Minerva, "Red Decimal Scale", chronograph, ca 1955.
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Case size: 36 mm
Material: steel
Movement: manual, caliber Valjoux 72
Year: circa 1965
Crystal: plastic crystal
Bracelet: leather strap
Case number: VD 712 / 151'441
Wear due to age and use.
A simple function check indicated the movement runs; accuracy, power reserve and long-term performance have not been tested and servicing may be required at the buyer’s expense. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed and should be checked by a qualified watchmaker before any exposure to water. No right of withdrawal applies to live auction purchases.
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Minerva Chronograph with Rare Decimal Scale, Valjoux 72
This vintage Minerva chronograph represents a fine example from one of Switzerland’s most respected historic manufactures. Founded in 1858, Minerva built its reputation on producing high-quality chronographs and stopwatches, often associated with scientific precision and professional timing.
What makes this piece particularly special is the red decimal scale around the dial. The decimal scale divides the minute into 100 parts, allowing elapsed time to be read directly in decimal minutes. This was especially useful in industrial time studies, laboratory measurements, and engineering applications where calculations were performed in base 10 rather than traditional minutes and seconds. Decimal chronographs are far less common, adding both rarity and technical intrigue to the watch.
At its heart ticks the legendary Valjoux 72 manual-wind movement, one of the most celebrated chronograph calibers of the 20th century, also famously used in the early Rolex Daytona references.