Montblanc Minerva Pythagore Calibre 48 (38mm)

this_hobby_of_hours · 2025-02-05T07:04:26Z

Explore the 38mm Minerva Pythagore with Calibre 48. This article by this_hobby_of_hours details the neo-vintage charm, hand-finishing by the Frey family, and unique design of this rare 1999 timepiece.

this_hobby_of_hours

WPS member · Montblanc forum

24 replies3984 views4 photos

In this insightful article, WatchProSite contributor this_hobby_of_hours shares a personal look at his 38mm Minerva Pythagore, highlighting the enduring appeal of neo-vintage timepieces. His detailed examination of the watch's design, historical context, and the unique craftsmanship of the Frey father and son team offers a compelling case for why these limited-production models continue to captivate collectors. This piece not only showcases a beautiful watch but also delves into the philosophy of strap selection and the charm of a bygone era in watchmaking.

24 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Here is my 38 mm Minerva Pythagore with the famous manual wind calibre 48. Notice how the watch wears bigger as the entire case is pretty much made up of the dial. At 9 mm thickness, I love the proportions. Sapphire crystal glass for both front and back.

The beige suede strap … I love the subtle way the strap brings out the most from the dial. I think of straps as I would frames 🖼️ for paintings. They are there to give context to the dial and not to be the stars of the show per se.

Very few of these models were made in 1999 by Minerva. Perhaps 50-100 pieces made ? … archives are not clear yet.

This anniversary model was hand finished (and reputed to have the best finishing compared to earlier models) by the Frey father and son team who were considered master watchmakers. There were only 8 people working in the entire maison in 1999. 😅 The Frey family were famed for their calibre inventions and also for their love and respect to their collectors. They often wrote notes of thanks to each collector when they sold a watch.

One of the many reasons I love the NEO-vintage period. Old school and new school combined in this transition period between vintage and current more mass production.

Hope you enjoy the pics and my little write up on this darling.

🤝

Life is too short to be like everyone else.

Key Points from the Discussion

The original author clarifies a common misconception regarding the designer of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, asserting that Adolfo Natalini was not involved in its watch designs, a fact confirmed by Natalini's long-term business partner. The design was likely an in-house effort at GP, possibly influenced by an Italian distributor and the octagonal dome of Florence Cathedral.
Another collector shares an image of their 38mm Minerva Pythagore, demonstrating how a different calf strap by Jean Claude Perrin can also complement the watch, echoing the original author's sentiment about straps framing the dial.
A fellow enthusiast acknowledges the original author's significant contributions to dispelling myths and providing accurate information within the horological community, particularly regarding GP, and appreciates the forum as a reliable source of knowledge.
The original author expresses concern that younger collectors may not be aware of or appreciate Minerva's legacy and hopes to connect with other Minerva enthusiasts to keep the brand's history alive.

The Discussion

GrouchoM

Feb 5, 2025

That's lovely. The strap adds a lot, too.

sham1

Feb 5, 2025

Very elegant!

Thank you for sharing photos of your classy dress watch.

LarsG

Feb 5, 2025

Great looking watch.

And a good combo with the strap. Thanks for the info on the watch (as always.) Didn’t know your wrist could do without a GP 😅 Btw. I think your info/knowledge were mentioned on Fratello regarding a Blancpain.

this_hobby_of_hours

Feb 5, 2025

😅 thanks Lars

Glad to hear you enjoyed the post. I know right, every time I put on something other than a GP I feel kinda guilty 😆 Oh, interesting about Fratello. I don’t write about Blancpain though …. Have a link to the article? 🤝

LarsG

Feb 5, 2025

It was of course about the GP Laureato (the new 38 mm green one, which I find most charming)

"Artist unknown. This doesn’t compare to having Rembrandt van Rijn’s signature on a painting. For a long time, the common belief was that Adolfo Natalini (1941–2020) — a man who co-founded the architectural company Superstudio, became a member of the Architectural School of Pistoia and was one of the pioneers of the radical architettura movement of the 1960s and ’70s — designed the Laureato. But thanks to WatchProSite, we now know that a Girard-Perregaux employee, who shall forever remain namele

this_hobby_of_hours

Feb 6, 2025

Ah yes. I saw the article …

You mentioned Blancpain and that was why I was confused. Anyway, the link Fratello shared was to one post about the topic where I disputed the attribution to Natalini. This post I made was the proof after I spoke to Natalini’s business partner of 30 years and he confirmed that Natalini had nothing to do with any watch designs: https://www.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-6/ti-1590706/pi-15859486/ I’m glad that the myth has been dispelled. The likely designer would have been an in-house designe