Montblanc have released a hefty collection of models for the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders. Making headlines was a series of rare, limited editions including a tribute to an early pilots watch, the Minerva Monopusher Red Arrow, an 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen watch which as its name suggests is completely void of oxygen and a Secret Minerva Monopusher with an upside down movement. While these releases are certainly worthy of all the praise they’re receiving, they have overshadowed a particular tool watch, a permanent one at that, that we think should be just as commended: the Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic.
So what makes the Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic so special? Because let’s be honest, there are no shortage of GMT watches on the market right now. Well while most GMT timepieces indicate the second time zone with an additional hand, the Montblanc 1858 GMT opts for a unique indication around the circumference of the dial. The complication is really quite intuitive, and it allows for a much cleaner finish to the face. The system works by indicating the second time zone with a red square which moves around the outside of the dial in line with the hour it wishes to mark. Not only that, but the system displays half-hours with a red rectangle and a red square for the full hour.
Working perfectly in line with the 24-hour complication, the Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic watches showcase a practical fixed anodized aluminium bezel detailed with a white 24 hour scale. This allows you to know whether it is day or night in the second time zone. The bezel is finished in a choice of black or blue to match the black and blue sunray dials available. Completing the centrepiece’s is a date window at 3 o’clock, Arabic numerals and surrounding applied indexes and three Superluminova-decorated hands for the hours, minutes and seconds.
For the stainless steel case of the Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic watches, a typical sports watch architecture is elected including a 42mm diameter, strong curved lugs, a fluted crown and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass. A solid case back also assures a 100 metre water resistant rating and differs from the rest of the design with a titanium construction. The back is decorated with a special laser engraving to show the planet’s continents and oceans, along with the names of cities in each of the 24 time zones. Another nice touch is that Central European Time, which is usually represented by Paris, has been changed to Villeret, Montblanc’s Swiss watchmaking headquarters.
Housed beneath the case of each Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic watch is the Calibre MB 24.33 automatic winding movement. Based on the Swiss made Sellita SW295-1, the movement guarantees 25 jewels, a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 28,800vph. Completing the 2022 releases is a tapered stainless steel bracelet with a fine adjustment system for precision fitting. The bracelet also features an interchangeable system so it can be switched out for a black or blue rubber strap in seconds.
The 1858 GMT Automatic Date comes in a 42 mm x 11.2 mm stainless steel case, with your choice of a black or blue sunburst dial, paired with either a matching rubber strap or a steel bracelet. What’s unique about this particular GMT wristwatch, is that unlike most GMTs, such as Rolex’s GMT-Master II, this watch forgoes the 24-hour arrow-tipped GMT hand in favor of a wheel that rotates around the edge of the movement once every 24-hours. With the Montblanc 1858 GMT the bracelet or strap is tapered, interchangeable, and the stainless-steel bracelet with a fine adjustment system for precision fitting. Plus, the strap or bracelet can be switched out in seconds thanks to a quick-release mechanism.