Montblanc - 1858 - 117577 - Men - 2010-2020

A0000005329

We put up for auction the most absolute, robust, and most-commented object of desire in contemporary exploration collecting: the Montblanc 1858 Automatic wristwatch, in its elegant and coveted bicolor production variant with commercial reference 117577 (Case Identifier 7454). This historic piece masterfully fuses the mechanical reliability of the Hamburg firm with the aristocratic codes of Swiss high watchmaking from the legendary Minerva manufacture in Villeret, reinterpreting the lines of the legendary military and exploration chronographs of the 1920s and 1930s in an unprecedented format of three hands of high Alpine sophistication.

The watch design is a display of high aesthetic fidelity and ergonomics: its case measures 40 mm in diameter with an ultra-stylized profile of 11.07 mm thickness, milled in stainless steel with a satin-brushed finish of surgical quality. The front features the emblematic fluted bezel produced in a special bronze alloy polished to a clean contrast with the steel carrure, developing a unique evolving patina. The dial presents a striking textured champagne color with soleil finish (sunburst), adding extraordinary visual depth under its domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. The dial is laid out with the historical Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova in a warm beige tone, flanked by the iconic railway-type minute markers and the famous cathedral-shaped hands. With an oversized bronze crown of the “onion” type (onion) and engraved with the historic Montblanc star emblem, the watch transcends the wrist to shine as a contemporary collectible piece with unmatched lightness and urban comfort.

In the technical heart of this timepiece beats the automatic mechanical caliber MB 24.15. This refined Swiss movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. The case back features a superb solid steel case back that ensures 100 meters (10 bar) water resistance. The back cover bears a spectacular three-dimensional engraving reproducing the mythical silhouette of Mont Blanc alongside a wind rose and two crossed ice axes, celebrating the soul of high mountains and Alpine exploration. A milestone of horological culture and Swiss microengineering destined for the most demanding collectors.

State of Conservation: Exhibition Quality / Excellent
The aesthetic, cosmetic, and mechanical condition of this specimen is Excellent / Mint Condition:

Stainless Steel Case and Bronze Bezel: The steel structure preserves its factory-brushed edges and bezels intact, completely free of handling marks, dents, or scuffs. The bronze of the bezel and of the onion crown is pristine, uniformly starting its subtle and coveted natural patina.
Sapphire Crystal and Dial: The domed sapphire is 100% transparent as new, with no micro-scratches or imperfections. The champagne dial and cathedral hands retain their sharpness and luminous properties intact.
Movement and Accessories: The rotor winds with absolute smoothness and the movement keeps time with total chronometric accuracy. The original brown calfskin strap, crafted in Montblanc’s historic Florentine Pelletteria (with the branded fire mark visible on the back), is impeccable, clean, and rigid, maintaining its original stainless steel buckle with a satin finish.

Curious Fact for the Collector
For appraisers and Catawiki experts, Montblanc’s 1858 series represents the perfect bridge toward the coveted vintage universe of Minerva. The model’s name pays homage to the year of foundation of the legendary Villeret manufacture. However, the definitive detail that makes bids roar on the international market is found engraved on the bottom of the case back: the “500h” seal. This inscription certifies that this specific unit has successfully passed the relentless “Montblanc Laboratory Test 500,” a rigorous programme that subjects the watch for over three weeks to real-use simulations, extreme thermal oscillations, and analytical timekeeping checks. Due to its powerful two-tone presence, the purity of its no-date lines, and the backing of the 500-hour certificate, this watch has become a coveted investment object that guarantees a wild bid-to-value ratio on the international market.

Wishing you the best of luck with your bids and an excellent auction to all Catawiki participants!