KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
51276
Blast from the past - the Minerva Cal.13-20 ⚖️⚙️
Montblanc is slowly rethinking the use of the Minerva name and logo in some of its pieces. And fortunately, the somewhat smaller Cal13-21 movement is getting more air time recently, which is certainly welcome.
I just dug out an older picture of the Frey era Minerva - the 13-20 chronograph. The movement has a very similar layout, sans the fine finishing that became the hallmark of the brand under the Gnutti era. At the same time it offers a vintage charm and a much more compact size than what Montblanc contemplates nowadays (showing that it would certainly be possible).
So for a smaller, nicely proportioned chronograph with a historically significant movement one could do a lot worse than this.
The stingray strap is then a bit of a contrast between the era of the watch and more modern times but I have to say I really like the combination.
Any other neo vintage chronographs you have been wearing lately?
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Blast from the past - the Minerva Cal.13-20 ⚖️⚙️
Montblanc is slowly rethinking the use of the Minerva name and logo in some of its pieces. And fortunately, the somewhat smaller Cal13-21 movement is getting more air time recently, which is certainly welcome. I just dug out an older picture of the Frey e...
I like the very clear and simple design of the dial.
It's quite rare in a chronograph. Best, Emmanuel
From the 1990s, where it was a lot more common 😊👍🏻
But fully agreed - dressy (or dressier) chronographs are few and far between 👍🏻
As you say it really does have a lovely vintage charm to it.
It is also unlike too many other chronographs from a range of makers manages to pass the most important test of all that of being able to perform its primary function with ease which means you can read both the time and chrono functions without needing to...
Thanks a lot - you’re right…
The watch still seems to be based around performing a specific function and does that well 😊👍🏻
What a great movement and watch!
I love the size here and simple dial and case. I think revamp has taken things in a different direction. He’s maybe more suited to be at UN than Minerva historical beauties. I do like them trying new things with the time only with peripheral rotor and the...
Glad you like it 😊👍🏻
Your 1858 is at least movement wise somewhat related. A very different proposition, though 😊👌🏻
They are a reminder of an era that ended some 25 years ago 😊👍🏻
Of a renaissance of mechanical watches but still offering a much wider range of options and approaches 🙌🏻
This one is still from the slim and more elegant days 😁
One of the reasons I find it very enjoyable 👍🏻
Great one and great strap/shirt!
Minerva still so underrated and like that still a stealth collector piece.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Not sure they are truly stealthy amongst collectors and the Gnutti era pieces have truly taken off in terms of prices. These pre-Gnutti pieces are much more reasonable still 😊
Always a pleasure to see this one
Remind me again on the watch dimensions please? Good to hear that MB is considering a return of “Minerva” to the dial. Was this shared with you by MB or based on your observations? Personally, I think MB is using the Minerva branding a little too liberall...
Will need to double check…
But in the 37-38mm range. With a 19mm lug width 👍🏻 Quite excited to see which Minerva you got 🤞🏻 As for more liberally, some recent models have a Minerva name also in front of - not instead of MB yet 😊