Earlier this year, WOW and LUXUO got a sneak preview of the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph in bronze – a gorgeously finished Minerva calibre monopusher timepiece at an unheard of price (at least at its level of finishing and complexity). For Only Watch, Montblanc offers a piece unique, one-of-a-kind titanium edition of its 1858 Split Second Chronograph in platinum and with a never-before-seen blue agate dial.

“The timepiece is a fantastic chronograph complication quite rare and incredibly rooted into the story of Minerva. This execution inside the 1858 product line represents the state of the art of our high-end hand-made hand-finished watchmaking offer” says Davide Cerrato, Montblanc Managing Director Watch Division.

Montblanc “Only Watch” 1858 Split Seconds Chronograph in Titanium

Montblanc’s Only Watch offering is estimated to open for  42,000-48,000 Swiss francs and considering that it would be a one-of-a-kind titanium model of the brand’s famed Minerva Monopusher Rattrapante or Split Seconds chronograph, it would certainly be considered an alternative investment under Knight Frank’s wealth report guidelines.

There’s a nice balance of futurist and naturalist elements to the monopusher chronograph; the Montblanc Only Watch 1858 Split Seconds Chronograph takes modern space age materials like titanium, blends it with naturally occurring blue agate, protecting the pre-industrial age Minerva mechanical double column-wheel (one for each chronograph) movement within.

“We are honoured to be part of this amazing charity event, that stands up for such a special cause, uniting the world’s leading watchmakers,” – Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO.

The finnissage is pretty amazing

Six years ago, Montblanc showcased the prowess of its Minerva Manufacture with the ExoTourbillon Rattrapante. Montblanc’s Only Watch 1858 Rattrapante or Split Second Chronograph wears large because its beating heart was built off a movement, the MB M16.31 originally designed for pocket watches, recognisable by its finnisage, the additional column wheel and that mistakable “pincer” (but really a mechanical brake system).

The biennial Only Watch 2019 charity auction will take place in Geneva on Nov. 9th. Not merely a fund raising event, the auction itself celebrates the finest watchmaking traditions, giving collectors and connoisseurs the opportunity to own a truly unique watch; the raison d’etre lends its name to the honourable cause.