Felix Scholz
The story in a second:Montblanc add another string to their bow with the 1858 Collection, a clean and classy range full of rugged charm.Montblanc have just mixed it up with their manly new line. Based on timepieces produced in the 1930s by Minerva (which they acquired in 2006), the heritage-inspired Montblanc 1858 Collection comprises three models.Pride of place goes to a masculine 44mm mono-pusher, cased in red gold and powered by the mesmerisingly beautiful MB M16.29. Produced in a very limited run of 100 pieces, we wouldn't be at all surprised if this one's already sold out.The mainstay of the new collection, however, is a hand-wound time only piece called the Small Second. With its spartan black dial, luminous Arabic numerals, cathedral-style hands, titular small seconds and vintage Montblanc logo this watch looks like it's straight out of the 1930s. Also sized at 44mm, the Small Second is powered by a slower beat Unitas based movement famed for its robustness and reliability. The regular production steel piece is well priced at $4500, and for a small premium there's also a limited edition version with vintage-look lume and a saddle-stitched alligator strap, rounding off the triple threat.With their simple aesthetic and sturdy construction, none of the Montblanc 1858 Collection would look out of place on the wrist of someone scaling the brand's eponymous peak. But we won’t hold it against you if you stick to wearing yours at work.Montblanc 1858 Collection Australian pricingThe Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter (reference 112637) is limited to 100 pieces and has an RRP of $46,560.The Montblanc 1858 Small Second (reference 113860) is limited to 858 pieces and has an RRP of $4810.The Montblanc 1858 Small Second (reference 112638) starts at $4500.
04.11.15