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Minerva
Il Minervone
Minerva，「Il Minervone」型號，十分精美，精鋼單鈕計時腕錶，備「Tropical」錶盤，約1930年製。
估價
HK$120,000 - 180,000•︎
€14,100 - 21,200
$15,400 - 23,100
成交價
HK$88,900
拍品詳情
製造商
Minerva
年份
Circa 1930
機芯編號
1’520’045
錶殼號碼
469’037
型號名稱
Il Minervone
材料
Stainless steel
機芯
Manual, cal. 19/9CH, 17 jewels
錶帶/ 錶鏈
Leather
錶扣
Stainless steel pin buckle
尺寸
46mm diameter
簽名
Dial signed
專家
完整圖錄內容
圖錄文章
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.
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.