Montblanc at Watches & Wonders 2024: Descending 4810M Deep Without Oxygen

Montblanc bridges the mountain and the ocean with the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810.

Situated at the convergence of the French, Italian, and Swiss borders, Massif Mont Blanc rises magnificently above the European Alps, its summit surpassing that of all other mountains on the continent. The mountain has served as a source of inspiration and desire for Montblanc from the maison's inception in 1906, to the extent that it is embodied in its namesake. In addition to the symbolism of Mont Bdilanc, the number 4810, denoting the mountain's elevation in meters, was associated with Montblanc when it was initially inscribed on the nib of the Montblanc Meisterstück writing instrument. Since that time, 4810 has held particular importance for the maison, notably this year at Watches & Wonders Geneva with the introduction of the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810.

Montblanc's venture into maritime themes is now familiar, after the publication of the Montblanc Iced Sea Collection in 2022, marking the maison's inaugural dive watch in over a century. The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea is rated for a regular water resistance of 300 meters, however the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810 exceeds this with a remarkable water resistance of 4810 meters, 16 times greater than its counterpart. Predictably, Montblanc’s enchanting figures manifested in the collection’s title, reversing Mont Blanc’s elevation to link the ocean's depths with the mountain's lofty summit.

Considering the severe and extreme conditions over 5000 meters below the ocean's surface, cutting-edge engineering is the fundamental requirement necessary to instill confidence in the watch's wearer. Montblanc's response is the Zero Oxygen innovation, with the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810 being the most recent beneficiary of the maison's Zero Oxygen initiative. Eliminating oxygen from the watch case entirely mitigates the risk of fogging caused by significant temperature fluctuations and the oxidation of components. Consequently, all calibers exhibit enhanced longevity and maintain precision over an extended duration.

Montblanc at Watches & Wonders 2024: Exploring 4810M Depths Without Oxygen Titanium was used for the watch's 43mm case due to its about 30% greater strength compared to stainless steel and its corrosion resistance in ocean exposure. The intrinsic grayish tint of titanium imparts a sense of gravitas to the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810, complementing the Blue sfumato glacier pattern dial perfectly. Motivated by the primordial ice formations of the Mer de Glace, one of Mont Blanc's most substantial glaciers, interlocking ice crystal designs are meticulously replicated on the watch's dial using the gratté-boisé process. The now obsolete ornamentation, infamous for its labor-intensive procedure, imparts a distinctive texture and depth to the dials. Reversing the watch exposes a unique caseback embellished with a three-dimensional engraving depicting the underwater vista encountered by divers beneath the ice. The captivating appearance is produced by laser-induced oxidation that endows the metallic surface with both matte and glossy finishes, resulting in contrasting colors and textures.

Montblanc at Watches & Wonders 2024: Exploring 4810M Depths Without Oxygen Underneath the “frozen” dial is Montblanc’s manufacture calibre MB 29.29, with a power reserve of up to 120 hours. Subsequent modifications to the movement provide COSC-certified accuracy and precision throughout a five-day period. Additional rigorous evaluation with the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500 guarantees that the Montblanc Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810 complies with ISO 6425 criteria for diving timepieces and any forthcoming expeditions.