Thursday, March 25, 2021

MONTBLANC – 1858 Split Second Chronograph Lime Gold Edition


MONTBLANC1858 Split Second Chronograph Lime Gold 44 Special Limited Edition - 2021


Montblanc will unveil its new Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 – A New Gold is born 2021

Montblanc is unveiling the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 crafted out of an exclusive and innovative 18 K gold alloy called Lime Gold, a true watch for connoisseurs who likes distinctive vintage timepieces.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Precise, legible, and robust for use in extreme conditions, the legendary professional Minerva watches from the 1920s and 1930s were conceived for military use. Inspired by these historical ones, the Montblanc 1858 product line pays tribute to the Minerva heritage. The Montblanc 1858 timepieces are designed and conceived as tool watches for mountain exploration and leaning into the global trend of enjoying the outdoors and nature. 
 
 Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18

Reinterpreting a 46 mm Minerva historical military chronograph from the 1930s equipped with the original calibre 19-09CH, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 features a case made of an innovative 18K gold alloy called Lime Gold, a distinctive gold-coloured dial with contrasting green elements and a matching vintage green nubuck calf strap – an harmony of colour making this timepiece unique.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

It is the first time that a watch Maison unveils a model with this colour of gold fondly named Lime Gold thanks to its deep golden colour that veers towards a pale yellowy green. The Lime Gold colour is made of a special alloy composed of 18 K Gold (Au 750‰), Silver (Ag 238‰) and Iron (Fe 12‰) that provides the distinctive colour giving a true vintage aesthetics.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


To match the colour of the new 44 mm 18 K Lime Gold case, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 features a distinctive gold-coloured dial with sunray finishes. Providing great readability and vintage style, the monochrome aesthetic is combined with contrasting green-coloured elements of different tones such as the luminescent cathedral-shaped hour- and minute-hands, the minuterie, the central split-second hand, the tachymeter and telemeter scales, as well as the historical Montblanc emblem at 12 o’clock.
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

In order to give a three-dimensional look both at day/night, the Arabic numerals are fully made of Super-LumiNova with a special patented process that encapsulates the luminescent material and create a ‘monobloc’ shape without any outlines. Gold-coloured has been chosen for the central chronograph second hand as well as for the chronograph 30-minute- and small second-counters.
 
The glass above the dial has an anti-magnetized treatment on the inside top sapphire crystal to enable greater precision of the chronograph’s two second hands.
 
Like on the original timepiece, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 has a telemeter scale that runs around the dial. The telemeter was a common feature on the legendary Minerva chronographs and adds both function and a vintage touch to this new watch. A telemeter makes it possible to measure the distance of a phenomenon which is both visible and audible, like the lightning and thunder in a storm. The watch also has a tachymeter (base 1000) at the centre of the dial in a colimaçon (snail shape) which lets the user measure a length of time of up to three minutes instead of one minute as it is the case in traditional chronographs. The tachymeter indicates the speed of a moving object, such as a car, over a known distance.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The case back reveals the Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.31 taking its inspiration from the original Minerva calibres 19-09CH from 1909 and the evolution, the 17-29, developed in the 1930s, that were used for both pocket watches and wristwatches. The calibre MB M16.31 is particularly beautiful thanks to its handcrafted traditional finishings such as Côtes de Genève, inner angles, circular graining and bevelling – all performed at the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. The Split Second mechanism in the centre brings even more light to the entire movement.


Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


For this limited edition, the plates and bridges are made in Maillechort (German-silver) plated in 18 K gold harmoniously matching the 18 K Lime Gold case and the dial. The calibre has two column wheels for the chronograph and the split complication, horizontal coupling and a power reserve of 50 hours. Like its predecessor, it is composed of the same V-shape bridge (whose design was protected in 1912) and a large balance wheel with 18 screws beating at the traditional frequency of 2.5 Hz / 18,000 A/H.

The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 is completed with a new vintage green nubuck alligator leather strap that has been finished with beige stitching to reinforce the vintage look. The strap is also fitted with a matching 18 K Lime Gold buckle for the perfect finishing touch.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The watch is equipped with a matching green alligator leather strap in vintage nubuck with rice stitching, handcrafted by Richemont Pelletteria in Florence.


In order to guarantee the performance of the product line, the limited-edition timepieces undergo over 500 hours of simulated wear, with specific testing and controls under real-life conditions.
 
Montblanc – A Swiss watchmaker since 1858

Montblanc watchmaking is built on a unique set-up that brings two manufactures together, based in Le Locle and in Villeret, in the Swiss Jura mountains.

