Montblanc Minerva Aviation 45 Vintage Review

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Minerva Aviation '45 chronograph, powered by the original Valjoux GHH No. 71 caliber, was entirely assembled and finished by Head Watchmaker Mr. Yvan Bourquin. The Valjoux GHH No. 71 movement was only supplied by Valjoux from 1938 to 1949, making its 32.60 mm diameter (14 1/2 lignes) an exceptional caliber. The 'Aviation '45' design was inspired by a Minerva 17-ligne model from the 1940s.
• There was initial confusion regarding the specifications of the Aviation 45 and other Minerva models. The Aviation 45 is a 42mm stainless steel watch with a sapphire crystal and a Valjoux 71 movement, released in 1997 in a limited run of 50 pieces. It is distinct from the AVUS II family, which also launched in 1997, but features sterling silver cases, sapphire crystals, and Valjoux 71 movements, and the earlier AVUS models which used Venus 152 movements and plexiglass.
• A fellow collector shared a personal anecdote about owning Minerva Aviation 45, number 44/50, and regretting its sale during the 2009 financial crisis. This highlights the emotional connection collectors have with such rare pieces and the lasting impact of parting with them.
• The original poster clarified that his Aviation 45 has a Valjoux 71 movement and a sapphire crystal, while his AVUS model features a Venus 152 movement and a plexiglass crystal, helping to distinguish between the various Minerva chronographs.
• A summary of Minerva chronograph models was compiled to clarify the differences: AVUS models typically used Venus 152 movements, were 40mm, in sterling silver with plexiglass. The Aviation 45 (1997) features a Valjoux 71, is 42mm, stainless steel, and has a sapphire crystal. AVUS II models (1997) also used Valjoux 71, were 42mm, in sterling silver, and had sapphire crystals.