Minerva's Unveiled Crownless watch is a bold and innovative take on a classic watch component, the crown. By removing the crown, Minerva has created a watch that feels both familiar and genuinely unconventional. The absence of the crown changes the perception of the watch, with symmetry becoming the main feature. The polished steel case appears remarkably clean, with the warm rose-gold fluted bezel becoming the undisputed focal point. The bidirectional bezel serves as the primary interface with the watch, with a small lever that changes its function. The bezel is both intuitive and satisfying to use, and the watch feels natural and logical to operate. The dial is also traditional, drawing attention to the bezel and the case. The classical design, with an opaline center and finely guilloché outer ring, gives the watch considerable charm. The movement is also new, with the manufacture calibre M15.08 being produced entirely in Minerva's Villeret workshops. The movement is manually wound and beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour, with a generously sized mainspring delivering an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch is priced at EUR 39,000, and it is a genuinely original watch that is impressive without trying too hard to impress. The Unveiled Crownless is a niche proposition, but it is a testament to Minerva's willingness to question long-established conventions and push the boundaries of watchmaking.
