Montblanc has used an 18ct gold alloy called Lime Gold for a limited edition 1858 Split Second Chronograph. Its design and functionality is based on a 46mm Minerva military chronograph from the 1930s.
Montblanc 1858 timepieces are typically sports watches that might be worn by mountaineers and explorers.
A lime gold reference with a golden dial and green accents, worn on a green calf leather strap, is a little more dressy than usual, but retains the DNA of the Minerva military piece.
Like its predecessor, the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 has a telemeter scale on the dial that can be used to measure the distance to faraway events like thunder and lightning.
It also has a tachymeter at the center of the dial in a snail shape that measures time in intervals up to three minutes instead of one minute as it is the case in traditional chronographs.
Lime Gold, which is used for a 44mm case, is made from 18ct gold, silver and iron.
A sapphire crystal case back reveals the Manufacture monopusher chronograph calibre MB M16.31, which has handcrafted traditional finishes such as Côtes de Genève, inner angles, circular graining and bevelling.
For this limited edition, the plates and bridges are made in Maillechort (German-silver) plated in 18ct gold matching the Lime Gold case and the dial.
The calibre has two column wheels for the chronograph and the split complication, horizontal coupling and a power reserve of 50 hours.
Montblanc’s 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 goes on sale this month for $50,000.
