Minerva, a brand steeped in watchmaking history and renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, is charting a new course. After two decades operating under the umbrella of the Richemont Group and closely associated with Montblanc, Minerva is now reclaiming its independent status. Guided by Laurent Lecamp, the Global Managing Director for both Montblanc and Minerva, this esteemed marque is unveiling a captivating collection that signifies its renewed autonomy and commitment to pioneering horological artistry.
Minerva's Resurgence: A Trio of Innovations
In a significant development for the luxury watch market, Minerva is re-establishing itself as an independent brand, having previously been managed by Montblanc since its acquisition by the Richemont Group in 2006. This strategic shift, overseen by Laurent Lecamp, who directs both Minerva and Montblanc, is marked by the introduction of several groundbreaking timepieces in 2026. The new collection proudly features advanced chronographs and a completely novel concept: the Unveiled Crownless, a testament to Minerva’s renewed creative freedom and historical ingenuity.
The centerpiece of this relaunch is Minerva The Unveiled Crownless, a timepiece that reimagines fundamental watch mechanics. Drawing inspiration from Minerva's 1927 military watches that utilized bezel-activated functions, this new model eliminates the traditional crown. Instead, its 18k rose gold bezel, housed within a robust 41.5mm steel case, controls both manual winding and time-setting. A lever on the watch's reverse side facilitates switching between these two functions, offering a bold and visually balanced aesthetic. Despite its 12mm height, the design ensures comfort on the wrist. The watch features a classic 1950s-inspired dial with opaline and guilloche textures, a warm ivory hue, and a small seconds display at 6 o'clock, complemented by dauphine hands and applied markers. Powered by the in-house, hand-wound Calibre M15.08, which boasts 80 hours of power reserve and draws from the historic “Pythagore” calibre 48, this model is meticulously finished with rhodium-plated German silver, polished bevels, and Geneva stripes. It retails at EUR 39,000.
Following this, Minerva introduces The Unveiled Secret Limited Edition 39mm, a compact chronograph that diverges from the brand's typically larger designs. This iteration features a striking wine-red colorway within a 39mm stainless steel case, accented by a fixed, fluted rose gold bezel. The caseback is solid, adorned with intricate engravings, reflecting the watch's inverted chronograph movement, which is visible through the openworked dial. This limited edition, comprising 58 pieces, showcases the traditional architecture of the Calibre M13.26, an inverted monopusher chronograph movement. Crafted from rhodium-plated German silver, it includes Minerva's distinctive arrow at 1 o'clock and a V-shaped chronograph bridge at 4 o'clock, offering a 60-hour power reserve. It is priced at EUR 58,000.
Lastly, Minerva revives its acclaimed The Unveiled Chronograph Limited Edition 30, initially launched in 2023. This luxurious new version is presented in an 18k yellow gold case with a fixed fluted bezel, featuring contrasting brown elements for the movement's mainplate and bridges. The 43mm watch continues to highlight its movement through a sapphire openworked layout and reversed construction, revealing the Calibre M17.26, a monopusher movement composed of 291 parts. This hand-finished movement, with its pillar-based architecture visible through five apertures, operates at 2.5Hz and provides 50 hours of power reserve. Limited to just 30 pieces, this exclusive model is offered at EUR 84,000.
Minerva's return as a standalone brand, highlighted by these innovative and exquisitely crafted timepieces, represents a pivotal moment in haute horology. The collection not only pays homage to the brand's rich heritage but also pushes the boundaries of traditional watch design, promising an exciting future for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The meticulous attention to detail, technical innovation, and luxurious aesthetics demonstrated in these new models underscore Minerva's enduring commitment to excellence and its capacity to captivate the most discerning connoisseurs.