Minerva Palladio Chronograph

Minerva: goddess of wisdom, sponsor of arts and trade. 

While many who go into business might choose a name from mythology for their companies, we think the Robert brothers — Charles and Hyppolite — could not have chosen a better goddess. They went into business in 1858 under ‘H & C Robert of Villeret,’ but by the 1920s they adopted the name by which their company would forever be known.

The quality of their work — much of it gilded by hand, with the bridges in adventurous shapes according to the strictures of the Golden Mean — attracted the praise and admiration of consumers throughout Europe. After the death of the brothers, the company passed into the hands of another family, the Freys, who ran it from 1935 until 2000. Although Minerva’s later history was marred by constant changeovers, it’s now under new and inspired leadership as a subsidiary of Montblanc.

This particular Minerva, a Palladio from the late 1990s, is from an interesting time in the company’s history just before it passed into new management and thence came into the Richemont family of brands. Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a polished bezel, it features a crisp glossy white Tritium dial with applied luminous indices, a blued-steel 'feuille' handset, a triple-register chronograph, and a date window at 4:30. Handily, there’s an additional subdial at 3:00 that takes the form of a 24-hour scale, giving you access to a second time zone!

Powered by a modified, automatic Valjoux 7750 movement, it comes paired to a signed black alligator strap with a signed steel pin buckle and is accompanied by its factory goodies. Useful, compact and vintage-inspired, this Palladio is nevertheless a utilitarian timepiece that will serve its new owner well both at home or while traveling. 

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.