Minerva, the History of the Montblanc Gem
Minerva, a brand renowned among collectors, has a rich history that dates back nearly 170 years, now under the ownership of Montblanc. Originally founded by brothers Charles-Yvan and Hippolyte Robert in 1858 in Villeret, Minerva began by sourcing movements but took a pioneering step in 1902 by manufacturing its own calibres and specializing in chronographs. The brand became synonymous with high-quality chronographs, which were celebrated for their precision and craftsmanship, even surviving the quartz crisis that affected many watchmakers in the late 20th century. After remaining family-owned for decades, Minerva was acquired by an investment fund in 2000, and later by Richemont, becoming Montblanc’s Centre of Excellence for Movements and Innovations. The brand continues to produce sought-after pieces that respect its heritage while incorporating innovative features. Recent collections, such as the Unveiled Secret and Unveiled Timekeeper, exemplify Minerva's commitment to combining tradition with modern advancements, maintaining its status as a prestigious name in high-end horology.
