Here we have a beautiful example of a trench style late 1910s/early 1920s Monopusher chronograph watch. It has the enamel dial which is signed ‘Romance’, with the Breguet numerals and sub-dials for the constant seconds and 30 minute counter. The hands are of the classic spade and whip style in the thermally blued tone. The case measures just under 36mm and is formed of 0.800 fineness silver, with the hinged bezel and the double hinged case back. Inside it has Swiss hallmarking with Capercallie mark. The movement is a manual wind Minerva calibre 13.20 CH. It is marked as having 17 jewels and being adjusted. It is in good condition, keeping accurate time and functioning well.
Whenever we come across a good example of an early chronograph wristwatch it brings us joy. There is a particular charm in the styling of these early pieces with traditional trench style cases, formed of precious metal.
We were particularly excited about this example due to the name printed on the dial, ‘Romance’. We have not been able to find any inkling as to what this relates to, but it is likely a sub-brand name from a larger brand, in this case Minerva. What we do know is that it is an absolutely charming signing, encouraging one to embrace their inner Casanova, which further enhances the allure of this piece.
The perfect wedding watch or gift to mark an anniversary.
The white enamel dial is bright and eye-catching. It has the railroad seconds track around the exterior with elongated single second dashes, 5 second Arabic numerals and detailed 1/5th of second graduations.
The hour markers are of Breguet style with the Italic font. Below 12 o’clock is the ‘Romance’ signing. The sub-dials are inset into the dial creating depth and separation. The constant seconds sits at 9 o’clock with the railroad seconds track. The 30-minute counter is at 3 o’clock with railroad track.
The hands are original and are the classic spade & whip design with the bright thermally blued finish that catches the eye. The central second hand is also original with the oval counterbalance and thin profile. The sub-second hand is original with lollipop counterbalance, as is the 30-minute counter hand with the arrow tip.
The case is well sized measuring 35.7mm x 35.7mm. It has a width with crown of 38.5mn with the total lug-to-lug length of 51mm with the wire loops. It has the thin lug width of 12mm which is classic for the period.
The case is formed of silver and has the hinged bezel and double hinged case back. It has the central lug attachments with the silver wire loops which the strap attaches to. The hinge to the bezel is good and is seals tightly with the polished finish. The sides of the case have the polished finish with light tarnishing. To the right hand side is the original crown, with the rectangular pusher above it.
The case back has the polished finish and is free of engraving. It seals tightly and has a strong hinge, Inside it has the Swiss hallmarking with the Capercallie (Grouse) mark for 0.800 silver. The case makers initials sit either side of the 0.800 stamp ‘RF’. This likely stands for Robert Freres, Minerva SA.
The inner hinged back has the polished finish, sealing tightly with good hinge. Inside it has the matching hallmarking and serial number.
The movement is the Minerva Calibre 13.20 CH which is a manual wind chronograph. It is marked as having 17 jewels and being adjusted to position. It is a quality column wheel chronograph with the single pusher layout. The watch has been well maintained and has therefore not been serviced by ourselves. The chronograph functions well and the movement has a daily variation of - 60 seconds per day.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good antique condition. It is a bright white with clear signing. There is one very light hairline from the 30 minute counter to the top of the dial.
Hands:
All of the hands are original and have the bright thermally blued tone.
Glass:
The crystal is an acrylic replacement which is in good condition.
Crown and pusher:
The crown is original and is in good condition with light tarnishing. The pusher is original and is in good condition, functioning well.
Case:
The case is silver and is in very good antique condition. It has only light scratching and tarnishing. The lugs are straight and well formed.
Caseback:
The double hinged case backs are good, sealing tightly with secure hinges.
Strap:
It comes on a leather strap for fixed lugs which is in good condition.
Movement:
Inside is the Minerva Calibre 13.20 CH which is a manual wind chronograph. It is marked as having 17 jewels and being adjusted to position. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute counter and central 60 second hand. It is a quality column wheel chronograph with the single pusher layout.
The watch has been well maintained and has therefore not been serviced by ourselves. The chronograph functions well and the movement has a daily variation of - 60 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 325 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
Case dimensions
Case width: 35.7mm
Case width with crown: 38.5mm
Case width with pushers: 36.1mm
Case length: 35.7mm
Case length lug to lug: 51mm
Case depth: 13mm
Lug width: 12mm