Since its launch in early 2018, the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere has held a central spot in the brand?s vintage-influenced 1858 collection, and also served as a de-facto flagship for some of its most innovative designs and concepts. This week at Watches & Wonders, Montblanc unveils the latest Geosphere with a distinctive design inspired by adventure and exploration: the 1858 Geosphere LE 1858.

Like previous Geosphere watches, the latest edition features a hardy case construction and the dial’s signature double-hemisphere display, which assists the wearer in reading multiple time zones on either side of the equator. New to this edition is its unique colorway, which draws its influence from Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner, and his five-week solo trek across the Gobi Desert in 2004. The arid desert-toned dial pairs with the brushed bronze case and its commemorative, engraved caseback. This is the second Geosphere to take inspiration from Messner?s adventures, the first being a blue-dialed model in celebration of ?Messner?s List,? which is recognized as the most difficult variation on the Seven Summits Challenge in which mountaineers attempt to scale all seven of the world?s highest peaks.
The 42-mm case, at 12.8 mm in thickness, is made of a special bronze alloy and primarily satin finished throughout, with a touch of polishing for contrast. The 100-meter water resistant case as a whole is relatively simple, flourished only slightly by its knurled, log...