The Minerva Institute joins Time Aeon in its efforts to promote training

Time Aeon at Montblanc? The champion of “the art of contemporary watchmaking” holding a press conference at the SIHH on the very stand of a brand that has a finger in every luxury pie? How can this be? “This cohabiting isn’t necessarily contradictory or antagonistic,” declares Vianney Halter, one of the founder-members of Time Aeon. “The industry generates funds that enable institutes such as Minerva to survive and to pass on knowledge that is essential to watchmaking’s continued existence. In a certain sense it’s essential for this desire to continue, and not in a profit-driven way. The initiative that brings Minerva and Time Aeon together today benefits both partners in that it is a completely independent action.”

Safeguarding the foundations of watchmaking

Indeed, the Minerva Institute for Research in Fine Watchmaking, a movement manufacturer in Villeret that was bought by the Richemont group and attached to Montblanc, and the Time Aeon Foundation pursue similar goals: to perpetuate the particular expertise of Fine Watchmaking which is never more fully expressed than in an almost artisanal approach. In his introduction to the press conference, Martial Fragnière, a founder-member of Time Aeon alongside such prestigious names as Philippe Dufour, Stephen Forsey, Robert Greubel, Vianney Halter and Kari Voutilainen, was at pains to emphasise the Foundation’s commitment: “Independent creators stand for excellence in watchmaking expertise, and our goal is to perpetuate this excellence and, in doing so, safeguard this heritage on a global scale. We want to help young watchmakers who would like to set up on their own, as much with administration and finance as with every aspect of training. In this, we are working towards the recognition of independent watchmaking as a contemporary art in its own right.”

This message was received loud and clear at Minerva, a name synonymous with Swiss watchmaking tradition and the work of the artisan in the finest sense of the word, as conceived by the institute which this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary. “We are determined to promote and prolong this heritage which is rich in tradition and centuries-old techniques,” explained technical director Demetrio Cabiddu. “To achieve this, we are stepping up our efforts in training, as Time Aeon also wishes to do. This is why we agreed to work with the Foundation by providing technical and if necessary financial support to train young watchmakers.”

A one-off watch provides funds

In concrete terms, the Minerva Institute will manufacture a Grand Chronographe Email Grand Feu in platinum from the Montblanc Villeret 1858 collection. This one-off timepiece will then be auctioned and proceeds from the sale donated to Time Aeon Foundation. The Institute will also make its workshops, resources and expertise available to help the Foundation see its chosen projects through to completion.

“We are here as watchmakers and colleagues to send out a message,” continued Vianney Halter. “Today, watches are no longer seen primarily as objects that give the time; they are far more a means of expression, a voice that rises above the brouhaha of mass production. We must defend this language of creation, because we know it is increasingly difficult today for a watchmaker and creator to exist. The cost of the entry ticket is increasingly high and competition is growing more and more intense. It is therefore only to be expected that we should commit ourselves to helping young watchmakers with the aim of promoting the language we all speak.” Following on from the Foundation’s partnership with Harry Winston, Minerva Villeret is a second heavyweight ally in Time Aeon’s mission to “safeguard the foundations of Fine Watchmaking, in grave danger from the industrialisation of watch production.”