Montblanc’s 1858 Iced Sea collection was released last year in which we think was a pretty good success. The initial colours released was a blue, green and black dial variants. We had the chance to do an in-depth review on last years 1858 Ice Sea Automatic, which you can find (here). The glacial pattern on the dial was the standout feature of this timepiece, which stood out beautifully well for the blue and green dials. The glacial pattern was inspired by the Mer de Glace – Sea of Ice – the main glacier of the Mont-Blanc Massif.
The 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date was the first ever sports diving watch for Montblanc. Now, Montblanc has unveiled a new coloured dial to join the 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date collection. This timepiece now features a grey glacial pattern, based on the same glacier of the Mont-Blanc Massif.
This timepiece does give an accurate depiction of a glacier with the snow-like effect on the dial, but it feels like it may come at a cost. The grey dial background can get in the way of the visibility of the hour indices. This cracked glacial pattern is also a lot more notable on this grey dial, compared to the blue, green and black dial variants. On the other three colour-ways the glacial pattern was a bit more subtle, which would let the hour markers and hands stand out and contrast nicely.
Montblanc, however, have been smart to make the scratch patterns on the glacier more prominent towards where the hour indices lay, so that the white Super-LumiNova filled markers can stand out more. The date at 3 o’clock position blends with the grey dial background, however also stands out as the date window is unobstructed from glacial pattern.
The watch comes in a 41mm stainless steel case with a black uni-directional rotating bezel. The timepiece comes as standard on a stainless steel bracelet, however, with Montblanc’s quick strap interchangeability, the strap can be changed to the second black rubber strap with grey outline. The timepiece meets ISO 6425 for scuba diving, and has been rated to a water depth of 300m.
The case back of the watch features an artistically created 3D relief engraving of an iceberg and a scuba diver exploring the glacial waters underneath. Depicting an image of what the watch was made for. Underneath this image lies the Montblanc MB 24.17 calibre movement. This automatic movement is able to operate at a frequency of 28, 800 (4Hz), however only gives out a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, which can seem sub standard for today’s modern timepieces.
Montblanc’s all new 1858 Iced Sea Grey Automatic Date has a striking new dial, but does the beauty of the dial get in the way of the readability of it? The glacial “scratches” on this dial is more prominent than the model’s predecessors, which certainly adds to the character and depth to the timepiece. You’ll have to try one on yourself to see the difference in this latest addition to the 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date collection.
Reference: MB130793
Specification:
- Case: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Grey glacier pattern dial with white luminescent rhodium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes
- Crystal: Domed glass box with double anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 300m (30 bar)
- Movement: Automatic Manufacture Calibre MB 24.17
- Power reserve: Approx 41 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap with grey outline.
