No Reserve
8089Σ
Minerva
Ref. C722
Phoebus
An attractive and well-preserved limited edition yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with engraved case, black dial, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 20 of a limited edition of 80 pieces
- Estimate
- HK$30,000 - 50,000•€3,700 - 6,200$3,800 - 6,400
HK$48,260
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Minerva
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- C722
- Case No
- 730'962, 20/80
- Model Name
- Phoebus
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Minerva pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 37mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Minerva international guarantees, product literature, travel pouch and fitted presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- Founded in 1858 by brothers Charles and Hyppolite Robert, H. & C. Robert adopted the name Minerva in 1887, paying homage to the Roman goddess of craftsmanship, the arts, and war. Renowned for its precision and innovation, Minerva introduced its first chronograph movement in 1908, solidifying its reputation as a master of high-quality, handcrafted chronographs.
- Over its storied history, the brand weathered numerous challenges, including the quartz crisis of the 1970s, under the stewardship of the Frey family, who took control in the 1960s. Minerva’s survival during this tumultuous period was a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly its rare ability to produce in-house balance wheels and hairsprings. By the 1980s and 1990s, the brand had refocused its efforts exclusively on chronographs, further cementing its legacy as a purveyor of fine mechanical timepieces.
- The present lot, the Minerva Phoebus chronograph, is a striking example of the brand’s artistry and technical prowess. Named after the Greek god of light, prophecy, and the arts, the Phoebus was produced in the early 1990s as a limited edition of just 80 pieces. This example, numbered 20, is powered by the iconic Valjoux 72 chronograph caliber—a vintage new old stock movement celebrated for its reliability and historical significance. The watch features a rare black gilt dial, a highly sought-after variation that is notably scarcer than its white gloss counterpart.
- Housed in an elegant yellow gold case, the timepiece is distinguished by its beautifully hand-engraved flanks, a testament to Minerva’s dedication to artisanal detail. The black glossy dial, with its warm gilt accents, provides a striking contrast to the polished gold case, creating a harmonious and visually captivating aesthetic.
- This Minerva Phoebus chronograph represents a rare opportunity to acquire a meticulously crafted timepiece from a brand with a rich heritage in chronograph development. Its limited production, exceptional condition, and distinctive design make it a standout offering for discerning collectors of fine vintage watches.
- Over its storied history, the brand weathered numerous challenges, including the quartz crisis of the 1970s, under the stewardship of the Frey family, who took control in the 1960s. Minerva’s survival during this tumultuous period was a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly its rare ability to produce in-house balance wheels and hairsprings. By the 1980s and 1990s, the brand had refocused its efforts exclusively on chronographs, further cementing its legacy as a purveyor of fine mechanical timepieces.
- The present lot, the Minerva Phoebus chronograph, is a striking example of the brand’s artistry and technical prowess. Named after the Greek god of light, prophecy, and the arts, the Phoebus was produced in the early 1990s as a limited edition of just 80 pieces. This example, numbered 20, is powered by the iconic Valjoux 72 chronograph caliber—a vintage new old stock movement celebrated for its reliability and historical significance. The watch features a rare black gilt dial, a highly sought-after variation that is notably scarcer than its white gloss counterpart.
- Housed in an elegant yellow gold case, the timepiece is distinguished by its beautifully hand-engraved flanks, a testament to Minerva’s dedication to artisanal detail. The black glossy dial, with its warm gilt accents, provides a striking contrast to the polished gold case, creating a harmonious and visually captivating aesthetic.
- This Minerva Phoebus chronograph represents a rare opportunity to acquire a meticulously crafted timepiece from a brand with a rich heritage in chronograph development. Its limited production, exceptional condition, and distinctive design make it a standout offering for discerning collectors of fine vintage watches.