Talk us through your flagship launch this year, the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810.
Each year we introduce new innovations in terms of concepts, technology, materials, and complications. The 1858 collection, as you know, is a broad category which is attributed to the spirit of exploration. In the last two to three years our new watches have been based around conquering mountains, peaks and summits. This year we are exploring the uncharted depths of the ocean through diving watches. Our first diving watch in the series was water-resistant to around 100 meters. For this year we decided to explore the deep sea. So we have a deep-sea diving watch, which is COSC certified, ISO certified, and water resistant to a phenomenal 4810 meters. The figure 4810 refers to the height of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak after which our brand is named. There are several things that are special about this watch. It is of course part of the zero-oxygen collection. But its titanium case is just 43 mm in diameter which is a relatively small case for a watch with such a strong water resistance. Others who have watches with similar water resistance have a much larger case size. Besides, this watch comes with 120 hours of power reserve, which again is much higher than what most deep-diving watches offer. The zero oxygen inside the case ensures there is no fogging even at sub-zero temperatures. The blue dial of this watch is unique in many ways, made using an ancient technique called gratté-boisé, which involves 20 different steps. This gives the dial a sense of depth while being just 0.5 mm thick. The case back also features a 3D engraving of the ocean ice as seen from the perspective of a diver.
We have also expanded the Iced Sea Automatic collection, initially launched in 2022, with two new additions: a bronze version with a black dial and a steel model with a burgundy-red dial. Both these watches are 100m water resistant and feature gratté-boisé technique dials. The 41 mm bronze version uses an alloy of copper and aluminium called cupro-aluminium, which is stronger than the conventional copper and tin mix used to make bronze, and develops a different patina. The bezel is made from anodised aluminium in the bronze model, and black ceramic in the stainless-steel version. They are powered by the Sellita SW200 automatic movement.
Could you share some details about the new 1858 Geosphere Zero Oxygen?
When we first launched the 1858 Geosphere worldtimer, it was our earliest watch featuring zero oxygen. In the new 1858 Geosphere Zero Oxygen Carbo2, we have moved away from the no oxygen concept and instead utilised carbon dioxide in an innovative way. The middle case of this watch is crafted from a special material created through a sustainable process. It uses recycled waste from manufacturing units and factories, which typically contain calcium deposits and carbonates. These are mixed with carbon dioxide sourced from biogas and then compressed into a composite material we call Carbo2. This forms the lightweight but strong middle case of the watch. The rest of the 43.5 mm case, including the caseback and bezel, is made from titanium and ceramic. It is powered by our in-house MB 29.25 automatic movement.
You have also launched a Geosphere Chronograph special edition. Tell us more?
The 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen Limited Edition has been created to celebrate legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s 80th birthday. It features a distinctive red sfumato glacier pattern dial within a 44 mm titanium case. This limited edition watch is restricted to 290 pieces, paying tribute to the 29,000-foot height of Mount Everest, which Messner was the first man to climb without oxygen, and also the first to climb solo. The caseback boasts a beautiful engraving of K2, the world's second-highest mountain and a favourite of Messner, which he also ascended without oxygen. He has remarked that K2 is the only peak where he found absolute calmness upon reaching the summit. On the day he reached the summit, the weather was excellent, allowing him to sit and enjoy the view for an extended period, rather than rushing back down as mountaineers usually do.
What is different about the new version of The Unveiled Minerva Monopusher? Also, tell us more about the Nicolas Rieussec Meisterstück 100 Years Limited Edition.
The Minerva is considered one of the most beautiful chronograph movements ever created, distinguished by its V-shaped bridge and the arrow-shaped 'Devil’s Tail' on the column, inspired by the brand’s traditional arrowhead logo. Previously, the wearer couldn't admire these handmade components as they were at the rear. With the first edition of The Unveiled, we reversed the movement's typical positioning in a watch, showcasing the backside as part of the skeleton front dial. This allows you to see the movement in all its glory. This year’s The Unveiled Minerva Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition makes the watch even more transparent by adding five crystal windows on the sides of the case, revealing more of the movement. Additionally, it lets in more light, enhancing the movement's visual appeal. The plates and bridges have been painted blue to provide a striking contrast with the rest of the movement.
The Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph 43mm Meisterstück 100 Years Limited Edition is a favourite of mine because Nicolas Rieussec Chronographs are well-received in India. This watch also celebrates 100 years of our famous Meisterstück writing instrument collection. The black dial features luminescent design elements inspired by the sketches of fountain pens from the 1920s. The off-centred hours and minutes dial includes other design elements like the Montblanc snowcapped emblem, found on the tip of every Meisterstück cap and on the crown of Montblanc timepieces.
