The Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph take two

Jul 24, 2018,14:24 PM
 

While the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph LE 100 (here:  www.watchprosite.com  for more) - rightfully - got the most coverage amongst Montblanc’s newly expanded 1858 collection during and after SIHH2018, it is possibly its less illustrious cousin - the 1858 Automatic Chronograph - that is likely to be seen most often on wrists in the wild. Slowly reaching ADs and Boutiques in all its forms (here:  www.watchprosite.com  for the range and here:  www.watchprosite.com  for first impressions), it makes for an excellent allrounder chronograph. 





Here are some additional impressions. The design cues are largely taken from the Minerva Pythagore Aviation (here:  www.watchprosite.com  for details) and successfully adapted to a chronograph. As such the watch blends seamlessly into the 1858 range and may well be a Goldilocks in terms of the non-Villeret part of the collection. 

You certainly give up the astounding Minerva Villeret movement but keep most of the design elements in a more robust, everyday compatible package, at a very different price range. While the latter aspect is certainly likely to make the watch a much larger seller for Montblanc, it may well be seen with some apprehension by owners of the 1858 Tachymeter or similar. While the two pieces do share a design language, I would still see a sufficient difference for the former not to diminish the latter in its appeal or value. 




In addition to the two steel cased, black dial versions (different straps), there’s a bronze one with a champagne dial, too. 

While I have praised the excellent, vintage feel calf leather strap in my previous report, I have to admit that the watch sits on the wrist even better with the canvas option. I guess it would be a sensible choice to get both anyway, since they subtly alter the character of the watch and make it more broadly usable in combination. 

The pusher feel is certainly not as buttery smooth as with a horizontal clutch, column wheel 16.29 and the solid case back - while in my opinion the correct choice in this application - will not hold the magic in quite the same way, either. 

Another small design detail is that the running seconds subdial and the 30 minute chronograph one have the same hands, which makes no distinction between the time and timing functions - something better solved in the Tachymeter. 

And one has to praise Montblanc for offering a relatively mainstream watch without a date - something that certainly helps the overall dial balance and symmetry. 

Looking forward to seeing some here, too!


More posts: 1858 CollectionCalibresCollection VilleretMonopusher Chronograph

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Comments: view entire thread

 

I handled one recently.

 
 By: jomni1 : July 24th, 2018-18:47
And I liked it.

Thanks for sharing this one again..

 
 By: Echi : July 24th, 2018-20:09
It has that Omega Dynamic Chrono feel which I find charming. What is the MSRP? Best, Echi

This may differ by region...

 
 By: KMII : July 24th, 2018-21:18
But the MRSP on the Montblanc website for Europe is €3.990. Interesting comparison - wouldn’t have thought of it but certainly see it now

It is certainly a tad more comfortable...

 
 By: KMII : July 28th, 2018-07:59
Even if the leather strap is excellent - supple from new on, without the need to be broken in. Definitely right on both the date and Automatic 👍🏻

Certainly a feature...

 
 By: KMII : July 28th, 2018-08:02
I guess they are slowly evolving. And while new collectors would love to see more of the 16.29 movement I am sure existing owners are more than happy if no additional movements get made beyond the current ones

Logical... [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 28th, 2018-08:05

After handling one earlier this year...

 
 By: patrick_y : July 29th, 2018-10:23
I have to say, it's an excellent piece. Beautifully styled. No cons to the watch itself except it's a little thick. It's very much a sporty watch! Very handsome, rugged and yet a slight vintage look to it. Designers did a great job! Movement isn't anythin... 

Thanks for your impressions, Patrick!

 
 By: KMII : July 29th, 2018-21:34
Fully agreed - definitely on the sporty side. But very coherent irrespective