Montblanc launched an excellent member of the vintage pilot watch-inspired Montblanc 1858 collection with a dual time complication at SIHH 2017. In a two-tone steel and bronze case, the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time is an unusual expectings given its special layout, selections of materials, and functionality.
The Montblanc 1858 collection includes a top-end and more acceptable models. Last year after SIHH 2016, I took a look at the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition watch (hands-on here) which is comprised of one of the brand’s hand-assembled and hand-decorated movements from their Montblanc Villeret (Minerva) manufacture. In 2017, there is a version of it in an all-bronze case – and with the nicer movements, each stands for the higher end of the Montblanc 1858 watch family.
There is a small circular window under 12 o’clock on the dial which is associated to the second time zone hand and serves as an AM/PM indicator. This important character is essential, because a lot of people use the second time zone hand to reference far-off places, and knowing if it is day or evening, that is the key point. Just like what I have mentioned before, if you sync up both hour’s hands to the same time, then the day/night indicator will simply be used for the local time in this way.
Do you know why it is so popular and well-accepted here? That’s just because of the complete legibility and ease of use. Such a good design and layout combines good style with simple utility in a way which I suppose people will use. Generally speaking, brands seem to stuff replica watches with complexity that is too hard to use or understand. As far as I concerned, dual time complications, just take it as an example, which are perfect since there is a good likelihood which people will actually use them.
You may notice what I have talked is that an ultra-legible dial also helps a lot to the Montblanc 1858 overall. What’s more, its design has a special theme on vintage pilot-style watches which means clear Arabic numeral hour markers and easy-to-read hands (with the hour and minute hands clearly differentiated). The hands and hour markers are painted in “aged style” (the color) luminant. For those who want a modern wearing experience but that speical appreance, such options like the Montblanc 1858 are a good choice. What I also love on the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time watches is that the logo is a little more diminutive than the comparable 1858 Automatic (a time-only model). Even though this logo is a direct emulation of a historic Montblanc design, I’m not a complete fan of it compared to Montblanc’s more common modern corporate logo.
On the wrist, the Replica Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time is sized at 44 mm wide and 12.3 mm thick (water proof just with 30 meters). The major case is brushed steel, while the bezel and crown are in bronze – a material that will develop a patina over time. Bronze has been a fashion material over the last few years, and its integration is clever in a watch like this given that it matches the aged look of the luminant on the hands and hour markers. Montblanc pairs the watch with a comfortable “period-appropriate,” “aged calfskin” strap in an attractive cognac color.
Please take a glance at the side profile, you would be so glad to see the “box-style” domed sapphire crystal, which gained excellent depth but with a relatively flat surface which reduces glare. This not only gives the replica watch an added vintage vibe but also helps enhanced wonderful and perfect legibility.