The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph: Exploring Horology's Past with Minerva-inspired Movement

Known for its fine luxury fountain pens, Montblanc ventured into horology in 1997. To underline its commitment to watchmaking, it acquired the esteemed Minerva manufacture in 2007, renowned for chronographs and stopwatches since 1858. Drawing inspiration from Minerva’s rich archives, Montblanc introduces its 1858 Split Second Chronograph, a timepiece blending classic aesthetics and the pinnacle of chronograph technology. What sets this watch apart is its movement, a high-end, hand-finished rendition based on a historic Minerva calibre.

Split-second chronographs sit atop the chronograph hierarchy, known for their ability to measure intermediate and prolonged elapsed time. Pressing the pusher sets both chronograph seconds hands in motion. A second press stops one hand, indicating intermediate time, while the other continues. Another press allows the stopped hand to rejoin the moving one.

The appealing dark burgundy dial flaunts a sunburst finish that produces varying shades of red under different lighting. Not unlike the 1930s military chronograph, it features a tachymeter scale and a precision minutes/seconds track, both in contrast white. The Arabic hour numerals are luminescent, although strangely, the hour and minute hands are not. Differentiating the central hands, the pair of chronograph seconds hands are lacquered white. These design details, combined with the iconic Montblanc logo, illustrate the brand’s dedication to merging tradition with innovation.