Minerva Pythagore 34mm: First Impressions

KMII · 2016-12-16T08:51:46Z

KMII reviews the Minerva Pythagore 34mm, discussing its classic proportions and wearability. Explore why smaller watches are gaining renewed appreciation.

KMII

WPS member · Montblanc forum

45 replies14555 views4 photos

KMII shares initial impressions and photographs of his Minerva Pythagore, emphasizing its 34mm case size and classic proportions. This post initiates a discussion on the enduring appeal and wearability of smaller watches, challenging contemporary trends and highlighting the watch's understated elegance.

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Now in spite of Nico claiming I am young - I am receptive to flattery, even if it is factually incorrect - my age is not what I am refering to in the title. I will endeavour to write a fuller review of the Minerva Pythagore shortly but for the moment simply a handful of pictures.

As one can see, the final element of the Montblanc Moderator preparation kit reached me today, so some reading is in order over the weekend

Brunner's 'Writing Time' will keep me entranced for some time to come and the brilliant combination of history and photographic material is a treat.

And just in case there is any doubt, where my first watch belongs to 'family wise' and where new heights for the Villeret manufacture operation are being achieved since 2007, the picture below should clarify all that

The watch makes for a very quiet but truly great travel companion. Slips under any cuff without noticing, beats at a slow and calming rate (none of the hi-beat frenzy with this one), does not tire the wrist or result in asymmetric wrist size development

And makes for a perfect companion when reading PuristSPro, too

Back to 34. It is the watch with the most classical / conservative size in my collection. And the 34mm are absolutely no hindrance. It works on the wrist just like many of its vintage predecessors have done for generations of men (and women). The thin bezel, correctly sized and shaped lugs, perfect proportions (not only on the movement), all conspire to make it simply right. The blue ostrich strap the watch came with originally is a playful element on an otherwise serious piece.

No wonder I fell under its spell, when I have first seen deBalzac's pictures of it! And the wrist experience simply confirms it - it gets under your skin. I think everyone should give some smaller watches a try every now and then. You may well be surprised by the result.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor expresses satisfaction with the 34mm size and hopes for a broader industry trend towards downsizing, noting a personal preference for watches between 35-39mm, with 42mm being the maximum for sport models.
The user shares their experience wearing a 35.9mm Lange 1815 and a 34.6mm Patek Philippe 7200R-010, arguing that 33mm was once a standard men's size and anything over 38mm is too large for a 6.25-inch wrist.
The user appreciates the 'vintage' Minerva and mentions the existence of Gnutti / Cabiddu era watches, sharing a photo of another Minerva piece.
The contributor praises the watch's fit on the wrist and congratulates the author on their moderator appointment, highlighting the significance of the Minerva addition to Montblanc.
The user provides French translations for 'roue de couronne' (crown wheel) and 'barillet' (barrel), suggesting that some watchmaking terms like 'perlage' are universally understood and may not require translation.
The contributor expresses a personal preference for more refinement and elegance, finding the straight lines of the bridges too austere and suggesting a solid case back would be better given the watch's price point.

The Discussion

sham1

Dec 16, 2016

Lovely post! :-)

You have a great looking watch and I am a great supporter of anything between 33mm and 36mm especially as your watch fits your wrist perfectly! Congratulations for being appointed the moderator of this up and coming brand and I think Montblanc alone does not rock too many boats but Montblanc with the Minerva addition is a whole different ball game! Best wishes, Sham

KMII

Dec 16, 2016

Thanks, Sham

I have always felt that between 37mm and 40mm is my sweet spot but this piece pushes that downward. I find that this makes for a size that keeps the watch designer very honest - even a slight misproportion and the watch will simply look wrong. With larger watches the leeway may be greater, too... So what are you sporting in the 33-36mm range?

sham1

Dec 16, 2016

Actually :-)

I wear a Lange 1815 up and down (previous generation) which is 35.9mm and I alternate that between a Patek Philippe 7200R-010 (London edition)which measures 34.6mm and is classified as a ladies watch in the catalogue. I beg to differ with Patek because not so long ago 33mm was a men's size, and when one's wrist is 6.25 inches, anything over 38mm would be too large!

KMII

Dec 16, 2016

Agreed :)

I am wondering how long it will take for a broad acceptance of smaller sizes again...

zabreg1 Mr White

Dec 16, 2016

Your posts in your new role are excellent.

Keep up the great work.

KMII

Dec 16, 2016

Thanks, Zabreg!

Will of course endeavour to continue in that vein If I get too good at it a MB is bound to find a place in your future collection, too!