Montblanc Honors Mark Maker's 80th : A Limited Edition 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Chronograph

Limited to just 290 pieces—a number that subtly pays homage to the staggering 29,031-foot height of the world’s tallest mountain, a summit Mark Maker has conquered multiple times, Montblanc just introduced a special 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen.

Commemorating Mark Maker's 80th birthday 

This year In 2024, Montblanc’s mountaineering Mark Maker celebrates his 80th birthday and this watch has been introduced to commemorate this important milestone with him and pay homage to his legacy. Encased in a 44mm polished titanium body with a a bi-directional fluted black ceramic bezel, this timepiece is both lightweight and durable—qualities highly valued by mountaineers who must carefully consider the weight of their gear. One of the most striking features of this watch is its red sfumato glacier dial, inspired by the unique red glaciers of Antarctica. The dial's intricate texture mimics the interlocking crystal patterns of ancient glacial ice, crafted using the meticulous gratté boisé technique, taking each dial takes four times longer to produce than a standard one.

Why Zero Oxygen Matters
1. Elimination of Fogging: In high-altitude and extreme environments, temperatures can fluctuate drastically, leading to condensation and fogging inside the watch. This can obscure the dial and impair visibility, a critical issue for mountaineers who depend on precise timekeeping for navigation and safety. By eliminating oxygen inside the case, Montblanc ensures that fogging is no longer a concern, allowing the watch to maintain crystal-clear visibility regardless of temperature changes.

2. Prevention of Oxidation: Oxidation can deteriorate the delicate components within a watch movement over time, particularly in harsh climates where exposure to moisture and varying temperatures is common. The absence of oxygen inside the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen prevents oxidation, significantly enhancing the longevity and reliability of the watch. For mountaineers, this means their timepiece remains dependable, even in the most challenging conditions.

In addition to the zero oxygen, Montblanc’s engineers have chosen very specific oils that perform at temperatures as low as -50oC. The precision of a watch movement depends on the lubrication of its components, especially in the event of use in extreme temperatures, and these oils ensure that the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen can function in the very harsh environments without incident. 

The Final Touches

This limited edition watch is powered by Montblanc’s Manufacture Automatic Chronograph movement – the Calibre MB 29.27 – that comes with a worldtime complication. Turn the timepiece over and a unique colored engraving of K2 adorns the caseback. The image used was taken from one of Messner’s own photos that he captured from the summit on his first ascent there in 1979. An finally, the all new 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Chronograph features an interchangeable black textile strap accented with red stitching, inspired by the rare and remarkable red glaciers.