The Montblanc watchmaking story began in 1858 when Charles-Ivan Robert founded a watch workshop in the Saint-Imier valley. This marked the beginning of the historic Minerva era. By the end of the 19th century, their pocket watches started to gain recognition for their crown winding system. The Minerva Manufacture’s success resulted in the company becoming a leading specialist in professional watches (stopwatches & chronographs) for measuring small intervals of time with high precision during the 20th century.
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Today, the Montblanc timepieces continue the journey of over 160 years of Minerva history in four fine watchmaking areas with Star Legacy, Heritage, TimeWalker and 1858 product lines, all linking the past and the present through design, style and technical innovation.

--------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


 Ident. 128085


Movement
Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB M16.31

Type of movement: Manually wound monopusher chronograph with split second, tachymeter and telemeter
Chronograph: Monopusher with two column-wheels (one for the chronograph and one for the split second) and horizontal coupling
Dimensions: Diameter = 38.4 mm; height = 8.13 mm
Number of components: 286
Number of rubies: 25
Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
Balance:
Screw balance, diameter = 14.5 mm; moment of inertia = 59 mgcm²
Frequency: 18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz)

Hairspring: With Phillips terminal curve
Plate:
Rhodium-plated german silver with circular graining on both sides
Bridges: Rhodium-plated german silver with “Côtes de Genève
Going-train: Gold-plated, faceted arms, diamond polished surfaces
Displays: Hours and minutes from the center
Small seconds at “9 o’clock”
Chronograph’s elapsed-second and split-second hands from the dial’s center
Counter for 30 elapsed minutes at “3 o’clock”
Tachymeter and telemeter scales

Habillage

Case
Special 18K Lime Gold featuring polished and satin-finishing
Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire, antireflective crystal, anti-magnetized treatment
Back: Screwed 18 K Lime Gold case back with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions: Diameter = 44 mm; height = 14.20 mm
Water resistance: 3 bar
Crown: Bronze with Montblanc emblem in raised relief
Pushers: Monopusher chronograph integrated into the crown and one pusher at 2 o’clock for the split-second
Dial
Gold-coloured dial with green-coloured luminescent Arabic numerals
Green- and white-coloured luminescent cathedral-shaped hour- and minute-hands, gold-coloured small second- and chronograph second-hands
Green-coloured split-second hand, gold-coloured chronograph minute hand with a green-coloured arrow
Historical Montblanc emblem at 12 o’clock, tachymeter scale on the central part of the dial and telemeter on the exterior of the dial Montblanc emblem at 12 o’clock
Tachymeter scale on the central part of the dial and telemeter on the exterior of the dial
Wristband
Green nubuck alligator leather strap with beige stitching and 18 K Lime Gold pin buckle


Limited Edition: 18 pieces


Certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500

(* Super-LumiNova® is not a trademark owned by Montblanc)


=====================--------
------------------------------
Press releases - 2021
-----------------------------
--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Montblanc
---------------------------------------------------------------
www.Montblanc.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

ARNOLD & SON – Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix Edition

 

 ARNOLD & SONMÉTIERS D'ARTS Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix Gold Limited Edition 2021

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


 The stone behind the legend

By merging mineral with myth, Arnold & Son is adding a new dimension to its thinnest tourbillon. The five versions of the Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix, each released as an edition of five pieces, feature dials made from rarely used varieties of hardstone. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 


Their structure, colour and richness serve as a backdrop for the two legendary creatures as they dance around their prized pearl.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Off-centred dials can be found on several models from the Arnold & Son collections. This arrangement is both the historical heritage of the marine chronometers created by John Arnold in the 18th century and a consequence of the mechanical structure of Arnold & Son’s manufacture calibres. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


A fortunate consequence of this arrangement is that it naturally lends itself to artistic expression. Arnold & Son has produced a series of 25 pieces, based on its Ultrathin Tourbillon model, that pair figures from Chinese mythology with the best Swiss expertise.

Miniature works of art

Arnold & Son references the myth of the Dragon and the Phoenix. These fantastic creatures were neighbours who decided to make a pearl together, one using its talons, the other its teeth. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The jewel was the extraordinary product of their equally impressive magic powers.
Stolen by the mother of the Jade Emperor, it fell down from the heavens and the animals rushed to catch it in mid-air.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


This pearl of wisdom and fertility is the essence of the Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix tale. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The two beasts are depicted by two expressive, precious finely worked miniature sculptures curled up on either side of the dial. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Complete with scales, feathers, spurs, teeth, beak and mane, they are entirely crafted from solid rose gold and engraved by hand. In the dragon’s claws is the pearl, made from mother-of-pearl. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The level of detail is extraordinary, all the more so as these two animals are only around 2 cm long. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


 
In the background, Arnold & Son introduces colour and substance: the stone.

