Montblanc/Minerva Chronograph Part.3

It's now easy to find a movement with something to talk about. But how many watches can be described solely through their movement? One such rare example is the Caliber MB M13.21, a chronograph equipped with the former Minerva Caliber 13-20CH series. This chronograph movement, released nearly 100 years ago, has undergone a rare transformation and continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts today.

COLLECTION VILLERET 1858 VINTAGE PULSOGRAPH
One-push chronograph rebuilt in 2011

　After completing its acquisition of Minerva in 2007, Richemont reorganized the company into the Minerva Haute Horlogerie Institute (Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie) and released four new watches under the Montblanc name, the "Collection Villeret 1858," featuring Minerva movements. The highlight, of course, was a chronograph equipped with the MB M13.21, also known as the wristwatch chronograph caliber 13-21. To be honest, I was skeptical of Minerva's future, including its design, at the time, but I suppose it's a good thing that a dormant manufacturer has returned to the forefront. Montblanc, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 units, was the perfect choice for Minerva.

　Since then, Montblanc has equipped various models with this movement, further enhancing the brand's core. A major change in direction came in 2011, when the Villeret 1858 collection, which had previously been given an avant-garde design, returned to a more classic design reminiscent of the Minerva of yesteryear. The "Vintage Pulsograph," released that year in particular, retained its elaborate finish but featured a black enamel dial, making it a watch for connoisseurs. Furthermore, the price was no longer exorbitant given its features.

　Jérôme Lambert, who became Montblanc's CEO in 2013, was well aware of the value of Minerva in preserving classic watchmaking. He wanted to promote Minerva not just as an icon, but as an achievable collection. This meant returning to the path Minerva had always aimed for. The Montblanc Heritage Pulsograph Limited Edition 100 released in 19 symbolized this new direction.

MONTBLANC HERITAGE
PULSOGRAPH LIMITED EDITION 100
Salmon color inherits Minerva's design code

　In 2019, Montblanc consolidated its overly fragmented product lines into four: Heritage, 1858, Timewalker, and Star Legacy. The two top-tier lines, which represent the classic line, were given Minerva movements. Rather than being separate Minerva models, they were placed within the existing line. The Montblanc Heritage Pulsograph Limited Edition 100 was a new model born from this approach. It features the MB M13.21 movement. The outstanding finish remains the same as before. However, the case is now made of stainless steel, and the price has been lowered to the ¥3 million range. While this is a modern Minerva, it's not a mass-produced model, but it's certainly more accessible. The design has also been simplified, reminiscent of Minerva chronographs from the 1940s and 1950s. Honestly, it's hard to imagine this watch housing an outstanding movement, but it certainly is, just like the Minervas of old.

　To be honest, for those who know the Minerva from the past, the price may be too high. However, you can get a chronograph movement designed about 100 years ago with almost the same shape and better finish, even though it has been manufactured using fairly modern techniques. And unlike antiques, it can withstand everyday use.

　Jerome Lambert, former CEO of Montblanc, described the Minerva movement, which was under the company's umbrella at the time, as a "treasure." This is certainly true. If you're looking for a classic, high-quality movement, a Montblanc chronograph with a Minerva movement is definitely worth serious consideration. While there are many in-house chronographs on the market, few offer such inspiring experiences for connoisseurs, including the feel, finish, history, and how it was revived.