Montblanc

While walking through the window displays of the SIHH, there was one one watch which caught all my attention at the Montblanc Booth, the 1858 Monopusher Chronograph " Green ". 

My first feeling was " No, another 1858 Tachymeter! ". 

In fact, despite some common points, such as the dial and the hands, resized, though, and the fact that it is a limited edition of 100 pieces, there are more differences than just the color of the dial. 

The most visible ones are:

- The color of the dial,

- The brushed steel case, 

- The much smaller case, 

- The monopusher which is located at two o' clock, not IN the crown,

- Consequence of the different location of the crown, the movement, which is not the 16. 29 but the 13.21. 

Let's see all these points with some pictures. 

First of all, to get all the points mentioned above, a side by side picture of the 1858 Tachymeter Steel Blue, unveiled in 2016, and this brand new 1858 Monopusher Green. 

44 mm versus 40 mm cases, that speaks louder on the picture than with figures. And it speaks even louder on the wrist, as 40 mm is, for me, at least, a perfect size for a Chronograph. Even though I won't complain about my 1858 Tachymeter.

When you are used to the 1858 Tachymeter and its polished case, that makes a big difference. For a moment, I thought the case was made of titanium. 

The second detail on the case of the 1858 Monopusher " Green " is that the lugs are generously bevelled. Much more refined than the 1858 Tachymeter " Blue ". It is a feast for the eyes. 

The movement of the 1858 Monopusher " green " is much smaller than the 16.29. The 13.21 is 29, 50 mm big, and 6, 40 mm high, while the 16.29 is 38, 4 mm big, and 6, 3 mm high. Which explains the size difference of their respective cases. 

The 16.29 is more aerial than the 13.21 which is more compact. Just a matter of taste, when it comes to preferences? I don't know. 

I was looking for the " Devils tail " on the chronograph lever, which is usually a nice part of decoration of the Minerva Villeret movements used by Montblanc, and I was surprised to not see it on the 13.21 housed in the Green Monopusher. While I saw it in other Montblanc watches using the same calibre... 

To be precise, I see the Devil's Tail on the press release picture of the 1858 Monopusher " Green ", not on the piece I took in picture, as you can see above and below.

Is this because it is a prototype, or is this a deliberated choice from Montblanc? I am waiting for an official answer.

Other than that, you have a very pleasant level of finishing of the movement. Given the price ( circa 28000 Euros, if I got it well ), it is a winner. 

Now, the location of the monopusher. Personally, I prefer when it is installed in the crown, I find this solution aesthetically purer. 

But to each its own. 

Same for the crown. I prefer it " pear shaped ". 

The dial of the 1858 Monopusher is really special. It is said to be smoked green, but depending on the light, it can also be khaki, bronze, or light brown... 

I wouldn't have put a green strap on it, but a light brown, tan calf. 

Here again, colors and tastes... Green is not an easy color, I would even say it is a daring choice. 

All in all, I really like this smaller case, and the gorgeous bevels. It is a very good thing that Montblanc opted for the 13.21 and not, once again, another version of the 16.29. 

I wonder why the Devil's tail disappeared, though. 

Interesting and nice offer. Daring, too. A last feeling with a question: Complementary? 

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts, 

Best. 

Nicolas

More posts: 1858 CollectionCalibresCollection VilleretMonopusher Chronograph

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