Minerva Chronograph Salmon dial - M132000

Origin

Despite its rather backseat positioning throughout its lifespan, Minerva is a name watch aficionados are familiar with for its technical proficiency, especially surrounding the chronograph. While its present-day connection to Montblanc is one of the latest chapters of its history, the Minerva name dates back to 1858 in Villeret, where its two founders, Charles and Hyppolite Robert, started producing pocket watches. At the time, these calibres were third-party, but approximately 40 years later, the brothers began creating their own calibres.

Chronographs were a focus for the company, as they swiftly became one of the first to bring this incredibly complex complication into the wristwatch before becoming the official timing partner of the 1936 Olympic Games. What followed was a mid to late 20th century of new ownership, eventually under the Frey family, and a continued master of watchmaking saw the firm survive the advent of quartz timekeeping. However, in 2000, Emilio Gnutti became the new owner and eventually Richemont took over, incorporating the Minerva brand into Montblanc. 

Under the direction of Gnutti, Minerva focused on becoming a manufacturer of calibres and watches by mastering the art of in-house movements and design, the Villeret Chronograph Ref. M132000 achieved precisely that. First debuting in 2002, this chronograph resides within the Collection 1858, a series which honours Minerva's legacy through the use of the 13.20 movement from the 1920s and dial design cues heavily influenced by traditional designs of the same era. 

The Watch

As hidden watchmaking gems from 20 years ago continue to be re-discovered for their long-underappreciated beauty, Minerva remains an apple of the collector's eye.

With origins back to the 19th century, Minerva's longstanding mechanical proficiency came to light during the turn of the 21st century through gems such as this Villeret Chronograph. Carrying the reference M132000, this example is a sea of tradition and early 20th-century style fused with contemporary execution, with its 40mm case being rendered in 18k yellow gold. An entirely polished affair, the case carries a stepped concave bezel, widely set commanding lugs, and two screw-down chronograph pushers with knurling flanking a signed Minerva crown. 

While lovely and beautifully executed, the case of this Minerva really plays host to the dial, which appears to have come straight out of the 1920s thanks to its beautiful touches of original flair. It all begins with its base colour, a subtle pink salmon consistent throughout the entire dial, creating a luxurious pairing for the yellow-gold case. The elegance of this tone is heightened by the very subtle use of blue printing for the tachymeter scale, which sits at the periphery of the dial. This philosophy of blue on pink continues, with a set of lovely leaf hands being heat blued, to match with the chronograph needle style hand and subsidiary registers. Compact yet still impactful Roman numerals sit within the tachymeter scale, their execution playing an underappreciated role in the early 20th-century feel of this design. This understanding of dial proportions lends itself perfectly to this piece's twin register configuration, which in turn results in perfect dial symmetry. Lastly, the final dose and irresistible charm is the original 'Minerva' signature, especially its cursive M that underlines the name. 

The Movement

Appearing through its display caseback is the calibre 13-20, a movement that was initially introduced in 1923. This hand-wound chronograph calibre is a miniaturised city of gears, wheels, and levers, with a small striped bridge contrasting the workings of the chronograph that are on display for all to admire. This calibre is the icing on top of this gorgeous cake, first seen as a monopusher before being adapted into a double pusher.

How It Wears

Watches from this era are some of the most compelling offerings in today's market. Old enough to possess its own vintage charm while still being modern enough to benefit from updated watchmaking, this Villeret Chronograph pushes this philosophy further due to its commitment to 20th-century styling. Those who have owned original early chronographs will be aware of the risks related to fragility and the need for servicing; this M132000, on the other hand, delivers that much-desired best of both worlds.

Condition

This M132000 is in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear and is unpolished. The watch is mounted on its original Minerva brown strap, which remains in unworn condition, and is complete with its original yellow gold buckle.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium.