In 1858, Charles Robert and his brother Hyppolyte founded a movement-making company appropriately called H. & C. Robert in the Swiss town of Villaret. 28 years later, they changed the brand name to Minerva, after the goddess of farming, craftsmanship, and science. Then, a couple of decades later, Minerva released their first chronograph movement, the cal. 19-9.

Over the years, they would release a catalog of watches consisting of all kinds of shapes and use cases, but always with a whole lot of taste and design awareness. This ref. FD862 is an excellent example of their focus on making timeless, beautiful watches with its twisted lugs, engine-turned bezel and deceptively simple dial. It's a nice mix between dress watch and tool watch, and looks just as relevant today as it would've in the '60s.

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The impressive and well-preserved case retains strong, sharp finishing throughout, showing only light signs of honest use and no notable evidence of major polishing in the past. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The case back features its original factory markings in easily legible condition. The watch comes supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original silver dial exhibits a subtle warmth that enhances the exquisite vintage aesthetic with a pie-pan-esque design, and shows no major age or damage present. The original dauphine-style hands are in exceptional condition and show no significant signs of wear or age. 

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.