Montblanc introduces a new timepiece that pays tribute to legendary alpinist Reinhold Messner’s ascent of the highest peak in Antarctica.

The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Collection has always found inspiration in nature and the world of mountaineering, especially the exploration of those undiscovered territories that fuel the imagination of intrepid adventurers. This year, Montblanc unveils the latest timepiece in the collection: the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Mount Vinson Limited Edition, which pays homage to legendary mountaineer and Montblanc Brand Ambassador Reinhold Messner and his ascent of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, the final peak that completed his variation of the Seven Summits Challenge.

Now known as Messner’s list, the Seven Summits Challenge saw Messner climb the seven highest mountain peaks on each of the seven continents: this includes Mount Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Puncak Jaya in Australia, and Vinson in Antarctica. Since the idea of climbing seven peaks began in the 1950s, only around 500 people have achieved the feat and it remains one of mountaineering’s most coveted endeavours today.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Mount Vinson

The new Geosphere 0 Oxygen edition is limited to 986 pieces as a nod to 1986  the year when Messner made his ascent of Mount Vinson. The timepiece comes in a 43.5mm titanium case that is directly inspired by the Mount Vinson landscape with a brand-new composite middle case crafted from quartz fibres, aluminized basalt fibres, CaCO3, and light blue resin. This composite mix creates a design reminiscent of the colours and patterns of age-old glacial ice found in Antarctica with its interlocking networks of crystals that have been frozen in time for millennia. The older glaciers become, the less oxygen they contain and the denser they become, resulting in this deeper blue colour.

Reinforcing the world of adventure and exploration, the middle case is adorned with a luminous outline of Mount Vinson that shines white by day and luminous blue by night. It is positioned on the left side of the case so only the wearer can see it.

Glacier Dial

This icy theme continues onto the dial with a blue-green and light grey sfumato glacier pattern that was created using a special technique called gratté-boisé as the base. The result gives the dial the impression of genuine depth and luminosity. This time-consuming process takes four times longer than a standard dial to complete and requires over 30 separate steps. The dial is further highlighted by a light grey anodized aluminium bezel with blue luminescent cardinal points.

The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Mount Vinson Limited Edition joins Montblanc’s series of “Zero Oxygen” timepieces that feature several benefits. Explorers like Reinhold Messner, who climbed the seven summits without supplemental oxygen, need their equipment to work in challenging environments. Zero oxygen inside the case not only eliminates fogging, which can occur with drastic temperature changes at altitude, but also prevents oxidization. Without oxygen, all the components last longer and will provide continued precision over time. Each timepiece comes with a certificate as proof of this special, yet invisible, technology and guarantees the successful encasing without oxygen.

A Worldtime Complication

The timepiece is powered by the Caliber MB 29.25, featuring an automatic movement with Montblanc’s Manufacture Worldtime complication with approx.. 42 hours of power reserve. Like with all 1858 Geosphere models, both the Northern and Southern hemispheres are represented by two three-dimensional globes that turn anti-clockwise and include a day and night indication so that the wearer can see what time it is across the Earth at a simple glance. A keen eye will also notice that Montblanc has included dots marking the seven peaks of Messner’s List on the Northern Hemisphere globe and the Mont Blanc summit. There is also a date at three o’clock and a dual time indication at nine o’clock.

Mount Vinson Caseback

To celebrate the full beauty of Mount Vinson, Montblanc has also added an engraving of this majestic peak on the caseback using a technique that provides an authentic 3D rendering that looks almost like a photograph. Made of titanium, the metal must first be structured, which means that the decoration will be engraved by laser, taking into consideration the relief of the drawing. Next, the desired finish (matte and shiny) is similarly achieved by laser. In the final colouring phase, the colours are created with laser-generated oxidation: the desired colour is determined by the level of oxidation. Montblanc is one of the most advanced Swiss Maisons to use this technology on such a large surface.

A New Strap

This new watch marks the first time a watch in the 1858 collection has been fitted with a new easily interchangeable rubber strap, with previous straps having been in calf leather. It is not only the rubber that is new: the blue-green strap features a mountaineer’s rope motif in keeping with the alpine theme. The strap design also includes a mountainous profiles pattern on the inside to improve breathability and comfort on the wrist. Like the other straps in the 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen line, it is tapered, easily interchangeable, and comes with a fine adjustment system. Finally, this newly rubber strap includes elegant stitching above the lugs, a signature feature on watches in the 1858 collection.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Mount Vinson Limited Edition 986 pieces

Ident. 134019

Movement                            Calibre MB 29.25

Type of movement                 Automatic movement with Manufacture worldtime complication

Number of jewels                   26

Power reserve                       Approx. 42 hours

Displays                                Worldtime with turning northern and southern hemisphere globes, 24-hour scale and Day & Night indication, Dual time indication; Date by disc

Habillage

Middle Case                          Blue-green composite material with captured CO2 and satinated finishing, grey outline of Mont Vinson Mountain on the left side with blue emission

Bezel                                    Titanium bidirectional rotatable bezel with light grey anodized aluminium insert, knurled finishing, blue emission of cardinal points in Super-LumiNova®1

Crystal                                  Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating Special grey gasket that allows 0 oxygen inside the watchcase

Back                                     Titanium case back with a 3D laser colour engraving of Mont Vinson Mountain

Dimensions                           Diameter = 43.5 mm; height = 13 mm

Water-resistance                   10 bar (100m)

Crown                                   Stainless steel crown with Montblanc emblem in relief

Dial                                       Blue-green sfumato glacier pattern dial with white luminescent 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-green Greenwich meridians

Strap                                    Blue-green interchangeable rubber strap with rope pattern and double-folding clasp with fine adjustment system

 Limited Edition                      986

Super-LumiNova® is a registered trademark which is not owned by Montblanc.

About Montblanc

Synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, Montblanc has been pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since the Maison first revolutionized the culture of writing in 1906. Ingenuity and imagination continue to be driving forces for the Maison today as it advances its expression of fine craftsmanship across product categories: writing instruments, watches, leather goods, new technologies and accessories. Reflecting upon its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from bold ideas and expertly crafted through the skills of the Maison’s artisans, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, quality and an expression of sophisticated style. To spread the message of Inspire Writing, MONTBLANC HAUS opened its doors in 2022, welcoming visitors from all over the world to discover and rediscover the power of putting pen to paper. As part of its on-going commitment to elevating and support those who strive to leave their mark, Montblanc continues to assert its encouragement of education programs around the world and initiatives that inspire people to express their full potential.

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