The Renaissance of a grand tradition

Only a few companies retain a tradition of creating Swiss timepieces – one of them is located in Villeret: Minerva, a small watchmaking manufacture, founded more than 150 years ago. Soon after its foundation the manufacture developed and produced its on movements, with a specialisation on chronographs, and gradually gained a reputation that went far beyond the borders of Switzerland.

In 2007, Montblanc and Minerva established the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie with the intention to safeguard and further develop the traditional principles of haute horlogerie.

Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie –

Where Tradition meets Modern Techniques

In these ateliers, in the remote village of Villeret, a select group of master watchmakers continue to create timepieces by hand, strictly following the principles of traditional haute horlogerie. Over 150 years of Swiss watchmaking history are their inspiration to craft every single detail by hand and to bring unique timepieces to life.

Dedicated to reinvigorating tradition through innovation, the institute’s focus is on the development of new movements and watchmaking techniques while respecting the principles of the past. At the same time, the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie provides the young ambitious manufacturers with the expertise and financial assistance needed to realize their own innovative projects and to secure the future of traditional watchmaking.

Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858

The Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 is an exquisite line of haute horlogerie timepieces crafted in accordance to traditional Swiss watchmaking and with meticulous perfection.

Honouring the year of Minerva’s foundation, 1858, the models of the Collection Villeret are limited to editions of 1,8 or 58 pieces. Every timepiece of the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 is “Fait main à Villeret” (handmade in Villeret) – a statement that bears witness to the craftsmanship of a single watchmaker, performing his art purely by hand from beginning to end. Such dedication ensures that every timepiece has its own unique ingredient: a soul.

To find out more about the Grand Tourbillon Heures Mysterieuse and the collection visit the special at Montblanc.com