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Montblanc

Some new straps for my Minerva AVUS II

 

Friends,

Trying out some new straps for my Minerva AVUS II with a Valjoux 71 calibre and had a few minutes to snap some pics.

Next week, some Horween straps arrive. ☺️

I predominantly collect NEO-vintage (circa 1990-2010) pieces these days. A magical transformative era for a variety of brands IMHO.

A bit about the watch … made in 1997 to mark 100 years of the use of the Minerva name.

32 examples made with a 42 mm sterling silver case.

Fast forward 3 years and the Minerva maison would be sold. The Frey father and son team would relinquish control of the Villeret maison.

Today, Minerva is owned by Richemont and they produce only a few hundred high-end calibres for the group each year. Namely for Montblanc and sometimes Panerai.

The “Minerva” logo no longer appears on the dial (which I obviously still have an affinity for) in current production pieces.

Hope you enjoy the pics and quick summary of this brand that was famed for precision timekeeping in the Swiss watch industry.

Best wishes from Singapore 🇸🇬

🤝











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19 Comments view entire thread 

Lovely new strap combinations 🙌🏻👌🏻

 
By: KMII : May 18th, 2025-18:47
Looking forward to seeing what else you will choose for the watch 👍🏻

Will post pics as always. 🫶🏼

 
By: this_hobby_of_hours : May 19th, 2025-06:35
This is not a small watch so the strap also need to be holstered or thicker than what I usually go for. These two fit the bill. But still quite stiff. Will take time to soften.

Strap stiffness is one of the largest downsides for me…

 
By: KMII : May 19th, 2025-09:34
And some strap makers manage a lot better to make straps that are wearable from the get go 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

Cool straps and watch Marc

 
By: Aquaracer1 : May 18th, 2025-19:48
Have you tried straps from Molequin? They are tops in that price range! Dont see many watches in sterling silver case. How often do you clean to prevent oxidation?

Thanks Jess 🫶🏼

 
By: this_hobby_of_hours : May 19th, 2025-09:05
I’ll check out Molequin … as long as no moles were used. I like moles. ☺️ So far no issues with tarnishing/oxidation from the sterling silver case. I use an anti-tarnish jewelry spray which seems to do the trick. 🤝

Lovely

 
By: imrootbeer7 : May 18th, 2025-19:52
clean and no frills with a superb movement.

Looking good as always, Marc!

 
By: Champthekid : May 18th, 2025-23:06
Any strap is going to look good with that beautiful watch 😁

What a beautiful and classy looking Minerva Chronograph

 
By: Marc Obermann : May 19th, 2025-09:53
Both straps work and look great but I much prefer the grey strap as that is possibly my favourite colour for both straps and dials. Another vote for Molequin straps as they are super soft and wearable straight out of the box also well made and reasonably ... 

Thanks Marc 🫶🏼

 
By: this_hobby_of_hours : May 19th, 2025-11:09
I like the grey as well. IMHO, It’s actually fairly difficult to find nice leather straps with the “right” tone of grey. Thanks, I checking molequin. Just need to keep in mind that it get warm and humid in Singapore. 🤝