Minerva Unveiled Chronograph in Yellow Gold: A Detailed Look at the 30-Piece Limited Edition

Introducing the Yellow Gold Minerva Unveiled Chronograph

Minerva's Unveiled Chronograph series turns conventional watchmaking inside out. Instead of concealing the movement beneath a dial, the manufacture reverses its architecture, placing the chronograph mechanism and its hand-finished components front and center. The watch first appeared in 2023 and has since been offered in various sizes and styles. This latest version takes the larger case and gives it a richer personality, pairing solid 18k yellow gold with a brown-coated version of the reversed calibre.

The Gold Case and Its Details

At 43mm in diameter and 14.78mm thick, the case commands attention. This size is purposeful—there's a lot of mechanics to expose, and the case provides a generous frame for the movement. The full 18k yellow gold construction features Minerva's signature fluted bezel, a design rooted in the manufacture's 1930s chronographs. Satin-brushed and polished surfaces define the case, while chamfered lugs add elegance to the imposing profile.

One of the most intriguing details is the sapphire openings in the middle case. These allow light to enter from the sides and offer views of the pillar-mounted architecture from angles rarely seen on conventional watches. The fluted gold crown incorporates the monopusher for the chronograph.

A domed, box-shaped sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the solid gold caseback features a laser engraving of the historic Minerva manufacture in Villeret, where the brand has been based since 1858, along with the RFV (Robert Frères Villeret) logo and Minerva's arrow. Water resistance is 30 meters.

The Transparent Dial and Reversed Movement

As with its predecessors, the dial is deliberately minimal. In fact, there's barely a dial at all. A skeletonized sapphire outer ring carries the Super-LumiNova hour markers, while three open rings cross the center. At 9 o'clock, a yellow-gold hand indicates running seconds. The 30-minute chronograph counter, with a yellow-gold-coated hand and white arrow, is positioned at 3 o'clock.

The central area is occupied by yellow-gold-coated hour and minute hands with white lume, and a central chronograph seconds hand in white, all sitting above the exposed movement. The effect is unusual: instead of reading the time and then admiring the mechanics through a display back, both experiences happen simultaneously. The column wheel, going train, and balance are visible in action.

The new colorway works exceptionally well. The brown-coated German silver plates and bridges provide a warm backdrop, while the yellow-gold-colored going train and case add contrast. It appears considerably more luxurious than the cooler executions of the Unveiled concept, such as the blue-accented 2024 edition.

The Calibre M17.26: A Reversed Masterpiece

The Calibre M17.26 is a hand-wound monopusher chronograph with column wheel and horizontal coupling. It comprises 291 components, measuring 38.4mm in diameter and 7.7mm thick. The size allows for careful examination without magnification, though a loupe enhances the experience.

The unusual construction comes from reversing the movement so that its regulating organ, going train, bridges, and chronograph components are visible from the dial side. Minerva's signature V-shaped bridge dominates the view, finished in the same brown tone as the plates. The going train is yellow-gold-colored and circular-grained. The bridges and plates receive extensive hand-finishing, including carefully executed bevels.

The movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz) and offers approximately 50 hours of power reserve. The chronograph is operated via the single pusher integrated into the crown: one press starts, another stops, and a third resets.

Buying Tips and Authenticity Notes

This limited edition of 30 pieces is a collector's item. Its high price reflects the precious metal case, extensive hand-finishing, and the exclusivity of the reversed movement. When considering a purchase, ensure the watch comes with full documentation and packaging. Verify the serial number and the limited edition number, as fakes may exist. Given the complexity of the movement, servicing should be performed by authorized experts familiar with Minerva calibres.

Price and Availability

The Minerva Unveiled Chronograph Limited Edition 30 in yellow gold is priced at EUR 84,000. It comes on a brown sfumato alligator leather strap with a semi-matte finish, closed with a yellow-gold triple-folding clasp with a fine adjustment system. The reference number is 136352.

This edition celebrates what makes Minerva special: traditional chronograph construction, unusual mechanical architecture, and an approach to hand-finishing that rewards close inspection.