Montblanc Introduces Bronze Into Its 1858 Collection, Including The Stunning 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter
The Montblanc 1858 Collection certainly is one of our favorites here, at Monochrome. It indeed pays tribute to the military roots of the Villeret manufacture and the 1930s pilot watches produced at that time by Minerva (now part of Montblanc). Large diameters, highly contrasted dials, cathedral hands… all sounds perfectly vintage and faithful to the Minerva heritage. To even reinforce that vintage feel, the brand is about to introduce some new models in the collection, which for the first time will use bronze elements for the case, and this includes the stunning Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, that we already showed you several times.
In addition to both festive and jolly, ’tis also the season for SIHH pre-releases. Today’s contribution comes courtesy of IWC, who appear to be following up their Portugieser and Pilot years with a Da Vinci-focused line-up – which is what makes the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Sharks’ even more intriguing. The clue is in the name, but it’s the hammerhead sharks on the caseback that seal the deal. This monochrome take on the Aquatimer (we genuinely thought the picture was black and white when we first saw it) takes for its inspiration the cool grey colour of these apex predators. IWC has partnered with Hollywood-turned-underwater photographer Michael Muller on this watch, each one coming with a book chronicling his years of experience capturing this dangerous fish. IWC inform us (perhaps with the merest whiff of wry humour) that the book is “presented in a striking iron cage, guaranteed to protect against shark bites.” The watch receives no such protection, but given its 44mm steel sturdiness, we’re not sure it needs it. IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Sharks’ Australian pricing The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Sharks’, limited to 500 pieces, $16,000
How’s your Christmas shopping going, folks? Whaddaya mean you haven’t started yet? Chop chop. Unless you’re waiting for inspiration to hit, in which case, maybe this is it. Because talk about causing a stir. The new Rolex Air-King has had people talking ever since it raised its first gasp at Baselworld earlier this year. Why not unleash one on an unsuspecting family member, and watch the debate heat up again over mince pies and sherry. Who should you buy this for? With a lot more heft than ever before, at 40mm, this one definitely needs to go to someone with a big enough stocking. What’s the damage? Under 8k Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Australian pricing Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 116900, $7850
A little while ago, we ran our annual reader survey, giving entrants the chance to walk away with an Oris timepiece – a choice between the limited edition bronze Carl Brashear Divers Sixty-Five and a Divers Sixty-Five in steel. The lucky winner was Alan from Sydney, who chose the mighty bronze Carl Brashear. (Interestingly enough, an Alan won in 2015 too, but they definitely aren’t the same Alan, and don’t feel that if your name isn’t Alan there’s no point entering our competitions. We love all Alans and non-Alans equally.) After spending the past few weeks weeping tears of sadness and regret that we no longer have the unmitigated joy of this bronze beauty in our life, we thought it appropriate to see how Carl is doing in his new home. Congratulations again, Alan! So, you’ve had the watch for just over a month now. How’s it going? Really great! I try to find as many reasons as possible to wear it, and it’s become my weekender for the most part and a staple for my casual Fridays at work. What were your thoughts when it arrived? Just WOW! I was very impressed by the box and it was quite the experience from…
