This Minerva Chronograph was released in 2002 as part of the Collection 1858, a series paying homage to Minerva’s rich heritage. Powered by the famed Minerva calibre 13-20 movement, from the 1920s, and housed in a modern case, this watch blends vintage components and a contemporary design.

The History of the Minerva Manufacture

Minerva’s story begins in the year 1858, founded by brothers Charles and Hyppolite Robert, in the small town of Villeret, located in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The company - initially called H & C. Robert Watch Co. - started off by using third-party movements, which they built into pocket watches. However, the brand soon came into its own and began to produce watch movements in 1895.

Somehow always in step with the changing times, they began focusing on sports watches, and as a result, chronographs, becoming one of the first manufacturers to move into the chronograph wristwatch market. Their renown for accuracy in timekeeping led them to become the official timing partner of the infamous 1936 Olympic Games, held in Germany. The name “Minerva” was actually a trademark they used for their top-of-the-range movements, and the company officially rebranded to “Minerva SA, Villeret”, in 1929.

Between 1929 and 1989, the company passed through various hands until it reached the Frey family, led by Jean-Jacques Frey and his father, Andre Frey. They continued to produce noteworthy work, such as the “Pythagore” watch models which positioned the movement bridges in such a way that they adhered to Pythagoras’ Golden Rule, and carried on manufacturing the company’s high-quality mechanical chronographs. Crucially, the company was even able to survive the 1970s Quartz Crisis, because of its ability to produce in-house components in addition to the accuracy and precision of their pieces.

In 2000, the company was sold on to Emilio Gnutti, with an overhaul of the structure that instated a new director, Beppe Menaldo, and a new master watchmaker, Demetrio Cabbidu. Eventually, Minerva was taken over by Richemont and absorbed into the Montblanc Manufacture. Since then, Montblanc has embraced its manufacture’s inheritance, proudly proclaiming that the movements in Montblanc watches are derived from Minerva. They have even produced an entire line of watches, Collection Villeret 1858, in tribute and celebration of their heritage.

The Design

This Minerva Chronograph ref. M132000 is a rare specimen that was made in 2002, after the company had come under the creative direction of Demetrio Cabiddu. It is a double-pusher chronograph, cased in 18k white gold, and it bears the original “Minerva” signature on the dial.

Minerva continues to thrive at the intersection of "vintage" and "modern" eras – sheets of metal are still cut with old Minerva stamps, and many of the older movements are still housed in new watches made today. This chronograph is one such example, as it comes under the “Collection 1858”, which is characterised by the partial use of ébauches manufactured in the 1920s. The original chronograph calibre that this watch is based on was designed in 1920 and manufactured until 1947.

The design is that of a two-register chronograph, with subtle and contrasting tones throughout. The centre is silver, nested within a middle ring of grey and a wider ring of black. A white railroad track-style ring circles the numerals, which are blued to match the hands. The dial is also symmetrically divided by two sub-dials, displaying 60-second and 30-minute intervals respectively, and both have been engine turned.

The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. The lugs are beautifully polished, with hallmarks displayed on the back. A sapphire caseback showcases the movement, which is finished to a particularly high standard.

The Movement

The watch is powered by the Minerva calibre 13-20, which was originally introduced in 1923. Initially designed as a mono-pusher calibre, it was developed into a double-pusher calibre, as seen in the current example. This movement is 6.4mm thick, features a Breguet balance spring, and is inlaid with 17 jewels. 

Closer look