3 August 2009 - Montblanc And Minerva Celebrate 150th Year With Revised Workshop And New Tourbillon Watch - Best Watches

Historic watchmaking house Minerva, now known as the "Institut Minerva de Rechere en Haute Horlogerie", has celebrated the passing of its 150th anniversary with the re-opening of its entirely renovated atelier in Villeret, and the presentation of an extraordinary new tourbillon wristwatch.

Located on Villeret's Rue Principale, the workshop has been lovingly pored over by craftsmen, who have maintained much of the building's original ambiance, but contributed useful upgrades where necessary.  For example, while the window frames exactly duplicate the originals, the windows themselves have been replaced with double-glazed modern versions.  Electrical and IT systems have been completely replaced, as well.  A notable addition to the building, one which is not obvious from the outside, is the revised attic which now features an atrium for visitors.   Unchanged by the renovation is the technology and machinery required for the manufacture and finishing of watch movements; the company is notable for its state-of-the-art CNC and wire erosion technology side by side with the classical tools and machinery that have served watchmakers for hundreds of years. 

The new tourbillon watch introduced to celebrate the occasion carries the mellifluous name of "Grand Tourbillon Heures Mysterieuses".  Presented in a 47mm case crafted from 18K white or red gold, the Grand Tourbillon Heures Mysterieuses showcases a hand-wound MBM 65.60 movement, entirely conceived and developed in the manufacture.  Comprised of 286 hand-finished components, the movement presents two exceptional elements: a intricately designed, extremely large one-minute tourbillon at 12 o'clock, and the striking sapphire crystal discs which are superimposed with the hour and minute "hands"; the mounting of these discs above a mirrored surface produces a remarkable visual effect that accentuates the beauty of the tourbillon.  Movement power reserve is 50 hours.   Each variant is fitted with a solid gold dial decorated with hand-executed guillochage, and a solid caseback engraved with the signature of master watchmaker Dimetrio Cabiddu.

Montblanc acquired Minerva in 2006, and in the subsequent time since then has debuted several hand-made watches under the "Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858" banner.  Each of these timepieces is constructed in a manner which pays homage to the techniques of 19th century haute horlogerie.  

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