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Minerva chrono with 'import' at the bottom of the dial

  1. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 10, 2021

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    Could the wisdom of the hive assist me with this please. I have a Minerva chrono with the valjoux 71 movement, I am thinking it dates to early 1940's. It has 'import' at the bottom of the dial rather than swiss, swiss made etc. I haven't seen this before, I have seen 'foreign', but not 'import'. The case is just marked edelstahl and a number and the movement isn't marked at all on the back side, it probably is under the dial but I haven't had the dial off to look. Can anyone enlighten me please?
    dial 01.JPG
     
    KP-99, DirtyDozen12, DaveK and 2 others like this.
  2. Vitezi Jun 10, 2021

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    It's more common to see "Importe de Suisse" as seen on this dial:
    upload_2021-6-10_7-2-43.png
     
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  3. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 10, 2021

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    Thanks for that Vitezi. I have seen that before too. The 'import' looks to be printed separately from the rest of the dial to me and is clearly in english so I am thinking it could be printed once imported rather than at manufacture.
     
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  4. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Jun 10, 2021

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    Quite likely. I would say. But in any case, the dial appears to be genuine and original. The hand lume, of course, is a different matter.
     
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  5. Radiumpassion Jun 10, 2021

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    I have seen this on several watches sold in Sweden like this clamshell chronograph

    C06EBDA9-B4A9-430B-A870-C8114D9ECADA.jpeg
     
  6. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 10, 2021

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    Thanks radiumpassion, that's very interesting that it could be a Swedish import. Thats a really nice Perfecta.

    Thanks TonyC, yes, the hands look to be relumed quite a while ago, it doesn't overly bother me to be honest as the original numeral lume is so black now, it doesn't look too out of sync to my eye.
     
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  7. Mark020 not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer Jun 10, 2021

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    I’d say the numbers are redone as well. Perhaps you should consider a relume
     
  8. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 10, 2021

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    What makes you think the numbers are redone too? They glow for a few seconds after a blast of UV so are radium and pre early 1960's. I didn't think initially think of changing any of the lume. I did consider removing the lume on the dial to leave the silver numbers but not to add new lume.
     
  9. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jun 10, 2021

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    I have no information about the "Import" marking but that is a fantastic Minerva. The dial looks lovely, to me, radium and all.
     
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  10. Mark020 not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer Jun 11, 2021

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    Because the lume looks a bit sloppy
     
  11. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 11, 2021

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    Thank you DirtyDozen12, I think I agree about the dial, as Mark020 says it isn't super precise lume and you can barely see the numbers from time reading distance on the wrist they are so dark, but there is a feeling of originality to the dial in my eyes so will keep it as is. The hands are still up for consideration at a later date but for now I will leave them as is.

    Re the 'import' Sweden being the initial country of destination is a strong candidate but the swedish for import is 'importera' according to google.
     
  12. KP-99 Jun 11, 2021

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    Cannot help with the Import writing.
    But it is a nice Minerva for sure.
    Is it the Minerva found in the Lot in GB last week?
    Was also interested -)
     
  13. size11s Can’t bat, can’t bowl Jun 11, 2021

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    It is, yes. In a funny mixed lot but the auction house is local to me so I could go and inspect it. I was initially hoping to get it at a much better price but am still very happy.

    There was a rather nice, boxed anonymous 18k ladies watch from circa 1912, with a 16 jewel pin set movement with 4 adjustments in the lot and a nice silver fusee pocket watch, and a circa 1910 Omega fob watch in a gun metal case with surface rust that keep great time. Hopefully, enough value to cover some of the servicing cost of the Minerva.
     
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