dear all, ready for the weekend I am looking at this Minerva Chrono 38mm (needs chrome playing as you can see). The machine is just serviced, dial says it’s original. Anyone has some information about this watch , I have no idea about Minerva and I know that are in the radar of some collectors , any idea about value ? Thanks
Hello, I am new in this forum. I live in Holland. I think it is a watch to be able to pay a maximum of € 2600. Minerva is a brand that does not stop rising in price and which is interesting to acquire in future investment Mode. You can see the price in chrono 24.
Don’t have any idea what the value is but personally I would not pay $1000 for that watch in that condition. JMHO.
Minerva did use Valjoux 22 movements occasionally, but they were usually signed on the chronograph bridge (except maybe for military pieces), so I'd approach this one with caution. Even if you think it's correct, it's still a weird mix of a relatively desirable column-wheel movement and trendy brand in an undesirable chrome-plated case. Add in the rough dial, and I'd have to agree with @calalum; it's not a buy for me. In fact, given all the issues, I'm not sure I'd pay $500. I'd look at it as a project watch in rough condition, and probably a franken.
The cover clearly says that the bottom is steel and is signed by the brand. The clock is original the machinery does not need to be signed since with the cover and the dial of the watch to the brand it was enough to put more stamps. It is a watch to pay a minimum € 1800 / € 2600, if someone has the same in 500 or € 1000 to send me a private message. Thanks.
I only have on watch chrome plated and so far no issues, about the caliber with Minerva name .... also I would prefer with the name on. Thanks for all your comments
Do not lose the desire to buy because it does not have the name inside. Look at a catalog from the 1940's that does not show the machine. The wath its all original. And very extrange with one dial very beautiful.
Thanks for sharing the catalogue, I just bought a watch this week so I have to control myself a bit for a while, if would be in better condition I would go ahead
The back is SS but the midcase appears to be chrome plated and somewhat damaged from multiple openings with improper tools or technique from these pictures.
He's certainly very enthusiastic about the watch in question.......and as for €2600, I could almost get half a beat up Speedmaster from Bukowski's for that!
Minerva is interesting because it is one of the few manufacture chronograph maker. So you should look for a watch with a 13-20 CH in-house movement...