In-Depth: The Montblanc 1858 Collection And Its Minerva Heritage

In 1858, watchmaker Charles-Yvan Robert founded Minerva in the Saint-Imier valley, on the outskirts of Villeret. Over time, the manufacture established a sterling reputation for making some of the world’s most reliable timepieces and obtained several patents for precision timers. Professional watches, chronographs and stopwatches were specialties for Minerva in its early years and they still are today. As early as the 1920’s, Minerva developed a manual monopusher chronograph movement small enough to fit in a wristwatch, and by the 1930’s produced an ultra-slim (for the time) version of the movement that measured just 5.6mm high. 

The watch cases echo the original watches’ designs with very few modifications. Metals include bronze, titanium, as well as classic stainless steel. Each watch in the collection (with the exception of one) boasts an exquisitely carved caseback, depicting the Mont Blanc mountain, a compass and two crossed pick axes.  

Let’s take a closer look at the new models. 

This watch is the quintessential reproduction of a classic. Measuring 40mm, the time-only piece is full of vintage-inspired design. The 1858’s Automatic’s stainless steel case combines both polished and satin finishes giving it depth and interest. The bronze bezel adds a rugged feel and perfectly complements the oversized fluted “Onion” crown. The Automatic’s bezel serves as a perfect frame for both the black and the champagne colored dials. A railroad minute track, Arabic numerals and cathedral hands complete this simple yet sublime timepiece. A standout feature throughout the collection are the oversized fluted crowns, that ensure an easy set even while wearing gloves. Mechanically, the watch is powered by the MN 24.14 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. NATO and leather straps are available, with the leather’s overstitching adding to the vintage feel.

For explorers, precise timing on the mountain, on the ground or at sea are essential. At 42mm wide, the 1858 Automatic Chronographs’  larger size makes it easier to read on the go, and provides ample space for the subdials. The counter subdials are positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock, like the early Minerva chronographs of the time. Its domed crystal sapphire crystal is also a clear nod to the early timepieces. Rugged pushers flanking the fluted crown add to the watch’s vintage look. The 1858 Automatic Chronograph comes in either a bronze or stainless steel case, with the bronze model’s caseback coated in allergy-free titanium.  It’s powered by the MB 25.11 movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.

The Geosphere’s simultaneous display of the north and south rotating hemispheres via two domed globes is visually powerful, with the bronze continents highlighted by the contrasting black. 24-hour day/night indicators serve the unique needs of climbers, from their perspective. The watch “is destined for those who travel the world in their quest for exploration,” says the brand. The Geosphere’s design honors the world’s Seven Summit Challenge, in which top climbers set out to climb the highest mountains in every continent. 

Seven mountains are marked by red dots on the globes and named on the watch’s caseback. The watch is a limited edition of just 1858 individually numbered pieces, and features a new in-house worldtime complication powered by calibre MB 29.25 with a 48 hour power reserve. 

The new movement complication highlights Minerva’s expertise, spirit of innovation, and constant quest to push the limits of watchmaking.

In keeping with the watches of the time, Montblanc has created a 60mm pocket watch. Made of durable and lightweight titanium, the watch includes a full sized compass that can be opened from the back. The timepiece can also be transformed into a wristwatch via a custom leather strap. Powered by the MB16.24 movement, the watch has a power reserve of a full 50 hours.