The new 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen Limited Edition has been encased in such a way that there is no oxygen inside. This unusual operation has numerous benefits for mountaineers who need their equipment to work without a glitch in harsh climates, making it a fitting model to pay tribute to Reinhold Messner and his numerous achievements.

Zero oxygen inside the movement not only eliminates fogging, which can occur with drastic temperature changes, but also prevents oxidation. Each timepiece comes with a zero-oxygen certificate as proof of this invisible technology.

In addition to the zero oxygen, Montblanc’s engineers have chosen very specific oils that perform at temperatures as low as -50oC. The precision of a watch movement depends on the lubrication of its components, especially in the event of use in extreme temperatures, and these oils ensure that the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen can function in the very harsh environments without incident.

This limited-edition watch is powered by Montblanc’s Manufacture Automatic Chronograph movement the Calibre MB 29.27 that comes with a worldtime complication. For the chronograph indications, there is a central second chronograph hand, chronograph minutes in a subdial at three o’clock, and chronograph hours at nine o’clock. The start/stop pusher is at two o’clock and the reset pusher is at four o’clock. The chronograph joins a worldtime function with its turning globes for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, 24-hour scale, day/night indication, and date via a disc.

Turn the timepiece over and a unique colored engraving of K2 adorns the caseback. The image used was taken from one of Messner’s own photos that he captured from the summit on his first ascent there in 1979. K2 is his favorite of all the 14 peaks, and on this particular day the weather was perfect, allowing him to see 200km into the distance. Messner just sat there for a moment, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, capturing the moment on his camera before descending. Now this moment is set forever on the caseback thanks to Montblanc’s laser engraving technique. Faithful to the original photo, the image is created using a complex laser-generated oxidation process that creates a three-dimensional relief by structuring the metal with matte and shiny finishes for additional contrast.

The timepiece is fitted with an interchangeable black textile strap with a touch of red stitching that recalls the wonders of the rare red glaciers – a phenomenon almost as exceptional as this one-of-a-kind explorer.