Comments:

Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter: 8th Anniversary.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-09:18

What can I write I didn't already mention on this marvel? A real challenge, my friends... wink 

With time passing, love is getting stronger and stronger for this Chronograph which is a Champion in the high end manual winding Chronographs category. Yes, yes, you read well, high end Chronograph. 

All along these 8 years, this is one of the 5 watches I wear the most. One of the watches I always bring with me when I take some holidays. 

From Morocco, 


To France: 


Ok, the steel case could be nicer, less basic, it should receive at least some beveled lugs, but there are former versions for that, in gold, white or red which also offer an enamel dial... At a certain cost. 


BUT keep in mind that the price of this 1858 Tachymeter was " only " 25, 000 Euros. And that, at this price, all the so called high end manual winding chronographs are killed by this one because-or thanks-to its movement, the fabulous Cal 16.29 and its incredible level of finishings. 


Montblanc gave a lesson of humility to all the others, me included. I remember when Jerome Lambert told me, a few months before the official launch of this chronograph, that it was surprising that I didn't have a Montblanc in my collection. I answered him a peremptory " No way "... He laughed.. And he showed me this 1858 Tachymeter. Then he asked me again: " Sure "? Three months after, I picked it in Hamburg. smile  smile  smile


In fact, what pleases me a lot is its " Janus Character ", its contradiction between the cool dial and retro " Cathedral " Hands, the ( too ) simple case versus the highly sophisticated movement. Like a watch hiding a Tourbillon on its back side, who could guess that it is such a marvel? Only its owners and its admirers. 


And the immense satisfaction to own such a fine piece! 

Long Life to the 1858 Tachymeter, and to many many other anniversaries. It really became a strong part of my horological life. 


Best,

Nicolas

Nicolas, such a lovely post. A beauty, indeed! Have you already posted the pictures from hamburg on watchprosite? ?

 
 By: Reuven Malter : March 9th, 2024-10:38
I must say that most of my "older" watches dont get that much love. I wish this changes a bit. Your post is an inspiration indeed.

Thanks for sharing!

Well, I think I did a post 8 years ago, when I was there. As for the love for older watches, they have a special taste, these old companions. ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-10:52

;-)

 
 By: Reuven Malter : March 9th, 2024-13:08

Thanks, Reuven.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:01

A great companion !.. What a wonderful share !

 
 By: hs111 : March 9th, 2024-11:22
- Simply love it !
Best, 😊😊

A thousand thanks, mon ami.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:57

Alpine blue dial perfect with a V12 under the bonnet😎🥂

 
 By: hora12reborn : March 9th, 2024-11:54

Aaaah, yes! ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:57

So nice to read…

 
 By: mrds : March 9th, 2024-12:10
almost like finding someone‘s hidden love letter.

May it last forever!

WOW, good comparison.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:58

I suspect this one will stay with you for ever my friend! It fits you perfectly

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : March 9th, 2024-13:06

It is most possible. ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:58

A true gem...

 
 By: Jtl : March 9th, 2024-15:12
if it was not because of the similarity to my titanium split, I would have pulled the trigger when there was one for grab on this site months ago. Well, enjoy this beauty to the fullest and I will cheer for you on the sideline. But I could see the Janus personality in you when the lighter got an inch closer to your beauty, haha.

LOL! Good one!

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-15:59

Wonderful post!

 
 By: Jaseewasee : March 9th, 2024-18:24
Enjoyed the photos and your thoughts. I hope the next eight years bring you many more adventures together.

Thank you, my pleasure, mon ami.

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-22:25

Great post, Nico!

 
 By: Brandon Skinner : March 9th, 2024-19:23
I've long loved this series. One day I'm hoping MB will piece together elements of the different series of this watch to make the perfect 1858 Tachy. The closest so far for me would be the "Origins"... if this was made in a satin/brushed/sandblasted case I'd be in big trouble! Thanks so much for sharing this watch with us here and during our time in Paris.

Do you have a photo?

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-22:25

The origins IIRC

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : March 9th, 2024-22:43
Was the 16.29 with black dial and minerva arrow on the dial. Hunter caseback. Very cool

Ah yes, I see! THAT was a great one! Black enamel, right?

 
 By: amanico : March 9th, 2024-23:14

I don't believe enamel. Not completely sure

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : March 10th, 2024-23:37

With the bronze case? Issued in 2020? No, it is not an enamel dial.

 
 By: amanico : March 11th, 2024-07:08

some of the case backs in these pics say "prototype"... i assume not the watch which is actually yours!

 
 By: remarque : March 9th, 2024-23:58

Actually it is mine. ;)

 
 By: amanico : March 10th, 2024-08:46

Will you share the story of how you got the prototype? Must be a fun one to share...

 
 By: remarque : March 10th, 2024-14:13

It was one of the conditions to get my first Montblanc. A wink between Jerome and myself, when he was at the helm of JLC and when I collaborated to some Tribute Watches...

 
 By: amanico : March 10th, 2024-16:05

Special indeed. Do you still keep in contact with Jerome? I would love to hear his perspective on JLC path today.

 
 By: remarque : March 10th, 2024-20:25

Alas, since he is the Richemont CEO, no more contacts...

 
 By: amanico : March 10th, 2024-21:24

Stunning movement.

 
 By: Boris : March 10th, 2024-11:35
It puts to shame the finishing on Patek chronographs 3 times the price.
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