Horological Meandering

mycroft
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My Thoughts ...

I have an old Minerva, the new Minerva movements are miles better and much better finished. Now is it 20 times better? I don't think so!

I do fully agree with SJX that one of the things that we used to admire and respect Minerva for was their honesty in pricing and the value they delivered in those times of old. A little like what Moser is now doing within their niche. To climb out of those times to the rarefied stratospheric prices simply by limiting the number of pieces (possibly because of their production capacity, also), does not show me what MontBlanc or Minerva will do as an encore.

Until I know this and understand their strategy, as a collector with limited resources, I will not squander away based on eye candy. Anyway, I only like the time only larger movement with its impressive balance wheel. The dials are a mixed bag and could easily be mistaken for Chopards which have the signature large Roman IV and VIIIs. The addition of "Pure Mecanique Horologere 16-15" just simply serves to cheapen the dial with essentially meaningless grandiosity - IMHO. Only the insecure need announce such features!

Anyway, at 47mm, this piece will be too large for most Asian wrists and is certainly so for mine. The smaller 41mm case has the audacity to sport a movement ring for its movement - the death-knell of a poorly designed watch with a movement specifically made for this case and they can't get it it to fit without a ring? Rubbish, in my mind!

These 2 time only movements also have their Devil's Tail decoration hidden in aesthetically dubious locations. Functionless and just a demonstration of art. Then at least take a look at the Devil's Tail on the chronograph and marvel in its graceful sweep and prominent location.

But then, too bad I don't like chronographs because this is amongst the most beautiful movements, although some light years behind the Datograph. Chronographs are the commonest and yet the single least used complication. I don't know of anyone who has a chronograph or buys one to measure time by. What a joke!

What Watch makers still don't understand to date is that a humongous watch case, however beautifully crafted in whatever exotic wood and even if lined with baby's skin - is as useful to me as a hole in the head! Like I need another one where my wife can rant at me and berate me for my foolish purchases. I have boxes all over my house and no where to keep them and I dare not throw them out in the event that 200 years down the road, I decide to sell my timepieces to pay for my poverty from my ill-spent youth!

Give me my watch wrapped in newspaper and cut some of that damn price to something I can afford!

In its current price range, I would rather get a DeBethune at a level of finish that would fart at Minerva and still laugh at Patek. MontBlanc, wake up! Do your market research - come and talk to collectors!

By the way, serving tuna-based hors d'ourves (sp?) gave many of your guests some of the worst cases of halitosis that I have come across! Spare us all that the next time around please - if there is one ...
This message has been edited by mycroft on 2008-01-20 08:11:43

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