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However, Minerva created a number of truly remarkable timepieces and was ultimately regarded as one of the most well-respected chronograph manufacturers during the mid-20th century. In the latest installment of our video series Under the Radar, Craft + Tailored’s very own viceroy of vintage value, Tyler Vanes, shines the spotlight on a 1950s Minerva Chronograph ref. 1327 and dives into the history of the brand to explain exactly why these often overlooked timepieces make such attractive options for today’s collectors.
Founded in 1858 by brothers Charles and Hyppolite Robert, the company officially became known as Minerva in 1887, taking its name from the Roman goddess of craftsmanship, science, and the arts. Once Minerva started to make its own movements, the brand quickly built a name for itself within the industry due to its advanced chronograph calibers and refined yet versatile designs. These days, while the brand is largely unknown to the average person who isn’t a serious watch enthusiast, Minerva chronographs now enjoy a cult-like following within many vintage collecting circles, as they were once regarded as some of the finest chronograph wristwatches available.
This particular Minerva Chronograph ref. 1327 represents an excellent example of the type of value that can be found within the Minerva brand today. Featuring a top-tier mechanical chronograph movement fitted inside an oversized 36.5mm case with stepped lugs and a stunning bi-compax salmon dial, this Minerva ref. 1327 offers an exceptionally classy overall aesthetic that is very much in-line with what you get from mega-expensive vintage chronographs like those produced by brands such as Patek Philippe. However, while those watches can often cost as much as a decently sized house in many parts of this country and tend to frequently only surface at auction, models such as this 1950s Minerva Chronograph ref. 1327 can still be purchased for under $5k, yet they still come from one of the most renowned chronograph manufacturers of the 20th century.
Despite being a chronograph, the overall aesthetic of this Minerva ref. 1327 remains extremely refined and dressy, and this combination of features provides the watch with an extremely versatile design that can easily be dressed up for more formal occasions or simply worn with everyday casual attire. Additionally, when you consider that this 1950s Minerva Chronograph ref. 1327 checks a lot of the same boxes as some of the big-name legendary vintage models but isn’t accompanied by the same astronomical price premiums due to having a different brand name on the dial, it’s hard to deny that these watches offer a seriously compelling option for collectors who want a gorgeous chronograph from a renowned manufacturer for what is still very much an attainable price.
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