The HODINKEE x Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Watch Comes with a Trip to Montblanc Headquarters in the Jura Mountains

Introducing the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Limited Edition for HODINKEE, a sport chronograph that effortlessly blends style, proportion, and exceptional watchmaking into a timepiece that pays respect to both its heritage and modernity. The origin story dates back to 1858 when two brothers set up the H&C Robert company in Villeret to assemble pocket watches from components manufactured in the surrounding Jura Mountains. That led to them creating their own chronograph and stopwatch watches and eventually renaming the company Minerva in 1923. The next two decades saw Minerva introduce a number of now-legendary monopusher chronograph calibers, including the iconic caliber 13-20. Minerva was acquired by the Richemont Group in 2006 and transformed into the research and development arm of Montblanc, with the focus of making interesting tourbillons, unusual complications, and top-tier chronograph movements that are synonymous with the name, Minerva.

Inside this limited edition Monopusher is a modern rendition of that memorable 13-20 caliber, the MB M13.21. The engraved transparent case back lets you peek right in. It’s all housed inside a 40mm stainless steel case with a slim, sloped bezel and box-shaped sapphire crystal. The deep black dial is met with nostalgic undertones. The tachymeter track can be seen around the outer edge alongside large Arabic numerals for the hours. Cathedral style hands are replaced with an elegant pencil-style handset while the numerals and the hands are lumed in a rich creme color that recalls the hue of decades-old radium. To finish things off, the two sub-counters are slightly recessed to provide some visual depth and a matte finish for a touch of contrast.

The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Limited Edition for HODINKEE is produced in a limited run of just 25 pieces and available exclusively in the HODINKEE Shop and select Montblanc boutiques in the USA. Each purchase comes with an invitation from HODINKEE for a special three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Le Locle and Villeret, with members of the HODINKEE team. It’s an opportunity to see Montblanc headquarters in the Jura mountains to visit the heart of Swiss watchmaking country, in a way the general public hasn’t normally been able.

HODINKEE tells us the trip features an inside look at the Montblanc manufacture in Villeret, the historic home of Minerva, giving the purchaser an opportunity to see the Montblanc museum, the caliber MB M13.21 being created and assembled, the strict quality-control tests that each watch undergoes before it leaves the manufacturer and the opportunity to take part in a watchmaking class to fully realize the experience.

TOP

Por Homme is a contemporary lifestyle magazine dedicated to providing readers with the latest news around automotive, fashion, travel, tech and more.