Hand-Finished to Perfection
Here’s a look at the watchmaking maisons who showcased at the renown watch trade show Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) this year from the 14th to the 17th January 2019. We’ve picked the showstoppers at the event and the next on our list is — the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph
You can find the full series here.
Last year, Montblanc debuted its outdoorsy, mountaineering-themed 1858 collection to great acclaim—in no small part due to the brand leveraging the heritage of the august Minerva manufacture that has since been become an integral part of the Montblanc watchmaking universe. The collection received a few new additions this year, headlined by a split-seconds chronograph that found its inspiration in an old Minerva military chronograph from the 1930s.
The 1858 Split Second Chronograph (€32,500 or RM150,674, limited to 100 pieces) has a ‘Minerva’-tier calibre that represents the best of Montblanc’s fully in-house, hand-made and -finished movements. It is a monopusher operation, using the button at 2 o’clock, while the split function is engaged by a different pusher mounted on the crown. The dial layout is very close to the original, including a spiralling set of tachymeter markings which give the chronograph a distinct and uncommon look. There are also distance-measuring telemeter markings on the outside edge of the dial. It has a 44mm bronze case which will develop a rugged patina that will be well-suited to the adventures implied by the collection.
SIHH 2019 Recap
The 29th edition of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) was another record-breaking one, counting 23,000 visitors over its four days. Geneva’s Palexpo convention centre was packed not only with people, but the latest about to be unleashed on the horological world from the 35 participating brands.
There were quite a few new beginnings and surprises. Ulysse Nardin reworked the iconic Freak, and Bovet’s debut introduced the fair to its historical pocket watch heritage. Vacheron Constantin and Hermes surprised with some truly innovative watchmaking, while Panerai showcased new limited editions that come with adventurous experiences attached. On their last appearances at SIHH, both Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille unveiled new collections—the former surprising with distinct and deliberate design, while the latter with a completely unexpected candy-themed range.
