Minerva "Waterproof" Chronograph (Ref. 1335), 1940s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

In 1858, Charles Robert and his brother Hyppolyte founded a movement-making company appropriately called H. & C. Robert in the Swiss town of Villaret. 28 years later, they registered the Minerva brand (named after the goddess of farming, craftsmanship, and science). Then, a couple of decades later, Minerva released their first chronograph movement, the cal. 19-9. The brand would be known as one of the best chronograph makers in the industry, which is why this ref. 1335 is so cool. As part of that amazing lineage, we know the heartbeat is something to get excited about with the in-house caliber 13-20 chronograph movement. But on top of that, you've got the gorgeous, timeless design of this 2-register chronograph. And really, what more do you need? Stock # MNVACHR-3 Brand Minerva Style Chronograph Model 1335 Serial 67XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial White Millimeters 33.5 Strap 2pc Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive and well-preserved case retains strong finishing throughout and crisp lug holes, showing only light signs of honest use and no evidence of major polishing in the past. The case retains its original pump pushers and the unsigned crown appears to be the original as well. The case back features its original factory engravings in deep and crisp condition, the case back also features the engraving "F. H. Downs". The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original white "Waterproof" dial features an exquisite vintage aesthetic with no major damage present and honest age that enhances the overall appearance of the watch. The radium lume plots have achieved a tan-beige coloration that accents the dial nicely, under UV light inspection gentle degradation is present but has little effect on the look and feel of the dial. The original blued steel hands have aged a shade more warm than the dial lume which is common, under UV light inspection the hour hand exhibits no degradation, and the minute hand retains its original lume and has been previously stabilized. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.