KMII introduces the Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim, positioning it as a potentially spectacular entry-level ultra-thin dress watch. He highlights its impressive specifications and value proposition, inviting the community to discuss its merits and competitive landscape.
Montblanc has been going from strength to strength lately and we have all been drooling over the Villeret Collections, the 1858s, and other Minerva influenced watches. Just as these are very good value for what they offer, MB has quietly been adding entrants in other segments, which are equally interesting. The Orbis Terrarum, for instance. Or the Heritage Chronometrie Ultra Slim.
So, a hand wound dress watch at 5,8mm thick for a price even Seiko would have a difficulty matching at this execution level?
From: A Blog to Watch
From pictures the watch looks excellently proportioned at 38mm x 5,8mm (OK, not Piaget or high end JLC thin but beats most comers handily). It is perhaps somewhat conservative in its design, with applied steel numerals for 3, 6, 9 & 12 and applied hour markers for the rest, simple yet elegant sword shaped hands and a conventional, if pleasing stainless steel case (it exists in RG, too). Very minimalist text on the dial, with only the brand name and Mecanique printed under it and Swiss Made at the bottom.
In it one gets the MB version of the ETA 7001 movement - the MB23.01 - that technically comes prepared for a small second, too but does not have it in this iteration. No date (Nico is omnipresent
). No Poincon level of finish but certainly adequate for the price level. 17 jewels, about 42h of power reserve.
From: A Blog to Watch
If someone is looking for a mechanical dress watch and is not yet ready to spend JLC Master Ultra Thin levels of money for it, I can hardly think of anything that would work better than this. It is an excellent example of how MB manages to navigate the current watch environment in a very pleasant way - by offering solid, high quality content at a very reasonable price. And I wish them every success with it!
What is your view? Any proper competitors out there?
About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Boucheron 1858
- Case
- 18k white gold
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph is a limited edition offering within the 1858 collection, distinguished by its complex split-second chronograph complication. This particular reference, limited to 100 pieces, features a unique burgundy dial, setting it apart from other models in the series and appealing to collectors seeking a more exclusive and visually distinct timepiece with advanced horological functions.
The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and 15.2mm in thickness. It is fitted with a fixed 18k white gold fluted bezel. The dark burgundy dial, finished with a sunray pattern, complements the case materials. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. The timepiece is powered by the hand-wound MB 16.31 calibre, which measures 38.4 x 8.13 mm, and offers a power reserve suitable for its intricate mechanical functions.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in high-complication chronographs and Montblanc's Minerva heritage. Its limited production run and specific dial color make it a notable variant within the 1858 collection, offering a blend of historical design cues and modern watchmaking. The large dimensions reflect its pocket watch-inspired movement architecture, a characteristic often appreciated by enthusiasts of traditional horology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB 16.31
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 44mm
- Dial
- Burgundy
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
