For some years, Montblanc has regularly released 1858 Geosphere watches at international events, and they just keep getting more interesting. Each new edition reinforces how the brand has successfully created a viable stand-alone watch industry that produces high-end, beautifully designed pieces, unlike some other high-end fashion brands whose watches are best left unmentioned. It's quite the opposite for Montblanc; they would still have an outstanding watch portfolio if they stopped selling fountain pens and lovely wallets.
2024 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2
2024 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2 - Credit Montblanc
Montblanc’s 1858 takes inspiration from the legendary early 20th-century Minerva pocket watches and chronographs initially made for the military. Their latest iteration has an inventive case created using a process that captures CO2 from biogas production and mineral waste produced by recycling. The resulting powder containing CO2 and CACO3 is combined with carbon fibre. The proprietary composite material, called CARBO2, can then be shaped into a watch case.
The exterior finish of this case is both stylish and unusual. Each one is totally unique and appears with variable shades of dark depending on the particular mix of carbon fibre and CACO3.
2024 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2 - Credit Montblanc
Case aside, the new 1858 Geosphere has excellent statistics with a 43.5mm titanium/CARBO2 case with an engraved luminous blue outline of the Mont Blanc Mountain on the side that only the timepiece's wearer can see. The inspiration for this design comes from older glaciers, which have less oxygen present, so they appear as a deep blue colour. Super-LumiNova and a layer of protective varnish have been applied by hand to replicate this natural occurrence. An image of the Mont Blanc mountain is on the titanium case back, created using Montblanc's 3D laser technique to bring the richest colour and depth.
The watch is powered by the MB 29.25 automatic movement with Montblanc's Manufacture Worldtime complication, which includes turning Northern and Southern Hemisphere globes with blue Greenwich meridian lines and 14 dots for each of the 8000m peaks. It also displays a Day & Night indication, a 24-hour scale, dual time display, and a date.
2024 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2 - Credit Montblanc
There is a bi-directional titanium ceramic fluted bezel with blue luminescent cardinal points and a blue gasket under the sapphire crystal. The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2 benefits from the brand's "Zero Oxygen" technology. This process eliminates fogging and oxidization. Completing the timepiece is a black interchangeable rubber strap featuring a taper and a fine adjustment system, with a pattern reminiscent of the textiles used by mountaineers.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen CARBO2 LE 1969 Specifications:
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre MB 29.25, 42 hr reserve
- Displays: World time with turning northern and southern hemisphere globes, 24-hour scale and Day & Night indication, Dual time indication; Date by disc
- Middle case: CARBO2 fibre with captured CO2 and satin finishing, white outline of Mont Blanc Mountain on the left side with blue emission
- Bezel: Bi-directional titanium ceramic bezel, knurled finishing, blue emission of Cardinal Points in Super-LumiNova®1
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Special blue gasket that allow 0 oxygen inside the watchcase
- Back: Titanium case back with a 3D laser colour engraving of Mont Blanc Mountain
- Dimensions: Diameter 43.5mm; height 13mm
- Water-resistance:100m
- Crown: Black coated fluted stainless steel crown with Montblanc emblem in relief
- Dial: Black and white sfumato glacier pattern dial with white luminescent black rhodium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes, white luminescent rhodium-coated hours and minutes hands, white luminescent dual time hand, luminescent Northern and Southern hemispheres globes with blue Greenwich meridians. Black date on White background
- Strap: Black Interchangeable textile strap with rope pattern and double-folding clasp with fine adjustment system
- Limited Edition: 1969 units
