I have recently picked up an interesting chronograph which I assume dates from the 1940s or 1950s. The movement seems to be a modified Minerva 13-20CH. Is there any way to precisiely date a 13-20CH from either a) the serial number, or b) any speciifc characteristics of the movement that evolved over time ? Google hasn't been able to help yet, but maybe someone here knows a way ?

 

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?13&ranfft&&2uswk&Minerva_13-20

 

Thanks for the link Standby. I actually used Ranfft to work out it was a 13-20CH, but I don't see a way to date it unless I am missing something ?

 

You can always upload a picture or two here to help with the appraisal.

 

I'll try and add some pictures at some point. The watch seems to be the only known example of its type and I want to try and research it further before breaking cover.

In the meantime, has anyone here recently sent a vintage Minerva to Villeret for service ? I don't know if they work on the old movements since they were taken over and passed onto Montblanc, and they seem to be on Summer shutdown at the moment so I can't ask them directly. I tried through Montblanc but they don't seem interested in helping...

 

Only known example of its type?

My suspicion meter has risen considerably.

 

Well it's legitimate but the movement is quite badly water damaged, and as it isn't a standard 13-20CH I can't just swap across a donor movement. If Minerva don't have the specific parts to help then I'll be forced to try and use a watchmaker to remanufacture the non-standard section of the movement. Either way it will be an expensive job.

 

Minerva (Mont Blanc Villeret) is rumored to be very much alive and kicking.
Non standard/adopted parts may not necessarily come from the source.....
Pictures would help.

 

Hope you brought a lot of popcorn, might be a long wait

I will see what Minerva themselves say when they come back (on the 8th August if my rusty French is good enough to understand their answer phone message). If they know nothing then it's off to a well regarded watchmaker.

 

As they are a part of the Richmond group, the parts policies are about as shitty as Swatch Group I assume.
If this is, as you indicate, something truly rare, and based on the 13-20CH I think a "trip to see it´s maker" could be a good alternative.
Of course such a "visit" needs to be followed with very detailed instructions on not undertaking any replacement of parts (including wear items) unless your good self approves in writing......
Still hoping to see some photos.....

 

I think the answer to all my problems could be found in Villeret, but getting in touch with the right person will be the hard part. Going through Montblanc doesn't work so I'll have to try the direct route. It's a shame as it should be an interesting historical piece for Minerva.

 

I might need some help here, but would prefer to do it by PM with one of the resident Minerva experts. Can someone suggest who is the top dog Minerva expert ? I am guessing either @Northernman or @Modest_Proposal

 

I own a couple of Minerva watches, but I am no expert on the brand.
Feel free to pm me and I can at least check it out with my books and publications.

Cheers!