Minerva may have remained under the radar for much of its history, but it holds a revered place among watch enthusiasts, particularly for its contributions to chronograph development. Founded in 1858 in the small town of Villeret in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, by brothers Charles and Hyppolite Robert, the brand began producing pocket watches powered by third-party calibres before transitioning to in-house movement production towards the end of the 19th century.
Historically, Minerva has long been hailed as a pioneer in the development of wrist-worn chronographs, with its exceptional reliability and accuracy earning it the role of official timing partner for the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany. Despite undergoing several changes in management between the 1930s and 1990s, most notably under the stewardship of André Frey and his son Jean-Jacques Frey, the brand remained steadfast in its commitment to traditional watchmaking. The Frey family, who helmed Minerva for much of the 20th century, played a pivotal role in preserving the manufacture’s independence and mechanical heritage during an era when many others pivoted toward mass production and quartz technology. A trained watchmaker himself, André Frey oversaw the technical aspects of the operation, while Jean-Jacques focused on its business and strategic direction. Under their leadership, Minerva continued to produce hand-finished, high-quality, in-house mechanical calibres, reinforcing its reputation for precision and reliability. This unwavering dedication enabled the manufacture to weather the quartz crisis of the 1970s with its identity intact.
In 2000, Minerva began a new chapter under the ownership of Emilio Gnutti, a prominent Italian industrialist and financier known for his influence in Italy’s private equity sector. A passionate watch collector himself, Gnutti sought to restore Minerva’s status as a true manufacture by reviving its focus on developing proprietary movements and honouring its legacy. Eventually, Minerva was acquired by Richemont in 2006 and was integrated into the Montblanc Manufacture. Since then, Montblanc has wholly embraced this lineage, crediting Minerva’s expertise in the movements used in their modern offerings and as a tribute to the manufacture’s enduring heritage.
One of the standout highlights of Gnutti’s tenure was the M132000 Chronograph—the very watch being offered here today. Introduced in the early 2000s, the M132000 features a nicely proportioned 40mm x 13mm rose gold case that houses a striking salmon dial with a refined pinkish hue. Visually, it evokes the spirit of the 1920s, thanks to its well-balanced, period-matching and symmetrical dial layout, which pays homage to the golden age of traditional chronograph design. At 9:00, you’ll find a running seconds display, complemented by a 30-minute counter at 3:00 as well as an attractive cursive ‘Minerva’ signature at 12:00. An intricately printed blue tachymeter scale encircles the outer periphery of the dial, framing some compact Roman hour numerals within and a set of thermally blued hands that provide a striking contrast against the warm salmon backdrop. Looking at it as a whole, the dial is perfectly executed and beautifully composed. Its charm is further elevated by the pairing of a lustrous rose gold case, featuring an alluring stepped concave bezel and a knurled signed crown that is flanked by a set of matching chronograph pushers, tying the entire aesthetic together with seamless elegance and vintage-inspired flair.
Powering the M132000 from within is the Minerva Cal.13-20, a manual-winding chronograph movement originally introduced in 1923. For those who are unaware, the Cal. 13-20 was initially conceived by Minerva as a monopusher calibre but was later evolved into a dual pusher configuration, as featured in this example. Visible through the M13200’s exhibition caseback, the Cal. 13-20 is, needless to say, a visually stunning movement, distinguished by high-level hand finishing and traditional craftsmanship throughout—hallmarks of a manufacture long celebrated for its chronograph expertise.
I genuinely believe there is something undeniably special about pieces like these from the early 2000s; they remain some of the most underrated timepieces a collector can own. In the context of today’s collecting landscape, these Minerva designs embody a unique intersection of vintage design and modern craftsmanship. More than that, they tell the story of a well-respected manufacture that has stayed fiercely true to its roots while gracefully evolving with the times, which is no small feat by any means.
If you are a chronograph fan seeking something a little off the beaten path, yet rich in storied heritage, look no further than this exceptional example.
