Vintage Minerva NWA Timezone Caliber 49

this_hobby_of_hours · 2024-03-05T06:33:03Z

Explore the rare Minerva NWA Timezone TZ Caliber 49, a 2000 limited edition. Discover its unique Cal. 49 movement, pre-Gnutti era craftsmanship, and collector insights.

this_hobby_of_hours

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

43 replies8442 views7 photos

In a captivating post, collector this_hobby_of_hours shares his recent acquisition: a Minerva NWA Timezone TZ cal 49. This article delves into the unique history and intricate details of this limited edition timepiece, offering a window into a pivotal moment for Minerva just before its acquisition. Readers will gain insight into the craftsmanship and collector sentiment surrounding these rare watches.

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Just arrived … ♥️ I’m thrilled to have this piece in the collection.

I was lucky to be able to buy this from a well known collector who is the original owner … near NOS condition.

This is the 36 mm and the 3rd Timezone collaboration with Minerva in the year 2000.

It was released just 3 months before the Minerva company sold to the Gnutti family.

49 pieces made in this white dial LE. Using the cal 49 which is the cal 48 Pythagore with a central seconds instead of the small seconds. 18,000 BPH.

This is the last LE that made. It is said to have the best finishing of the Minerva movements done by hand by the Frey family and the tiny team (8 people).

Solid gold appliqué and hands. The dagger indices and the 3,6,9,12 give a clear nod to its past.

The sapphire crystal glass shows the cal 49 signature bridge arrangement.

Hope you enjoy the short history blurb and these pics I took last night.

Do share some pics if you also have a Minerva (especially ones made from
1995 to 2000).

Key Points from the Discussion

The Minerva NWA Timezone LE was the third collaboration with Timezone, released in 2000, just three months before Minerva's sale to the Gnutti family. This specific white dial variant is one of only 49 pieces made.
The watch features the Caliber 49 movement, a modification of the Caliber 48 Pythagore, distinguished by a central seconds hand instead of a small seconds. It operates at 18,000 BPH and is renowned for its exceptional hand-finishing by the Frey family's small team.
Community sentiment at the time of release was marked by anxiety regarding the impending sale of Minerva and concerns about whether the 'elves' (the Frey family and their team) would complete the production run. This period was emotionally charged for collectors who admired the Frey family's dedication.
The fulfillment of the Timezone LE watches was handled by Ashford, an online horology retailer with a significant footprint at the time, likely due to Timezone's lack of logistical capability. Many original owners received their watches with a red Ashford pouch.
A distinctive detail of the Caliber 49 is the 'little hat' on the seconds hand, where the attachment to the pinion shaft is covered, a subtle but attractive design element.
Despite its historical significance, some collectors, like Steve E, found the indirect seconds mechanism 'annoying' at the time, leading them to sell the watch. However, this perspective might change with hindsight.

The Discussion

Arronax

Mar 5, 2024

It seems to wear big for a 36, otherwise pretty close to design perfection!

this_hobby_of_hours

Mar 5, 2024

And that’s a perk for me. It’s the big dial, thin bezel and clean lines. Wears more like a 37 mm Thanks for you kind comment ☀️

this_hobby_of_hours

Mar 5, 2024

Makes me smile … prior to the sale to Gnutti and Montblanc. I quite like the Gnutti period pieces as well. There is a black dial variant as well. Need to hunt for them. Look at c24 and such. There is a 38 mm there which is beautiful. I already have it, else I would have gotten it.

this_hobby_of_hours

Mar 5, 2024

And no date too 😀🥰

Thomas_3

Mar 5, 2024

Enjoy it and wear it in good health.

this_hobby_of_hours

Mar 5, 2024

Than the 36 mm. I have an 18 cm wrist on the left hand so about “regular” or slightly above size I guess. Good luck on the hunt. I think worth it and future collectors items.

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