In 2022, Montblanc unveiled an original secret, the " Unveiled Secret " which came in two versions, one in steel, the other in lime gold, respectively limited to 58 and 18 pieces, which is a funny nod because 18 and 58 reminds us... 1858...
This year, Montblanc uses the same recipe, but with a different treatment for their new Unveiled Secret, in a steel case, pvd coated, then brushed by hand with Quartzite, to give an used steel look to this watch.
The bezel, like the 2022 Steel version, is in white gold. And the case dimensions don't change: 43 mm big, 14, 18 mm high.
It is all a matter of contrast. Contrast between the case and the bezel, contrast between the crown and its pusher, and... Contrast between the ruthenium darkened parts of the movement and its golden wheels.
The movement is well known, it is the Cal 16.29, but as it is inverted, it gets a different reference: Cal 16_26. It is a huge movement, with a diameter of 37, 5 mm, and you will be relieved to know that it receives the same high level of finishes as the 16.29 and the 16.26 from last year. To be complete, this movement has a power reserve of 50 hours.
And of course, as the two former ones, the case back is solid, which is logical has the movement has been inverted.
If you like black watches, you might like this one. It is uber cool, with a lot of character, and a certain refinement. Be careful, though, as there are only 88 pieces of this Aged Steel version.
Two things I like less...
1/ The price is... " Steep ": 40, 000 Euros, for the Steel version. I still remember the retail of my beloved 1858 Tachymeter Steel Blue, at 25, 000 Euros. But it is still good, compared to what the competitors offer at this level of price, or for this level of finishings.
2/ More problematic, but this is a behavior Montblanc is used to having, such as several other brands from Richemont Group, the fact that they do another limited edition of the former limited editions... The collectors may not appreciate it.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best,
Nicolas