Montblanc Minerva AVUS 45: Service Overview

Champthekid · 2024-10-25T13:18:26Z

Explore the rare Minerva AVUS 45, a sterling silver timepiece with a Caliber Venue 152, after its Montblanc service. Discover its history and collector insights.

Champthekid shares an exclusive look at his Minerva AVUS 45, recently returned from a comprehensive service at Montblanc. This article highlights the journey of a rare timepiece, offering insights into its unique characteristics and the meticulous care required for such a significant vintage watch. Champthekid's experience underscores the value of preserving horological heritage through dedicated brand service.

I finally received this back from a very long trip to Germany and Switzerland for a full service at Montblanc.

Some information: The watch is made of sterling silver 925 and runs a Caliber Venue 152 from circa 1945. The watch was produced 30 years ago (1994) in 40 examples.

Here are some pictures front and back as well as some of the paperwork that came with the watch.

So I am wearing this for now....

AVUS= The Automobil-Verkehrs- und Übungsstraße ('Automobile traffic and training road'), known as AVUS (German pronunciation: [ˈaːvʊs]), is a public road in Berlin, Germany. Opened in 1921, , it also was used as a motor racing circuit until 1998. Today, the AVUS forms the northern part of the Bundesautobahn 115. (borrowed from the interweb.

Key Points from the Discussion

Montblanc's willingness to service watches that predate their acquisition of Minerva, and do so with high quality, is a significant benefit for collectors of these historical pieces.
The original tang buckle, also crafted from sterling silver, adds to the watch's authenticity and collectible value, a detail often overlooked but crucial for purists.
A notable aspect of the service was the correction of an incorrect crown, restoring the watch to its original specifications, despite the associated cost.
It is remarkable that the sterling silver case of this 30-year-old timepiece has retained its luster with minimal patina, suggesting careful preservation or specific alloy properties.
The Minerva AVUS 45 is known among collectors for its extreme rarity and desirability, making it nearly impossible to acquire on the secondary market.

The Discussion

KMII

Oct 25, 2024

And really surprising that the sterling silver case has not acquired more patina over the past 30 years. A gem, this one 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

le_chef

Oct 25, 2024

I remember trying to find one of these years ago and they were impossible to buy. If you had one you wouldn’t sell it!

Champthekid

Oct 25, 2024

to find one a little over a year ago in Europe. I got lucky.

eklektik

Oct 25, 2024

A nice watch, a nice movement, a nice thing that Montblanc services the watches that do not bear their name, some nice paperwork! I visited the remains of AVUS last time I was in Berlin, there are few historical buildings and some nice monuments celebrating this era! You're a lucky man, thanks for sharing! Best, E.

Champthekid

Oct 25, 2024

I was very glad that they agreed to service it as well. Also happy they did a good job. It had an incorrect crown and they remedied that, so I was very pleased. I had to pay up for the service though 🤪

Champthekid

Oct 25, 2024

I appreciate it 👍

Montblanc Minerva AVUS 45: Service Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

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