Announcing the Latest Creation at SIHH 2019, Inheriting the Glorious Legacy of Minerva in Watchmaking History | MONTBLANC

MONTBLANC

Inheriting the Eternal Elegance Achieved by Minerva.
A Modern Chronograph Fusing Contemporary Style

At SIHH 2019, Montblanc unveiled the "Montblanc Heritage Product Line," drawing inspiration from the classical designs of Minerva from the 1940s and '50s. From this collection, imbued with a vintage spirit, Montblanc has released the "Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph," which blends a modern aesthetic with refined elegance.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka

Refreshing Classical Minerva Design Codes into a Modern Style

Minerva, established in Villeret in 1858, was once hailed as the world's foremost chronograph manufacturer. Montblanc, inheriting Minerva's watchmaking expertise, presented the "Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph" at SIHH 2019.

The watch features a silver-white domed dial with varied finishes, anthracite applied Arabic numerals, index dots, and faceted Dauphine hands (hour and minute) with Super-LumiNova, complemented by blue baton hands for the seconds and sub-dials. While honoring Minerva's classical design codes, the style has been refreshed into an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic.

The indices on the sub-dials are emphasized at the three, six, and nine-minute marks, a design that historically indicated the time required for additional coin insertion when using public telephones. The domed sapphire crystal and faceted horns further enhance the nostalgic vintage feel and classic appearance.

The stainless steel case back is engraved with the Minerva workshops of yesteryear, paying homage to the glorious history of Minerva's monopusher chronographs. This model can be paired with a Sfumato alligator strap crafted by Montblanc's own leather workshop in Florence, "Pelleteria," or a stainless steel Milanese strap.