Last year Montblanc introduced the 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date, called as such for the texture of the dial. This year, they have added a new colour variant – grey, which they say is inspired by the Mer de Clace glacier on Mont Blanc.

This is actually a more interesting dial colour than 2022 because as you can see, different light angles lead to more marked differences in the look of the dial, and giving it greater depth as well as more colour variation. It is also probably closer to the (glacial ice) colour that is its inspiration. The technique used to create the dial’s pattern is called ‘gratté-boisé’. There is also the presence of Super-LumiNova, as you would expect.

The 41mm case is stainless steel with a case back decorated with a relief engraving depicting a diver exploring the glacier lake. It has a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel. Water resistance is 300m.

Inside is the familiar automatic Calibre MB 24.17 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of 38 hours.

As with all watches in the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea collection, it comes on a stainless steel bracelet but with an easily interchangeable second rubber strap – in this instance black with grey edging.

Categories: Hands-on, Montblanc, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023