On 13 December Simon Messnermountaineer and Maison Montblanc's Mark Maker, and Laurent Lecamp, Managing Director Watch Division of the Maison, took part in the Antarctic Ice Marathon, in the far south of the world, facing temperatures as low as -30 degrees Centigrade and covering a distance of 42.195 kilometres. These are one of the most remote, arduous and uncomfortable running races on the planet. Simon and Laurent crossed the finish line holding hands in a time of 4 hours 29 seconds. They finished in seventh place. In addition to putting their physical abilities to the test, also had the opportunity to test the 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Limited Editionwho accompanied them on the difficult undertaking. This model was made to pay tribute to Simon's father, the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner. Messner was the first person to climb the 14 highest peaks on the planet and to cross the South Pole on foot. He accomplished this feat in 1990 by covering a distance of 2,800 kilometres in 96 days.
Montblanc 'Zero Oxygen' series
Montblanc has created an oxygen-free case: the watch becomes a reliable instrument even under difficult conditions.
The 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Limited Edition is a limited edition of 1,990. His che most original feature is the removal of oxygen inside the casewhich not only prevents fogging, made possible by the drastic temperature changes at altitude, but also prevents oxidation. Without oxygen, all components have a longer life span, and also guarantee maximum precision over time. A feature that has been matched by the Maison's world-hour model Montblanc: un exemplar that has been on the market for a few years now for representing in a non-traditional way what is one of the most fascinating complications in watchmaking.
A glacial dial for Montblanc
Montblanc's world hours on two rotating three-dimensional globes
The 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Limited Edition features a 42 mm titanium case with bidirectional blue anodised aluminium bezel with luminescent green-emitting cardinal points engraved. For machining the dialglacial blue, Montblanc employed a technique called gratté boiséwhich gives him a suggestive icy effect. It involves over 30 different processing steps and, compared to a normal dial, up to four times as long to complete the finishing process. Depicts the southern and northern hemispheres through two three-dimensional globes rotating counterclockwise on a 24-hour scale to indicate the hours of the world.
A back with the aurora australis for the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Limited Edition
Montblanc has created a 3D engraving as realistic as a photograph
On the backMontblanc has produced a 3D engraving representing the aurora australis lighting up the sky of Paradise Bay, Antarctica, famous for its emperor penguins and whale-watching spots. It is made using a special technique that gives it a depth and realism equal to that of a photograph. First, the pattern is traced on the titanium surface: the decoration is laser-engraved. Next, the desired matt or glossy finish is applied, again by laser. The last step is colouring. The colours are created through a laser oxidation process.
The watch uses an automatic movement, the calibre MB 29.25 cwith a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. It comes with a titanium bracelet interchangeable with a grey fabric strap. It is only available in Montblanc boutiques.
Price7,700 euro.
