Montblanc Unveils All-New Iced Sea Automatic Date Collection

Montblanc’s Iced Sea Automatic Date collection continues to grow with two new stunning editions.

Montblanc first introduced the Iced Sea Automatic Date collection in 2022, with the main signature design feature being the
glacial ice pattern on the dial. This glacial pattern wasn’t just for aesthetic purposes. It was a reference to Montblanc’s home and the glacial ice that sits on the Mer de Glace on the Mont-Blanc massif.

Since the collection’s release, Montblanc has introduced several colour variations, including beautiful blue, green, and white dial variants, which were showcased during Watchs&Wonders 2023 (which you can read here). We’ve even had the opportunity to do a full, in-depth review of one of the models, the stunning blue dial (click here for the full review!).

Now, for the brand’s latest Watches&Wonders 2024 release, they are releasing two new models, with the aesthetic design inspired by the colours of the sun as it moves over the glacial ice on Mer de Glace. The first model is a bronze-tone model with a black glacial-patterned dial inspired by the setting sun. The second timepiece is a new burgundy-tone glacial-patterned dial, which captures the image of the evening sun as it hits the glacier.

Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date – Bronze-tone Dial (Ref 133300)

This version of the Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date comes with a warm bronze-tone case, which is a completely new aesthetic to the collection. This new piece comes with a case that’s created from cupro aluminium, a special alloy that is one and a half times more resistant than bronze and is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. It is made out of a mix of aluminium and copper, in contrast to standard bronze (copper and tin), or brass (copper and zinc). Cupro aluminium may have stronger properties than bronze; however, it will still have patina over time, just like its counterpart.

Another feature of this model that is new to the Iced Sea Automatic Date collection is the bi-coloured bezel. This unidirectional anodized aluminium bezel has the 0-15min increments coloured in brown, while the rest of the bezel is coloured in matte black. The titanium case back (with bronze-toned coating) of the watch features a 3D engraving of a larger scuba diver compared to the standard Iced Sea Automatic Date with its iceberg and scuba diving explorer engraving.

Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date – Burgundy-tone Dial (Ref 132291)

The second version to be newly added to the Iced Sea Automatic Date collection is the beautiful burgundy-toned dial. The inspiration behind this colour is the deep red colour of the evening sun as it hits the glacier. Montblanc also seems to have taken aesthetic inspiration from their white dial version of the Iced Sea Automatic Date, as the new model also has a black ceramic unidirectional bezel.

For this coloured dial, the black ceramic bezel actually works quite well and is a nice contrast against the burgundy dial, allowing the dial itself to stand out nicely. Like the new bronze version, this dial features large hour indices that are a mixture of Arabic (6,9 & 12 markers) and rectangular markers. For the burgundy version, the indices are filled with generous amounts of Superlumi-Nova, which, in low-light conditions, lights up the dial well. The colour of the lume is white, which also acts as a great contrast against the dial colours, making dial readability super crisp.

Montblanc has kept the movement unchanged for these new additions, with the calibre MB 24.17/SW200 being used for both models. This automatic movement will power the watch for approximately 38 hours and performs at a high accuracy frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH).

Final Thoughts

These two latest editions to Montblanc’s Iced Sea Automatic Date collection bring with them a refreshing take with new aesthetic designs. The Cupro aluminium and titanium bring a different material finish into the collection while giving the black dial a new, visually appealing colour palette.

While the bronze version has its qualities, especially the patina over time, my favourite out of the two is the burgundy-tone dial. The colour theme of this timepiece is just spot-on. The beautiful burgundy colour, with a glacial pattern depicting a “frozen” dial, works extremely well against the white indices and hands. And I have to say, it was a smart move from the brand to differentiate the colour of the bezel from the dial, which draws the viewer’s attention straight to the dial.

The two models also offer different strap options. The bronze version comes with a black interchangeable rubber strap with a brown outline and taper and a bronze-coated stainless steel double-folding clasp, which nicely matches the dial. The burgundy version comes with an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet with a taper and stainless steel double-folding clasp. While both strap options aesthetically complete each timepiece, they offer different wearability. For me, though, I can quite easily see the burgundy version being a daily beater.

Reference: 133300 (Bronze Version)

Specification

• Case: 41 mm x 12.9 mm thickness
• Case Material: Bronze case with curved horns featuring polished and satin finishing. Knurled unidirectional turning bezel with bi-coloured black & brown anodized aluminium Super-LumiNova® with blue emission on the dot.
• Dial: Black glacier pattern dial with beige luminescent rose gold-coated Arabic numerals and indexes; beige luminescent rose gold-coated hour, minute and seconds hands; logo inspired by a vintage Minerva export seal at 6 o’clock.
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed box-shaped sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating.
• Water resistance: 300m (30 Bar)
• Movement: MB 24.17/SW200 calibre automatic movement.
• Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
• Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
• Bracelet: Black interchangeable rubber strap with brown outline & taper and bronze-coated stainless steel double-folding clasp with fine adjustment system.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $6,420 AUD

Availability: Non-Limited Edition model. Purchase through Montblanc boutiques, authorised retailers or through montblanc.com.au

Reference: 132291 (Burgundy Version)

Specification

• Case: 41 mm x 12.9 mm thickness
• Case Material: Stainless steel case with curved horns featuring polished and satinated finishing. Knurled unidirectional turning bezel with black ceramic Super-LumiNova® with blue emission on the dot.
• Dial: Burgundy-tone glacier pattern dial with white luminescent rhodium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes; white luminescent rhodium-coated hour, minute and seconds hand; logo inspired by a vintage Minerva export seal at 6 o’clock.
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant, domed box-shaped sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating.
• Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
• Movement: MB 24.17/SW200 calibre automatic movement.
• Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
• Power reserve: Approx. 38 hours
• Bracelet: Interchangeable stainless steel bracelet with taper and stainless steel double-folding clasp with fine adjustment system.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $5,590 AUD

Availability: Non-Limited Edition model. Purchase through Montblanc boutiques, authorised retailers or through montblanc.com.au