Montblanc – Digital cut: watches and a walk in the Alps with Montblanc – Watches and Wonders

The pandemic has been tough on the watch media. Much of what we do involves physical contact with our friends within the brands, talking about timepieces, seeing manufacturing processes, observing movements under a microscope, and trying on watches. And while we’re thrilled to be a part of the Digital Watches & Wonders event, it’s just not the same.

So when an invitation arrived at the WorldTempus office for a Pre-Watches & Wonders, outdoors, with social distancing and walking in the woods of Crans-Montana, the excitement was at its peak! How would we get there? What clothes to wear? Should we take our video material? (We actually took it, as you will see below).

Excursion to Crans-Montana

After one of the prettiest train trips on the shores of Lake Geneva and then on to the mountains, we arrive in a luxurious chalet in Crans-Montana where we are greeted by the new general manager of Montblanc, Laurent Lecamp, whom we interviewed earlier this month.

We sit outside for lunch of a delicious raclette, and we not only have the chance to taste one of the tastiest local raclette cheeses – that of Pascal Cordonier & Fils at Domaine de Revouire – but also to see the novelties. 2021 from Montblanc. There are four major new launches in the brand’s 1858 and Heritage collections. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look.

1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Edition Limitée 100

“Origins” is a new word in Montblanc terminology and it refers to the origins of Minerva. The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Limited Edition 100 not only pays homage to the origins of the brand but also to a 46 mm military monopusher chronograph from the 1930s, the source of inspiration for this new watch.

Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Origins Edition Limitée 100 © Montblanc

This 100-piece limited edition retains a number of elements from the original model, including a black dial with bi-compax counters, luminescent cathedral hands and beige indexes. It also includes some additional retro touches, such as a case crafted from a special bronze alloy, an ‘officer’ style caseback and an in-house monopusher chronograph caliber which is an authentic reconstruction of the Minerva chronograph from the early 20th century.

1858 Geosphere Desert Edition Limitée

The new 1858 Geosphere Desert is the second limited edition of the Geosphere to be dedicated to the world famous mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner. The first was sold out in the blink of an eye. This time, instead of celebrating Messner’s ascents to the summits of the world, this new edition is inspired by a five-week solo expedition he made in the Gobi Desert in 2004.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition 1858 © Montblanc

The watch reproduces the warm sandblasted colors of the Gobi Desert with a microblasted bronze case, a new brown ceramic bezel, a lacquered dial in shades of brown, and a matching strap in vintage brown calfskin. The watch also features a special realistic 3D engraving of the famous “Flaming Cliffs” (red cliffs) of the Gobi Desert. It was achieved through a unique new laser process that has to be seen to be believed.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition 1858 © Montblanc

1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition in green gold

Montblanc introduces a brand new gold alloy called “green gold” in the new 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition. Green gold displays a wonderful deep gold color that turns pale yellow-green and blends perfectly with the golden sunray dial to create a striking monochrome aesthetic.

1858 Split Seconds Chronograph Limited Edition © Montblanc

In terms of functions, this new watch is fitted with the manufacture’s hand-finished, manually-wound, monopusher chronograph caliber, which features a split-seconds chronograph complication with a central split-seconds hand and 30-minute counter, allowing users to measure split times without interrupting the measurement during a longer elapsed period

Heritage Pythagore Small Second Limited Editions

The Heritage Pythagore Small Seconds Limited Editions pay homage to the Minerva No. 48 caliber developed and produced in 1948. This movement was the pinnacle of contemporary design of the time and it pushed the limits of design with its clean lines and geometric angles. faithful to the Pythagorean theorem and the Golden Ratio. This year Montblanc is unveiling a new manufacture movement whose design meets the same Golden Ratio rules, even in terms of its hand finishing and decoration.

Montblanc Héritage Pythagore Petite Seconde Limited Edition © Montblanc

There are two limited editions of 148 pieces each: one 1858 with 39mm 18k white gold case and dark blue dial, and the other with 18k rose gold case and new burnt caramel colored dial.

Obviously we will come back to these models in more detail throughout the year, but for now it is time to take a walk in the woods to learn more from the mouth of the new CEO of the House, Laurent Lecamp.

Watch the video below!