Minerva Mechanics In Focus: Montblanc’s Burgundy Split-Second Chronograph
Montblanc continues to explore the intersection of historical horology and modern craftsmanship with the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Burgundy, a limited edition timepiece that showcases the mechanical artistry of traditional Swiss watchmaking. Designed in tribute to Minerva’s legacy—one of the oldest and most respected chronograph manufacturers in Switzerland—the watch blends vintage aesthetics with a high-performance rattrapante movement.
Design That Recalls the Golden Era of Chronographs
The timepiece features a bold 44 mm stainless steel case, topped with a fixed 18k white gold fluted bezel, a visual cue pulled directly from Minerva chronographs of the 1920s. Brushed surfaces and a narrow polished bevel add texture and contrast, emphasizing the watch’s tool-watch roots while maintaining refined elegance.
A monopusher chronograph is built into the fluted crown, controlling the start, stop, and reset functions. A second pusher, placed at 2 o’clock, manages the split-second complication, enabling the wearer to time intermediate intervals with precision.
Dial in Deep Burgundy With Functional Symmetry
One of the most striking elements is the sunray-brushed burgundy dial, which shimmers between shades of crimson and wine depending on ambient light. This vivid background supports a clear, vintage-style layout: a tachymeter scale encircles the outer edge, followed by a seconds/minutes track in white. Two subdials provide functionality—a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock—each with a black background for enhanced readability.
Large Arabic numerals coated in white Super-LumiNova mark the hours, although the central open-tipped hour and minute hands, in contrast, are left without luminous fill—preserving a historically accurate appearance. To differentiate between the overlapping hands, the chronograph hands are painted white, including the one on the minute counter, allowing for quick distinction from the timekeeping elements.
A Movement Worthy of a Display Caseback
Powering the watch is the manual-winding Montblanc calibre MB M16.31, a movement crafted at the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret, formerly known as the Minerva workshops. Modeled after the early 20th-century Minerva calibres 19-09 CH and 17-29, the MB M16.31 is a large-scale, pocket-watch-style chronograph movement measuring 38.40 mm in diameter and 8.13 mm in height.
This caliber is equipped with dual column wheels and horizontal clutch architecture, supporting both the chronograph and rattrapante (split-second) functions. It beats at a traditional 18,000 vibrations per hour, relying on a large screwed balance wheel for steady precision.
The level of finishing is exemplary: bridges and plates in German silver (maillechort) are decorated with Côtes de Genève, perlage, and hand-chamfered edges. The split-second mechanism features a signature V-shaped chronograph bridge, patented in 1912, while the arrow-tipped hammer references the goddess Minerva herself. A gold-plated going train adds a warm visual accent beneath the sapphire display caseback.
Limited Edition of 100 Pieces
Completing the package is a burgundy leather strap with an alligator print, fitted with a stainless steel triple-folding clasp with fine adjustment. The strap is interchangeable, offering versatility for those who want to swap styles.
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Burgundy is produced in a limited edition of 100 units and is priced at € 55,000. For collectors and enthusiasts of high-complication mechanical watches, this model stands out not only for its historical connections but for the sheer quality of its execution.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Montblanc
Model: 1858 Split Second Chronograph Burgundy Limited Edition
Reference: 134029
Dial: Burgundy with black counters
Case Material: Stainless steel with a white gold bezel
Case Dimensions: 44 mm Diameter, 15.20 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Sapphire glass
Strap: Burgundy calf leather strap with alligator pattern and triple-folding clasp
Calibre: MB 16.31
Dimensions: 38.40 mm Diameter, 8.13 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, split seconds
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 Vph)
Jewels: 25
Components: 287
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Price: € 55,000
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces
