Founded in 1858, Minerva are one of the very few manufactures who made chronograph movements, amongst other types of movements. Offered here, we have one of those very chronographs from the 1930s, an oversized chronograph with a black gilt dial with its original radium lume on its hands and hour markers. Rich with information thanks to its two scales and subdials, this timepiece’s large display is busy and useful for the performing of calculations, as it would have needed to be back when it was originally worn. Speaking to its functional design, this timepiece boasts a hulking 46mm diameter that, while large today, was massive for its time when watches were typically around 30-33mm in diameter. Powered by a manual-wind cal. 19/9CH Minerva movement and made of stainless steel, this timepiece was likely worn by a pilot who needed a watch with a large, and bright display, and a large winding crown that could be operable while wearing pilot’s gloves. Featuring only one pusher at 2 o’clock instead of the typical double pusher design that we see today, this timepiece is rich with details of its antique status.

The watch is in overall very good condition. The staybrite case shows scratches and nicks consistent with its age. The chromed single pusher and onion-style winding crown exhibit some wear to the finish. The black gilt dial displays typical aging, with surface marks and radium lume discoloration common for pieces of this era. The minute hand has lost most of its lume. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and steel buckle, both in excellent condition.

A wonderful piece of horological heritage from before digital and quartz timepieces and computers began to aid pilots and other professions in the operation of their duties, it is timepieces like this monopusher chronograph that can remind us of just how far our technology has come in a relatively short amount of time.