Mens NICE 1950s Minerva 18K SOLID GOLD Cal. 49 Vintage Roman Numeral Swiss Watch

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Mens NICE 1950s Minerva 18K SOLID GOLD Cal. 49 Vintage Roman Numeral Swiss Watch:
$676.66

Founded by brothers Charles-Yvan and Hippolyte Robert in Villeret, Switzerland in 1858, the Minerva Watch Company is one of the best-known and higher end watch companies of the world. By the turn of the century, the Robert brothers began manufacturing movements for pocket-watches and in 1908 they introduced their first chronograph movement, the caliber 9 CH.

It would not be until 1923 that the name “Minerva” (goddess of farming, craftsmanship and science) appeared on a watch dial, and the business was renamed Fabrique Minerva, Robert Freres S.A. It was at this time that wristwatch production began, with specialization in military purpose and chronograph watches. The following decade they would have the honor of being Official Timekeeper of the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch. Today Minerva is a connoisseur’s watch, prized for their high quality and relative scarceness, especially in “time only” format like this with separate seconds aperture. As late as 2000, they still had only 6 employees, producing just 1000 watches per year.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following men’s timepiece from the firm, a ca 1950 model crafted of 18kt Solid Yellow Gold. This triple-signed model features the military grade Minerva 49 Caliber mechanism, a respected grade amongst collectors.

Its case measures 38.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 32mm in width (33.6mm with crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches by 1-1/4 inches, not including the winding crown. My watchmaker David has fully serviced its 17 jewel, caliber 49 mechanism, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, matte enamel finish dial is in excellent shape, the original that’s been restored (refinished). It features gold mirror finish Roman numerals, original gold leaf-style hands and original ‘sweep’ gold center seconds hand. Signed “MINERVA” below the XII and “SWISS” at the base of the dial.

The acrylic crystal is in excellent, clear condition. The two-piece case is 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold and in excellent condition, complete with curved lugs. The matching gold winding crown is excellent as well. Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is solid 18kt yellow gold and stamped with reference numbers “852” and “18”. It is in excellent shape, never engraved.

Peeking inside I find a fully serviced Caliber 49 mechanism stamped Minerva Watch Co., Swiss – MINERVA – Seventeen 17 Jewels with the Broad Arrow stamp below the balance wheel. The inner case back is finely engine turned and stamped Minerva Watch Co., Swiss – 18K, 0.750 with case number #728,375 below. You will also see Swiss 18k hallmarks including the Goddess Minerva stamp.

This timepiece has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new 16mm black Teju lizard grain leather strap made by Fluco of Germany. It has been at least 7 years since I last had a Minerva watch for sale – they are simply very hard to find. This example, with its desirable mechanism caliber and 18kt case, makes it a winner.

Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.

U.S. winners pay $11.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax.

Canadian winners pay $38.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $54.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.

International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country\'s customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to offerding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you have contacted me prior to sale end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben\'s Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.

Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a offer. Let us know if you have any questions!