D.C. Hannay
Montblanc adds a cool new grey dial variant to their chilled-out Iced Sea dive watchThe unique dial texture is inspired by the Mer de Glace glacier of the Mont-Blanc massif range in the AlpsNot merely a pretty face, the Iced Sea boasts ISO 6425 dive watch specsThere are an ocean of dive watches out there, from entry level to ultra high-end, but none I've encountered feature the unique look of Montblanc's Iced Sea range and their chilly dial aesthetic. Plenty of dive watch dials evoke bright tropical vibes, but I can't recall one directly inspired by glacial ice.The distinctive dial texture is a tribute to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier of the Mont-Blanc massif range in the Alps, and has a depth that needs to be seen, employing a finish technique known as gratte boise. Released last year in black, blue, and green variants, the chilly new grey dial is the one that most closely resembles the layered Alpine ice of its inspiration.Rhodium-plated and blue-lumed indices include Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12, with a framed date window at 3. Being a diver, the sword handset is also lumed (in green), offering great legibility, and the whole affair is protected by a sapphire crystal. The unidirectional timing bezel sports a glossy black ceramic bezel insert with a lumped pip, as well as a grippy coin edge.Along with the highly legible dial, lume, and timing bezel, the Montblanc Iced Sea earns its ISO 6425 rating with a 41mm stainless case that's water resistant to 300 metres, featuring a solid screwed caseback and signed screwdown crown.That caseback gets a cool laser-engraved finish, picturing a diver exploring the depths of a glacial lake. The case profile is properly robust, neither too beefy or too slight, showing a nice polished chamfer on the lugs. The movement is Montblanc's MB 24.17 caliber, which is based on Sellita's SW200. It's got 26 jewels, runs at 4Hz, and has a power reserve of 41 hours. Not groundbreaking, but it’s a reliable movement that can be easily serviced.A nicely finished solid three-link bracelet shows a touch of pizzazz, with polished center link edges popping against the predominantly brushed finish. It gets a solid-feeling trifold clasp secured by a dual pushbutton lock, and includes a dive extension. And should you wish to change things up, Montblanc also offers a proprietary rubber strap, which you can easily swap using their simple pushbutton system.Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date pricing and availability:The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date is available now, priced at US$3,350.BrandMontblancModel1858 Iced Sea Automatic DateCase Dimensions41mm (D) x 12.9mm (T)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance300mDialTextured greyCrystal(s)SapphireBraceletStainless 3-linkMovementMB 24.17 automatic (Sellita SW200 base)Power Reserve41 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPriceUS$3,350
16.04.23