Last year at Watches & Wonders, Montblanc released two limited editions of the Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph in Lime Gold (limited edition of 18 pieces) and stainless steel (limited to 58 pieces). This year, they're back for more, with more watches in case you thought last year was a bit too restricted.
Just like a year ago, Montblanc professionals are supply the 165-year heritage of famed manufacturer Minerva, which they've owned since 2008, to use a meticulously refinished Minerva MB M16. 29 movement, flipped back to front and exposed under an openworked face.
Despite a good apparent selection of movements in the archive to chose from, the MB M16. 30 was one of the only movements where reversing the motion (moving what would normally be seen on the back to the front) could be achieved, as well as required an extra 21 components so the hands would move in the correct direction. Richard Mille Watches Replica
The main difference this year is the exterior package, with a case having a distressed steel finish achieved through coating the stainless-steel in black, then manually washing and also brushing it with Mont-Blanc (the mountain) quartzite along with limestone through La Combe Grède, the actual mountain opposite the Villeret Manfacture that Minerva still calls home. Through this process, the watch gets a touch of the two homes associated with Montblanc watches and individualizes the velo. The whole package is topped with a white gold fluted bezel inspired by Minerva's iconic bezel first used in 1927.
The new Montblanc Unveiled Key Minerva Monopusher Chronograph within steel measures 43mm through 14. 18mm, with 30m of water proofing, and is limited by 88 pieces, available coming from retailers now for TKTK PRICE.
I have a deep love for vintage Minerva chronographs, or at least the idea of them. I don't own one (yet) but they've been on my wishlist for a long time. So I give credit in order to Montblanc with regard to treating the particular storied brand with respect instead of draining it regarding parts typically has been the case in the watch industry and this watch, or the use of the movements at least, is a testament to that fact.
That movement can be seen through the open dial, giving a sense that the watch is skeletonized when in reality it's more creative than which. Flipping a movement essentially inside out, tailgate to cab, isn't exactly easy. But it sure looks cool.
By so doing, the new Unveiled Secret Monopusher is just a new treatment within the watches launched last year. The treatment of using mountain stones to be able to patina typically the black-coated metal case are kitschy, but it at least much more creative than just remaking an old chronograph via decades ago, which is a common path brands take nowadays.
And with 88 watches as opposed to the 58 inside steel this past year, more collectors will get a chance to have a piece of cool horological industry history.