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3596
Minerva NWA … Timezone TZ cal 49
Just arrived … ♥️ I’m thrilled to have this piece in the collection.
I was lucky to be able to buy this from a well known collector who is the original owner … near NOS condition.
This is the 36 mm and the 3rd Timezone collaboration with Minerva in the year 2000.
It was released just 3 months before the Minerva company sold to the Gnutti family.
49 pieces made in this white dial LE. Using the cal 49 which is the cal 48 Pythagore with a central seconds instead of the small seconds. 18,000 BPH.
This is the last LE that made. It is said to have the best finishing of the Minerva movements done by hand by the Frey family and the tiny team (8 people).
Solid gold appliqué and hands. The dagger indices and the 3,6,9,12 give a clear nod to its past.
The sapphire crystal glass shows the cal 49 signature bridge arrangement.
Hope you enjoy the short history blurb and these pics I took last night.
Do share some pics if you also have a Minerva (especially ones made from
1995 to 2000). 
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Minerva NWA … Timezone TZ cal 49
Just arrived … ♥️ I’m thrilled to have this piece in the collection. I was lucky to be able to buy this from a well known collector who is the original owner … near NOS condition. This is the 36 mm and the 3rd Timezone collaboration with Minerva in the ye...
Thanks Kev. Neo vintage Minerva
Makes me smile … prior to the sale to Gnutti and Montblanc. I quite like the Gnutti period pieces as well. There is a black dial variant as well. Need to hunt for them. Look at c24 and such. There is a 38 mm there which is beautiful. I already have it, el...
Very nice
It seems to wear big for a 36, otherwise pretty close to design perfection!
Yes I agree
And that’s a perk for me. It’s the big dial, thin bezel and clean lines. Wears more like a 37 mm Thanks for you kind comment ☀️
I know right? Wears bigger
Than the 36 mm. I have an 18 cm wrist on the left hand so about “regular” or slightly above size I guess. Good luck on the hunt. I think worth it and future collectors items.
I had this one from the original offering.
I remember there was some anxiety at the time, due to the looming company sale, and worries as to whether the "elves" would complete the production run before the doors closed. As I recall, actual fulfillment was through Ashford. I might look at the TZ LE...
Oh wow. Thanks for this.
Great opportunity for me to ask a few questions, if I may : 1. Which month was this LE launched in the year 2000? 2. Did they manage to complete making all 49 in white dial and 49 in black dial? 3. Which dial color was yours? 4. Do you recall the price fo...
You have more questions than I've got answers.
Hi Marc, Apologies for the slow response. I think there was a good deal of community sentimant around the Freys and changing of the guard. Sadness at the loss and speculation on the watch however was not hard to get, and I picked the white dial. My refer...
Milestone
A before Gnutti. That’s tutti. Fantastic is the color, a hesitation for me 36mm. But i read it wear larger. For you, a milestone. My milestone, i’ve got the strap of dreams for a watch that have also a fabulous movement. Great to celebrate both great find...
Regrets that we all have.
Part of the journey in collecting. Just curious, why did you not get one when they first came out? If you don’t mind sharing … 🙏🏻
Thanks. I see many beautiful
Watches that are current production pieces. That’s totally cool. I have some. But there is a certain charm and allure to this neo vintage pieces with minuscule production numbers which speak to me at a whole different level.
I think I had one of those...
Another keeper I didn't keep. It just didn't resonate with me. Cazalea OTHER WATCHES IN APRIL 2004 I think I sold the Minerva to get this. Apparently I had about 30 watches even then, 20 years ago. Cazalea ...
It happens.
Especially since you could not try it on before ordering it. I like the black dial as well. Will search for one. I put on a new strap today. ...
Probably need a lengthy HoMe thread...
On watches you sold that were deemed keepers later.
A fantastic choice! I was an original owner of a white dial back in the day.
Is yours #16 by any chance? That's the number I chose when ordering. Congrats and enjoy!
Great to connect
To fellow Minerva fans. Mine is #2/49 I’m thinking of search for a black dial now … still deciding if the search starts or a different Minerva. Maybe the aviator in 38 mm instead … ...