Products of geology

Each of the five Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix models features a dial made from a different hardstone.  

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Bronzite
, Eudialyte, Marcassite, Pietersite and Verdite are coloured minerals with deep surface effects, but are little known and rarely used in watchmaking. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Arnold & Son
chose these varieties of hardstone for their evocative properties. In Bronzite, pearlescent, red and black inclusions stand out against predominant beige tones. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Black and grey Marcassite is scattered with outgrowths like stones emerging from a flat landscape. The deep blue grey of Pietersite is crossed by expansive iridescent clouds. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Verdite, meanwhile, reveals a bright, shifting green. Lastly, intense Eudialyte contains gradients of purple opposing mottled white veins.

Proportions

 Each of these versions comes with a large-scaled alligator skin strap that matches the dial, paired with 18-carat gold thread topstitching. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The strap attaches to a 5N red gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter and 8.60 mm thick. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


This thinness is all the more remarkable as the Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix models incorporate a tourbillon calibre.  

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


It simultaneously offers accurate timekeeping, a refined skeletonised structure, mechanical nobility and, for good measure, a symmetrical architecture. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The symmetry of the pieces even extends to the domed sections: the skeletonised tourbillon bridge slightly protrudes from the dial, level with the off-centred dial, which is also domed. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Meanwhile the mythical creatures carved from gold balance out the design horizontally. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The precise proportions, the dynamics and the composition are the product of a keen aesthetic and mechanical sense.

Mechanical lacework

Beneath the rare stone dials lies the A&S8200 calibre. Measuring 2.97 mm thick, it is one of the thinnest to be regulated by a tourbillon. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Like all the movements used by Arnold & Son, the A&S8200 calibre was entirely developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted and cased up within the walls of the brand's manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


This calibre is based on a large barrel with an oscillation frequency of 3 Hz, giving a 90-hour power reserve that is extremely rare for a tourbillon, especially given its thinness. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The structure is refined further still by the skeletonised tourbillon bridge and hand engraving on the rear tourbillon bridge.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


As the light passes through the Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix, it illuminates the mythological scene and brings the mechanical lacework into the mineral landscape.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


 

---------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection:  MÉTIERS D'ARTS

Model:   ULTRATHIN Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix Edition


Reference 

  • Bronzite: 1UTAR.Z01A 
  • Eudialyte: 1UTAR.Z02A
  • Marcassite: 1UTAR.Z03A  
  • Pietersite: 1UTAR.Z04A
  • Verdite: 1UTAR.Z05A
Movement
Calibre A&S8200, 1 minute flying tourbillon, manual winding
Jewels 29
Diameter 32.00 mm
Height 2.97 mm
Power reserve 90 hours
Frequency 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
Finishes main plate: Côtes de Genève stripes radiating from the centre and
hand-engraved tourbillon bridge
bridges: polished and chamfered by hand
wheels: circular satin-finished
screws: blued and chamfered, mirror-polished heads
tourbillon bridge: skeletonised
rear tourbillon bridge: engraved by hand
tourbillon carriage: satin-finished, polished, and chamfered
Functions hours, minutes
Dial  
Bronzite, Eudialyte, Marcassite, Pietersite or Verdite
counter: white opal
phoenix & dragon: 18-carat rose gold (4N), entirely engraved by hand
pearl: Pinctada maxima
Case
Material 18-carat red gold (5N)
Diameter 42.00 mm
Thickness 8.60 mm (with crystal)
Crystal domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
Case back sapphire crystal
Water-resistance 30 metres / 100 feet
Strap
Material alligator leather hand-stitched with 18-carat red gold (5N) thread
Buckle pin buckle, 18-carat red gold (5N)

Limited editions 5 timepieces for each model

Global retail price excluding tax CHF 99,000 (subject to change)

----------------------------

Press releases - 2021
-----------------------------
------------------------------------------
Marketing & Sales
Boulevard des Eplatures 38
CH – 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
info@arnoldandson.com
------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Arnold and Son 1764
----------------------------------------------------
www.Arnold&Son.com