The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen has made its way to the South Pole, or at least close to it. During the 18th annual Antarctic Ice Marathon in December 2023, Montblanc's mountaineering ambassador Simon Messner and Managing Director Laurent Lecamp wore the watch in the bone-chilling temperatures of -30 degrees C. While I wouldn't recommend buying a $7,800 watch for running a marathon, the feat of wearing such a beautiful and complex timepiece in such extreme conditions is intriguing.
Messner and Lecamp run the Ice Marathon; (photo/Montblanc)
Finishing in seventh place with a time of 4 hours and 29 seconds, Messner and Lecamp truly put the watch to the test. Intrigued by their adventure, Montblanc offered me a loan of the 1858 Geosphere for a couple of weeks. I wore it regularly and even took it on a few trail runs. Here are my impressions.
Checking the 1858 Geosphere during a trail run; (photo/Sean McCoy)
In short, the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Expedition Limited Edition is a visually stunning world-timer watch with a complicated automatic movement. The two globes on the watch face represent the northern and southern hemispheres and display the time anywhere on Earth. However, reading these small globes may require good eyesight. The case is completely oxygen-free, preventing fogging and oxidization. With just 1,990 watches made in this limited edition, it comes with a luxury price tag.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen: Trail Running With Bling
As the sun rose behind Green Mountain, I headed uphill with my dog by my side. The glimmering 1858 Geosphere caught the sunlight, showcasing its icy blue dial. Despite the sweat under my coat, the crystal remained clear. The dual globes displayed times around the world as I contemplated how far I wanted to push myself that morning.
(Photo/Sean McCoy)
Before delving into the watch's details, let me share my thoughts on it as an adventure piece. While it certainly appeals to wealthy explorers, it's not exactly field gear. Wearing a $7,000 watch during activities that could potentially damage it seems a bit risky. However, during my trail run, I found the 1858 Geosphere reasonably comfortable under my running jacket. Despite being larger and heavier than most field watches, it didn't hinder my arm swing. Revealing the watch while checking the time reminded me of its uniqueness and beauty.
Montblanc Explorer's Watch: A Unique Timepiece
The 1858 Geosphere is undeniably a visually pleasing watch with its dual globes, second time zone, and blue dial. It pays homage to the adventurous origins of the Montblanc brand. However, in terms of practicality for daily use, it has its limitations. Reading the time on the small globes might require squinting, especially for those over 40 years old. While the main dial is easy to read, the numerals and hashmarks stand out in three-dimensional script. A small dial between the center and 9 o'clock provides a secondary time zone, which is useful for quick references.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Expedition Limited Edition; (photo/Sean McCoy)
The 1858 Geosphere is water-resistant up to 100m, making it suitable for various explorer activities. However, the absence of a screw-down crown might raise concerns about water intrusion. On the face, a bidirectional rotating bezel adds a cool touch, allowing it to function as a rudimentary compass. The "0 Oxygen" feature, while intriguing, cannot be reliably validated. Nevertheless, the watch never fogged up, which is to be expected.
The case back of the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Expedition Limited Edition; (photo/Sean McCoy)
The colorful 3D engraving on the back of the case features the Aurora Australis and the names of the Seven Summits, enhancing the watch's overall appeal.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen: A Handsome, Meaningful Jewel
Wearing the 1858 Geosphere was truly a delightful experience. It's a beautiful watch with exceptional craftsmanship and high standards of excellence. While luxury watches may not be the most practical choice for outdoor activities, this particular watch tells a story. It's the kind of watch you wear to share tales of adventure and to invite others to share their own.
The crown of the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen; (photo/Sean McCoy)
In the world of high-end wristwatches, the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen South Pole Expedition Limited Edition has its place. It competes with iconic watches like the Rolex Explorer and the Norquain Neverest, both with stories rooted in the outdoors. While there are more practical and affordable options available for telling time and tracking various metrics, owning the 1858 Geosphere is about owning a piece of beauty and history. It's about wearing a meaningful jewel and sparking conversations about adventures and exploration.
