The new Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph: exploring Calibre MB M17.26

Montblanc presents a new interpretation of its 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph, revealing more details of Calibre MB M17.26. Price 49,000

Montblanc presented a new interpretation of its 1858 Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph, revealing even more details of its exceptional movement.

This new edition, limited to just 100 pieces, introduces five apertures into the case band, allowing light to flood into the hand-finished manually wound movement, and comes with an upgraded movement, the Calibre MB M17.26. 

Like the Calibre MB M16.26 that equipped the previous versions, such as reference 131155 launched in 2023, this monopusher calibre has been flipped over to display all the mechanical action on the dial side of the watch. At first glance, the viewer may think it is a skeletonized movement, but a closer look reveals that this chronograph movement is on full display on the dial side of the watch. 

To allow for a deeper exploration of the movement and appreciation of the craftsmanship, the chronograph complication of the Calibre MB M17.26 is constructed on pillars, enabling ample light penetration and showcasing the 291 components through various crystal windows.

The distinctive Minerva arrow and the Maison’s “V”-shaped bridge are on display on top of the movement. The Minerva arrow is a tribute to the Roman Goddess who is always depicted with her arrow-tipped staff in hand, while the “V”-shaped bridge, patented in 1912, comes from the view of the mountains seen from the watchmakers’ window in Villeret, a sight that has been a constant since the founding of the workshop in 1858. 

The German silver plates and bridges are coloured blue to contrast with the rest of the movement, creating a harmonious match with the blue sfumato calf leather strap.

This new limited edition comes in a 43 mm x 14.78 mm stainless steel case with a horizontal satin finishing. The white gold fluted bezel has been inspired by Minerva’s first fluted bezel dating back to 1927.

The new Montblanc 1858 The Unveiled Minerva Chronograph Limited Edition, ref. 133296, is priced at Euro 49,000. 

To learn more about the history of Minerva watches, read our feature article: "History of Minerva, from foundation to integration into Montblanc and present day". montblanc.com