Montblanc

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38 mm Minerva Pythagore calibre 48

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.