Following the success of the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date launched in 2022 with its frozen dials, the Maison returns with a new dial color in an elegant shade of grey. This new grey glacier pattern dial was inspired by the ice of one of the Mont-Blanc mountain’s largest glaciers – the Mer de Glace. In certain light, the glacial ice appears grey as it reveals the mineral deposits that have been captured in its structure for millennia. This new Iced Sea edition comes in a 41mm stainless steel case with a caseback featuring a 3D engraving of an iceberg and a black scuba diver exploring the glacial waters below.
The Creative Process
The process of creating the glacier dials employs a special technique called gratté-boisé as the base and gives each dial the impression of genuine depth and luminosity, while the process for the engravings on the casebacks are realized using a laser that first structures the metal to create a 3D relief image that provides depth and realism thanks to a series of matte and shiny finishes, creating a fascinating contrast.
ISO 6425 Norm for Diving
The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date Editions are more than sports watches, they are diving instruments, conforming to the ISO 6425 norm. In addition, each timepiece has undergone the Montblanc Laboratory Test to ensure that they are shock, magnetic, temperature, and water- resistant (approx. 30 bar) and that their fasteners are reinforced for enhanced security.
The timepieces also need to be visible in all conditions. For this, Montblanc has incorporated white Super-Luminova® on the hands, indexes, and the dots at 12 o’clock on the bezel, which all glow in a luminescent shade in blue low light, keeping with the glacial theme. The dials are further highlighted by uni-directional ceramic bezels with the first 15 minutes in a contrasting color, which is an important distinction for diving watches.
An Interchangeable and Adjustable Bracelet
The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea collection includes the addition of interchangeable stainless steel bracelets which can be quickly and easily switched for a black rubber strap – with stitching to match the dial color – without the need to return to the boutique or the use of any tools. Not only are the bracelets interchangeable, but they are also adjustable on the wrist, so each owner can find their perfect fit, especially when wearing their watch over a wet suit.
The stainless steel bracelets also come with an attractive taper of 20 – 16mm and are secured by a double deployant buckle. The tapered bracelets make the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date timepieces stand out through their character, elegance and excellent quality-price ratio. Stainless steel and rubber were also the materials of choice thanks to their durability in a salty water environment.
Capturing Glaciers in a New Montblanc Boutique Edition
Joining this latest grey edition in the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Collection, the Maison is also
unveiling a new Boutique Edition with a green glacier dial that gives the impression of looking into the depths of glacial ice. While most glaciers are white or blue in color, some also come in a deep emerald green color thanks to iron oxides captured in the ice. This is the second green edition in the Iced Sea collection, differing from the previous model thanks to its fitted black ceramic bezel (instead of the previous green one) and a 3D-engraved caseback featuring a larger scuba diver in green, subtly making this special Boutique Edition stand out even more. This Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date Boutique Edition comes in a 41mm stainless steel case and will be available exclusively in Montblanc boutiques across the world.
All Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date timepieces are powered by automatic movements and indicate the hours, minutes, seconds, and a date at three o’clock. They also come with a recycled and 100% recyclable watch pouch so that the wearer is even better equipped and ready for their next adventure.