Lot 348

Minerva

Chronometre L'Étoile Polaire

A pilot's early, rare single button wrist chronograph "Polaris" with tachymeter scale in kilometres per hour, delivered to M. D'Alessandro, Milano

This watch is powered by calibre 19-9 CH, a single-button chronograph movement, which was first developed for pocket watches in 1909 and later used for wristwatches as well. This is the first version of this movement, which is distinguished by the chronograph button at 2 o'clock. Later, the pusher was integrated into the crown. The enamel dial features small seconds and a 30-minute counter, while the hours are elegantly shaped Breguet numerals. Modern size, vintage charm, a marvellous watch!

Minerva gained a reputation early on as a manufacturer of complicated movements of exceptional quality. In 2006, Minerva was bought by the luxury goods group Richemont.