Montblanc

Solid case backs for sure.

Oct 06, 2023,15:45 PM

Great watch by the way, a true rarity!

Here's what the Valjoux 71 movements looked like back in the '40s in a 38mm case. My watch has a solid case back but I had a display back made for it too as I like to see the old movement go, decorations or no decorations.

The way they finished your movement is true to the way they did it back in the day imho.

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Minerva Aviation 45 Chronograph.

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-13:33

Here is my Frey era Minerva Aviation 45 Chronograph with a Valjoux 71 movement. The movement was manufactured during the 1930’s and 1940’s. You can see the movement is barely finished at all. Only 50 examples were ever produced. The size is 42mm which was...

Now this looks outstanding!

By: MichaelC : October 6th, 2023-13:46

Thanks for sharing it. I think the basic movement finishing is quite interesting to look at.

Thank you, Michael.

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-14:00

Me too. It’s nothing like the Minerva movement finishing of today, but I adore this watch just the way it is 😀

Very nice, but I think the movement was refinished a bit by Minerva, a standard Valjoux 71 would not look as neat ! I love these modern watches made from historical movements ! Congrats !

By: montres1 : October 6th, 2023-13:50

Thank you.

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-13:58

It’s minimally finished for sure. I’m guessing they were originally coved with a caseback in the early days of use.

Solid case backs for sure.

By: J_Warden : October 6th, 2023-15:45

Great watch by the way, a true rarity! Here's what the Valjoux 71 movements looked like back in the '40s in a 38mm case. My watch has a solid case back but I had a display back made for it too as I like to see the old movement go, decorations or no decora...

What a fantastic watch!

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-16:17

Thank you for posting it. I remember you from TZ years ago. I’m not sure if that’s the same watch you used to post there, but I clearly remember drooling over it 😁

Yes indeed that was me.

By: J_Warden : October 6th, 2023-20:39

I guess this old watch has stuck like glue! I don't collect watches anymore but it was cool to check in here and see an old school Minerva. They're still close to my heart.

Thank you for confirming.

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-23:16

Sometimes I think I should get out of the hobby too.

Sublime!

By: VinnieD : October 6th, 2023-14:01

Perfect definition of neo vintage or shall I say youngtimer

Thank you, Vinnie!

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-14:10

Still young at 27 years old indeed 👍

Thanks for sharing with this historical piece from Minerva

By: wychiu : October 6th, 2023-14:28

Lovely movement.

My pleasure. Thank you!

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-14:38

Here’s a wrist shot.

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-14:44

I forgot to include in my original post. ...

Absolutely superb. Yes, you re right, at that time, the movements were not highly finished. That's a good thing brought by the Montblanc era.

By: amanico : October 6th, 2023-15:31

Thank you, Nico!

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-15:44

I just wish Montblanc would bring back the name Minerva on the dials. 😀

Me too!

By: amanico : October 6th, 2023-15:59

What a beauty!

By: TeutonicCarFan : October 6th, 2023-16:57

Thanks for sharing. Def not the upper echelon finishing of the montblanc villeret pieces, but a lovely sober finish that I much like!

Thank you!

By: Champthekid : October 6th, 2023-17:32

Love 😍😍😍 this one, Steve! HAGWE!🥂

By: Mach : October 7th, 2023-15:57

Thanks, Mark!

By: Champthekid : October 7th, 2023-17:56

Have a great weekend as well 👍