Like the best smaller watch manufacturers, Minerva was a specialist, focusing on creating chronographs of superior quality. As one of the very few true "manufacturers", the company designed and crafted all critical parts in their own watchmaking workshop. As a result of this unwavering commitment to quality, Minerva was selected as the official timer for the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
Although Minerva produced some wonderful timepieces during this period, even the most devoted collector will often have difficulty finding a nice original one.
This classic watch Minerva 13-20 powered chronograph was originally crafted, assembled and decorated by the hands of a Minerva watchmaker at the company's workshop in Villeret, Switzerland.
From the elegant case with dramatic faceted lugs to the classic untouched original dial and very fine 'in-house' made Minerva chronograph movement, every piece about this special watch showcases the kind of quality one would expect from this fine Swiss watchmaker.
We were fortunate to acquire it in such well-preserved condition. Except for the vintage replacement crown, it is all original down to the dial and all the hands. Its 18K rose gold case is just short of mint and retains strong lines and clear stamping. Its untouched silver dial shows only mild aging. And its high-grade, Minerva movement is very clean and running strong and true.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a full one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to the watch's performance.
- Manufacturer: Minerva
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Year built: c. 1940's
- Model: Caliber 13-20 Chronograph
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 18K rose gold
- Case markings (inside): 18K, Minerva Watch Co., Swiss
- Case condition: Just short of mint with light wear. Retains strong lines and stamping
- Dial: Signed Minerva, rose gold applied dot indices and Arabic painted numerals, 1/5 second markings, auxiliary dials for the seconds and 30-minute register, original and untouched
- Dimensions: 34mm wide (excluding crown and pushers), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Hands: Original, 18K rose gold, "feuilles"
- Movement type: Minerva 13-20, signed Minerva, well-made, frosted gilt, manually wound, column wheel chronograph
- Movement markings: Minerva, Seventeen Jewels, Swiss
- Jewels: 17 rubies
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
- Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized watch system. It is running strong and true. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
