Montblanc-Villeret-Monopusher-1858

1 of 100 Montblanc Villeret Monopusher 1858

Navy on steel may be a bit cliché in the moment. However, Montblanc preceeded this trend. A there’s no doubt they nailed the aesthetic. Their design echoes early Minerva pilots from after WWI, with modern touches and proportion. For the 1858 collection, Montblanc also redesigned their logo to a less cursive, nowhere-else-seen sans serif mountain center. Although its quite a niche product to wrap your head around, I think the current Montblanc range features some of the most outright attractive models. This tachymeter-LE 1858 Monopusher is one such chronograph.

Montblanc-Villeret-Monopusher-1858

The 1858 collection was shown first to SIHH in 2016, after the Richemont acquisition and some groundbreaking pieces. The range featured classic pilot styles at varied price points. This Monopusher was available with in a stand model and this LE with a tachymeter scale in either steel or rose gold (limited to 100 each) at the higher-end of the range. Although the brands collections and message may be somewhat muddled, one thing is clear. This a gorgeous, classically styled case and dial.

Montblanc-Villeret-Monopusher-1858

This Monopusher features the cal MB 16.29, visible through a display. The caliber is gorgeous and quite old-school. It beats at a very low 18000 vph with 50 hours reserve. There are subseconds and a 30 minute column wheel. As if in apology for the draconian tech, the level of finish Montblanc applied is quite impressive. I think this movement speaks for itself in decoration. That finishing applies to the dial, case, and crown. You get the feeling they really cared about the 1858s in detail. This example is as-near-as new gets from the secondary market. It comes guaranteed, serviced, and with a full set from a known retailer.

Find this 1858 Monopusher here from Xupes for 21500 GBP.