšŸ˜Š

Aaaah, yes! ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:57

So nice to readā€¦

 
 By: mrds : March 9th, 2024-12:10
almost like finding someoneā€˜s hidden love letter. May it last forever!

WOW, good comparison.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:58

It is most possible. ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:58

A true gem...

 
 By: wychiu : March 9th, 2024-15:12
if it was not because of the similarity to my titanium split, I would have pulled the trigger when there was one for grab on this site months ago. Well, enjoy this beauty to the fullest and I will cheer for you on the sideline. But I could see the Janus p... 

LOL! Good one!

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:59

Wonderful post!

 
 By: Jaseewasee : March 9th, 2024-18:24
Enjoyed the photos and your thoughts. I hope the next eight years bring you many more adventures together.

Great post, Nico!

 
 By: Brandon Skinner : March 9th, 2024-19:23
I've long loved this series. One day I'm hoping MB will piece together elements of the different series of this watch to make the perfect 1858 Tachy. The closest so far for me would be the "Origins"... if this was made in a satin/brushed/sandblasted case ... 

Do you have a photo?

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-22:25

The origins IIRC

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : March 9th, 2024-22:43
Was the 16.29 with black dial and minerva arrow on the dial. Hunter caseback. Very cool

Actually it is mine. ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 10th, 2024-08:46

Stunning movement.

 
 By: Boris : March 10th, 2024-11:35
It puts to shame the finishing on Patek chronographs 3 times the price.

100% agreed.

 
 By: amanico : March 10th, 2024-15:55

Eight years alreadyā€¦

 
 By: KMII : March 10th, 2024-13:52
My how the time flies! Itā€™s a fabulous piece and you have certainly made sure it got featured regularly and have shown its beauty repeatedly! To many more years of enjoying it!

What a wonderful post

 
 By: Derreck : March 10th, 2024-19:08
Even though you wrote about this chronograph extensively in the past, you manage to excite yet again with such an eloquent and engaging story, thank you dear Nicolas.

Beautiful wrist shots, mon ami. The iconic monopusher chrono!

 
 By: joenghenry : March 12th, 2024-15:31
Itā€™s the kind of time piece that you will keep for a life time and always thinking of putting on wrist šŸ˜Š

Absolutely, mon ami.

 
 By: amanico : March 12th, 2024-23:20