Montblanc is not as well known as a watchmaker as they are writing instruments but with Minerva, that's a totally different story. The latest release is the Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph Sincere SHH Limited Edition.
Most watch collectors are familiar with the Minerva manufacture which was acquired by the Richemont group and then integrated into the Montblanc brand. Located in Villeret, Switzerland the brand has been in existence since 1858. Hence you see the Villeret 1858 range in the Montblanc stable including many complications like monopusher chronograph, zero reset seconds just to name a few. For more information on Minerva, here's a nice write up by Time and Watches.
What the folks at Minerva are known for are the monopushers and this is no different. With traditional two push button chronograph, one button is to activate start/stop function and the other to reset the chrono seconds hand back to zero. But with the monopusher, the start, stop and reset are all using one pusher.
This is the first time I am coming across a Lime Gold case and it is very attractive. Almost like very faint bronze, I suppose the gold will not tarnish like the bronze case will. The case measures 43mm and comes with different finishes. The transparent sub-dials truly showcase the "skeletonised" front.
This release made specially for Sincere Haute Horlogerie comes in two colours - yellow and grey.
Limited to 8 pieces per variant, this chronograph features the MB16.26 movement which the folks at Montblanc turned upside down. So for those who always want to show off their movement on the wrist, you got your wish!
And because they turned the movement side up, they closed the case back - but the case back is no less impressive. The engraved case back shows the Minerva manufacture in Villeret.
A tiny detail that impressed me was the use of the quick release with the catch bearing the Montblanc logo (see above). Impressive huh? Now for the movement details...
The manual winding column wheel (hidden underneath the 12) chronograph movement provides about 50 hours of power reserve.
Clearly visible is also the signature Minerva Arrow aka the Devil's Tail.
The finishing is what one would expect from a a top manufacture.
Turning the movement upside down gives the owner countless hours of pleasure, viewing the movement on the dial side and enjoying all the details.
It's a lovely Monopusher chronograph with heritage to go with it. Minerva has always been known to make functional and aesthetically beautiful manual winding movements and the MB 16.26 showcases that.
For more information on the timepiece, contact Sincere Fine Watches. One more look at the Chronograph
So, what's your preference? Grey or Yellow?
