Minerva - Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking, 1980-1999 Geneva Friday, November 8, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Minerva
    Year: Circa 1995
    Reference No: C722
    Case No: 730'989 caseback further engraved with limited edition number 47/80
    Model Name: Phoebus
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, Cal 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Minerva pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, undated and unstamped guarantee, polishing cloth and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Brothers Charles and Hyppolite Robert founded H. & C. Robert in 1858, ultimately becoming Minerva (the Roman goddess of handcrafts, the professions, the arts, and, later, war) in 1887. The brand introduced its first chronograph movement in 1908 and made a name for itself in the subsequent years as a makers of well crafted high quality chronographs.

    The brand went through ups and downs in its long history until the Frey family took over in the 1960s and steered the company successfully through the quartz crisis of the 1970s. Minerva not only survived thanks to the recognized quality of its chronographs and rare capability to produce in-house its own balance wheels and hairsprings but fully concentrated its efforts in the 1980s-1990s on chronographs.

    The present Phoebus (the Greek God of light, god of prophecy, poetry, music and healing) presented in the early 1990s was made in a limited edition of 80 pieces, of which the present example is number 47 and houses the iconic and vintage new old stock Valjoux 72 chronograph caliber. The present example features the black gilt dial, which is rare than its white gloss counterpart.

    The yellow gold case is beautifully hand engraved on the flank and frames an attractive black glossy dial providing for a very attractive combination.

47

Ref. C722
An attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with engraved case, blank guarantee and box, number 47 of a 80 piece limited edition

Circa 1995
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF3,000 - 6,000 
€3,200-6,400
$3,500-7,000

Sold for CHF7,620

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

 

Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking, 1980-1999

Geneva Auction 8 November 2024