Watches & Wonders is here, which means watch releases galore, including no fewer than 5 new watches from Montblanc. We’re focussing on just one of those timepieces today but be on the lookout for our coverage of the others over the coming week. First up is the Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph.
At first glance, this watch looks like a fairly regular skeletonised chronograph with openworked subdials. However, that isn’t strictly the case. Yes, the dial is indeed openworked but the calibre on display hasn’t been skeletonised, it’s been flipped in the case – hence the name Unveiled Secret. The movement itself is based on the historic Minerva MB 16-29 monopusher chronograph, although since it has been flipped Montblanc are calling it the MB 16-26, flipping the final digit of the reference.
Flipping the movement allows you to see all of the mechanics of the chronograph movement in action without having to take the watch off and view it through an exhibition caseback. And the MB 16-29 is widely regarded as having an excellent action worth seeing, running exceptionally smoothly with superb finishing including snailing, V shaped bridges and the Montblanc arrow. Not to mention that Minerva are regarded as one of the most beautiful chronograph manufactures around.
The process of flipping the calibre was not so simple as just installing it upside-down. The direction of the hands had to be reversed, requiring the addition of 21 parts meaning the change of its reference to MB 16-26 is more than an aesthetic homage, it’s technically a new movement. And since you no longer have to turn the whole watch over to see it, the Unveiled Secret has been given a solid caseback with an engraving of the Villaret manufacture.
As for the case itself, there are two versions on offer. A lime gold version using Montblanc’s specially designed alloy, which they showcased with last year’s Split Seconds Chronograph Lime Gold. Lime gold has a distinctive greenish, cooler tone provided by the combination of yellow gold, silver and iron. The second version is classic stainless steel.
There’s also an extra sense of flair to the case courtesy of a new fluted bezel, a novelty that pays homage to a Minerva from 1927. For the lime gold version the bezel is, no surprises, lime gold as well, but on the steel version it’s white gold, meaning that edition is not totally without precious metals. Both are limited editions with 18 gold and 58 steel available.
Price & Specs:
Model: Montblanc Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph
Reference: 129622 (18k lime gold case)
129613 (stainless steel case)
Case/Dial: 43mm diameter, 18k lime gold or stainless steel case, skeleton dial
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB M16.26, manual winding, 26 jewels, 273 parts
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50h
Functions: Hours, minutes, cental chronograph elapsed-seconds, 30-elapsed minute counter at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 ’clock
Strap: Green or blue alligator leather
Price/availability: TBC, (Lime Gold) limited to 18 pieces, (stainless steel) limited to 58 pieces
More details at Montblanc.
