A Beautifully Preserved Vintage Minerva 'Big Eye' Two Register Chronograph with an Unusual Salmon Pink Dial on a Bonclip Style Bracelet, 1940s

Minerva is a storied Swiss watch manufacture, famous especially for producing chronograph movements and today part of Montblanc in the Richemont group. The company began registering brands in 1886, starting with “Mercure” or “Merkur”, adding “Minerva” in 1887, and “Ariana”, and “Tropic” in 1898. Each had its own logo and products and branded everything with either an “RFV” or an arrowhead logo. The Arrow and Minerva brands remain to this day, though the rest have been discarded.

What’s On Offer 

This is a charming yet seldom-seen vintage offering from Minerva, affectionately known as the 'big eye' thanks to its oversized chronograph counters. It is in excellent condition with a beautiful and somewhat unique salmon pink dial boasting beautiful patina. The bold Arabic numerals give the watch a slightly military feel along with the lumed syringe hands and original chronograph pump pushers. It is a mid-size watch at 35mm but it wears beautifully on the wrist and we have paired it with a new old stock Bonclip style stainless steel bracelet which looks fantastic. Running well and keeping good time, this delightful vintage watch will offer much joy to the wearer and make a beautiful addition to any collection. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Steel

Dial: Salmon

Crystal: Acrylic

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 13-20

Jewels: 17

Waterproof: No

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: Big Eye Chrono

Date of issue: c.1940

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 35mm

Lug width: 18mm

Lug height: (lug to lug)

Wrist size: Adjustable