During Watches and Wonders 2023, Montblanc introduced a new capsule collection that pays tribute to the world’s 14 highest peaks. These mountains all measure 8000 meters above sea level and are incredibly challenging and dangerous to ascend as there is hardly enough oxygen for the human body to survive for more than just a few hours. These elements are what gave the name to Montblac’s capsule collection and their latest chronograph timepiece: The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen The 8000 limited edition 290. As the name also suggests, the watch is capped to a total production of just 290 models.
All of the models in this new Montblanc 1858 Zero Oxygen The 8000 feature several benefits for explorers that dare the impossible. Using innovative technology, Montblanc is able to ensure that there is zero oxygen inside the case. This eliminates fogging, which occurs when there is a drastic change in altitude. Having zero oxygen inside the case also prevents oxidization. The components in the movement and watch, in general, will last a lot longer too and will have greater precision over time thanks to zero oxygen.
Montblanc has given the 1858 Zero Oxygen The 8000 collection a Sfumato dark grey Glacier pattern dial which resembles the colour of the rock and ice at 8000 meters, which fades into a darker shade towards the edge of the dial. The art of Sfumato is an Italian practice used to get tones and colours to gradually shade into each other. Another aesthetic touch that is shown throughout the timepieces is the touch of orange colour. The orange colour is featured in mountaineering outfits and equipment so that the alpinists can be easily visible against snow, whilst improving their chances of being spotted in case of emergency. On the latest 1858 Geosphere Chronograph, the main touches of orange can be found on the tips of the chronograph’s second hand, sub-counter hands, and the whole hand (Greenwich reference meridian) of the two hemisphere 3D turning counters.
The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen The 8000 Limited Edition 290 was inspired by Mark Maker Nimsdai Purja, following his record-breaking ascent to Everest with the first ever 1858 0 Oxygen timepiece back in May 2022. The 44mm timepiece comes in a titanium case and fluted bi-directional black ceramic bezel with cardinal points and has been assembled without oxygen.
The case back of the timepiece comes with a 3D coloured laser engraving which shows the list and profiles of the 14 Eight Thousander peaks according to Nimsdai. The engraving also comes with two inspirational quotes from Nimsdai and three Himalayan prayer flags for good fortune along with the words “Limited Edition”.
The dial with its Sfumato dark grey Glacier patterned dial includes the two 1858 Geosphere iconic hemisphere counters at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions, with the chronograph counters being placed at 3 and 9 o’clock positions. The Northern Hemisphere counter at 12 o’clock has 14 orange dots which mark the location of the 8000m peaks, while the outer part of the counter is day and night counters.
Montblanc has used the Calibre MB 29.27 movement to power this latest 1858 Geosphere chronograph. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28, 800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. The timepiece is offered on an anthracite interchangeable textile strap with a “rope” pattern. It comes with a titanium and stainless steel triple-folding clasp that also has a fine adjustment system.
A watch inspired by some of the most challenging ascents for climbers in the world, the all-new Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen The 8000 Limited Edition 290 puts the world’s 14 highest peaks into the spotlight.
Reference: MB130811
Specification:
- Case: 44mm
- Case Material: Titanium without oxygen
- Dial: Sfumato dark grey glacier pattern dial with white luminescent black rhodium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes,
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: Automatic Manufacture Calibre MB 29.27
- Power reserve: Approx 46 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Anthracite interchangeable textile strap with “rope” pattern and Titanium and stainless steel triple-folding clasp with fine adjustment system
