The limited edition 1858 Geosphere Calendrier Annuel (steel or gold) also features a large date and a world time function (on the rotating globe), a unique combination of features within the collection. These are powered by a new Minerva manual winding movement, beautifully decorated with high-watchmaking finishes. It’s also the first time the large date is positioned at noon in a double window that dominates the historic logo, while a discreet pusher on the side at 2 o’clock makes it easy to adjust. The month display stands out with a circular device on the periphery of the dial and a subtle nod to Minerva’s birth month: July is replaced by Minerva. Minerva, also the name of a Roman goddess, is referenced by Montblanc's watchmakers, who make her name point to the calendar disc with a red arrow, symbolizing the spear she carried as the protector of artisans.
This artisanal dimension is reflected in the manual micro-painting of the northern hemisphere on the three-dimensional sapphire globe (the southern hemisphere is available on request), where there is also an orange line for Greenwich Mean Time and a 24-hour scale. The artisan painter spends four hours creating each unique world map. The overall aesthetics of the watch are inspired by Minerva’s distinctive 1950s design, with silvered grained dials on which blued hands and markers stand out, while remaining surprisingly contemporary.
On the back, the technical craftsmanship of Minerva is revealed with understated elegance but solid substance, where the 364 gray and gold components create a subtle contrast, and the Côte de Genève decoration gives a pleasant metallic velvety appearance. The limited edition number of 100 pieces is engraved, much to the delight of collectors.
This exceptional manufacture is also featured in the GMT Watch Safari program, a reader trip, the second edition of which, organized by our publishing house, will take place in the last week of October.
