The split-second chronograph is one of horology’s most admired complications. Hard to assemble and even harder to adjust, the complication is known to give watchmakers nightmares – and only a handful of manufacturers can do it well. Patek Philippe, for instance, makes some of the finest, most intricate split-second chronograph movements.

Then, there’s Montblanc with its stunning Minerva calibres. Minerva chronograph movements are seen as some of the most architecturally iconic, evocative, and well-finished in the market within connoisseur circles. In 2019, Montblanc added its first split-seconds clock to the 1858 collection, a line that pays tribute to the Minerva heritage; this was the 1858 Split Second Chronograph in bronze. Several variants soon followed in different case metals and with varying treatments of the dial.

This year, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph is presented in a particular metal case for the first time. More than that, it comes with a dial aesthetic that some might consider “exotic” for a Montblanc timepiece. Here, we give you the low-down and our thoughts on the new 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18.

The case of the 1858 Split Second Chronograph has always been immense. At 44 mm in diameter, the watch better fits wrists of above-average sizes. What’s different about the case this time is the material rendered in: ‘lime gold’. Lime gold is what Montblanc is calling its new 18k gold alloy, and the new 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 is the first watch in the industry to utilise it. What gives lime gold its distinctive pale yellowish hue with a tinge of green is its composition. According to Montblanc, the alloy comprises 75% gold, 23.8% silver, and 12% iron. The case is finely brushed with contrasting but striking polished bevels. And like previous iterations, there is a crown at 3 o’clock with a chronograph (mono)pusher and a split second pusher at 2 o’clock.

Driving the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 is the 287-part, 25-jewel Calibre MB M16.31. Inspired by Minerva calibres 19-09CH and 17-29 used for pocket watches, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Calibre MB M16.31 is relatively large, at 38.4 mm in diameter. The movement has two column wheels for the clock and rattrapante (split second) function, horizontal coupling, and a power reserve of 50 hours. It is fitted with a large balance wheel with 18 screws, beating at a stately frequency of 2.5 Hz.

Minerva chronograph movements have always been renowned for their beautiful architecture and finesse, and the Calibre MB M16.31 is no exception. A look through the sapphire crystal case back says it all: Geneva waves, inner language, polished bevels, black polishing, circular graining, and a host of other old-school techniques applied by hand. For this limited edition 1858 Split Second Chronograph, the plates and bridges are German silver plated with 18K gold. The contrast between the gold-plated and steel components is remarkably striking and a pleasure to behold.

If lime gold and green accents are your things, you’d be hard-pressed to find a split-second chronograph that offers better value than the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18. Thanks to its rich Minerva heritage, the 1858 collection maintains its status as a connoisseur favourite.