Minerva - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Minerva
    Year: Circa 1930
    Movement No: 1’520’045
    Case No: 469’037
    Model Name: Il Minervone
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 19/9CH, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 46mm diameter
    Signed: Dial signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The venerable Minerva name, registered in 1887 by the watchmaking company Robert Frères Villeret (founded in 1858 as H. & C. Robert), once adorned the finest timepieces of their diverse portfolio. Although owning multiple marques—Tropic, Ariana, Mercure and more—Robert Frères reserved Minerva for their highest echelon of production.

    Come 1908, Minerva commenced crafting exquisite chronographs capable of precision to the hundredth of a second. By the 1920s, Minerva chronographs were industry leaders, prompting the company's 1929 rechristening as “Minerva SA, Villeret.” Throughout the 20th century, Minerva persevered through trials and tribulations, its peerless watchmaking prowess weathering even the Quartz Crisis storm. Richemont Group acquired the manufacture in 2006, thereafter channeling Minerva's expertise into Montblanc timepieces.
    This remarkable mid-century Minerva exemplifies the manufacture's commanding capabilities. With an imposing 46mm case, the oversized monopusher chronograph clearly targeted technical applications like piloting. It bears the vaunted 19/9CH caliber, a movement introduced for pocket watches in 1909 and later wristwatches, with the 2 o'clock pusher being the inaugural configuration before later integration into the crown.

    The original black dial which has aged beautifully into a tropical patina with luminous numerals caters directly to aviation needs—contrasting for daytime legibility, illuminating for nighttime—and remains in an attractive overall condition. The dial is preserved in its original condition, with radium lumes still reactive, resulting in its numeral indices displaying burnt marks over time. This archetypal pilot's watch, proffering breathtaking aesthetics and presence, will enthrall collectors with its impressive dimensions and enduring Minerva significance.

Property from an Important Collector

871

Lot offered with No Reserve

An early, oversized and highly attractive stainless steel pilot's monopusher chronograph wristwatch with tropical dial

Circa 1930
46mm diameter
Dial signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 180,000 
€14,100-21,200
$15,400-23,100

Sold for HK$88,900

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023