Watches and Wonders 2023: Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Secret Aged Steel.
amanico
This year, Montblanc uses the same recipe, but with a different treatment for their new Unveiled Secret, in a steel case, pvd coated, then brushed by hand with Quartzite, to give an used steel look to this watch.
The bezel, like the 2022 Steel version, is in white gold. And the case dimensions don't change: 43 mm big, 14, 18 mm high.
It is all a matter of contrast. Contrast between the case and the bezel, contrast between the crown and its pusher, and... Contrast between the ruthenium darkened parts of the movement and its golden wheels.
The movement is well known, it is the Cal 16.29, but as it is inverted, it gets a different reference: Cal 16_26. It is a huge movement, with a diameter of 37, 5 mm, and you will be relieved to know that it receives the same high level of finishes as the 16.29 and the 16.26 from last year. To be complete, this movement has a power reserve of 50 hours.
And of course, as the two former ones, the case back is solid, which is logical has the movement has been inverted.
If you like black watches, you might like this one. It is uber cool, with a lot of character, and a certain refinement. Be careful, though, as there are only 88 pieces of this Aged Steel version.
Two things I like less...
1/ The price is... " Steep ": 40, 000 Euros, for the Steel version. I still remember the retail of my beloved 1858 Tachymeter Steel Blue, at 25, 000 Euros. But it is still good, compared to what the competitors offer at this level of price, or for this level of finishings.
2/ More problematic, but this is a behavior Montblanc is used to having, such as several other brands from Richemont Group, the fact that they do another limited edition of the former limited editions... The collectors may not appreciate it.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best,
Nicolas
Comments:
RayStantzPhD December 1st, 2023-09:18
Very cool watch! Yes I am biased, as I like skeletonized watches, but with THIS caliber and finish... uhhh. It's very nice! Concerning the price, I'd like to reference the actual name of the watch by saying: "Sadly, it's not a SECRET anymore". Still it is highly desirable...
penfriend December 1st, 2023-10:53
I really like this one but it is 42 kEuro nowadays... And they are not able to produce them within a decent timeframe.....
Chronometer (aka yacomino) December 1st, 2023-11:56
I was able to see this year version in the flesh. Visually I like the added contrast especially for legibility. This is indeed a very cool and unique watch on the wrist… On the down side last year version made the movement move visible, and the price was better! I was really surprised how light it was as I was expecting more weight on the wrist. In the end I passed on this one. This wa about the same time I decided to get...
TeutonicCarFan December 1st, 2023-13:09
I am a fan I like the beautiful movement on display side. I was close to ordering a blue one, but decided only one cal 16.29 (I know this is the .26). I do not like the black distressed without seeing in person. Limegold seems the best IMO.
amanico December 1st, 2023-14:15
Black case is not everybody's taste, indeed. The blue remains my favorite.
Champthekid December 1st, 2023-13:16
I would have liked a display back on this as well. Very nice though.
amanico December 1st, 2023-14:14
Well since the movement is inverted... Maybe less things to see and most of all to admire...
0-10-10
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