In his second youth, thehe Minerva in Villeret continues to confirm its historic reputation as a centre of excellence in haute horlogerie. That's right, because its modern history (the old one began as far back as 1858, proceeding with ups and downs in the production of movements, but still always remaining in business) owes its revival to the union with Montblanc, for which it produces the top-of-the-range models, bringing back a heritage based on ancient traditional techniques with the use even of period machine tools. On the occasion of Minerva's 165th anniversarywhich fell in 2023, Montblanc proposed a special commemorative edition of only 8 pieces of one of its most sophisticated complications. Let's talk of the Star Legacy Suspended Exo Tourbillon Minerva 165 Years Limited Edition, an example with a rose gold case that combines important technical qualities with a richly crafted dial.
A dial dedicated to the goddess Minerva: gold and engraved walnut wood
Montblanc's haute horlogerie is expressed through complex craftsmanship techniques.
The dial of the Montblanc Star Legacy Suspended Exo Tourbillon Minerva 165 Years Limited Edition is made of precious walnut woodfinely hand-engraved with the motif of a Roman frieze and adorned with olive leaves in gold. This engraving can be found on many of Minerva's historic watch cases. The Exo Tourbillon Suspendu, at 6 o'clock, is also surrounded by the gilded engraving of a laurel tree, an emblem of wisdom and glory, often associated with the divinity Minerva, the symbol of the Villeret manufacture.
The portrait of the goddess in gold stands at 12replicated by an ancient coin used in the past for the company's advertising, recently rediscovered in the Maison's archives. Completely 82 hours of work are required to create such a sophisticated dial. Manual work is not only impressive in terms of craftsmanship but also in terms of design. The seconds hand symbolises Minerva's spearwhile the Roman numeral VIII, which identifies the special edition, is stamped on a plaque positioned on the right side of the Exo Tourbillon Suspendu.
Exo Tourbillon Suspendu: a large balance outside the tourbillon cage
Montblanc: a refined expression of innovation applied to watchmaking tradition.
The Exo Tourbillonpatented by Montblanc in 2010, placed a large balance outside the tourbillon cage itself (exo, in Greek, means 'out'). This allows for greater precision in the movement, as the effects of the inertia of the tourbillon's rotating cage on the oscillating motion of the balance are avoided.
In the Exo Tourbillon Suspendu, the technicians at Minerva in Villeret wanted to give the device even more prominence: the balance has been raised 3.2 mm in relation to the rest of the dial, where it appears to be suspended in mid-air from the rest of the tourbillon cage, which is made possible by an engraved bridge with a single curved arm. The result is an eye-catching three-dimensional design. The cage makes one complete rotation per minute, thus also indicating the seconds. The movement is the MB M16.68 manual calibre, with a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour.
Price159,000 euro.
