Minerva Releases Limited Exo Tourbillon Skeleton Watch
The luxury watchmaker introduces a new 18-piece collection featuring a unique agate cameo dial and rose gold case.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Jewelry
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Minerva has unveiled its new Exo Tourbillon Skeleton Limited Edition 18 watch, a timepiece limited to just 18 pieces worldwide. The design draws inspiration from Ancient Rome, incorporating artistic elements into its high-end horological construction.
Why it matters
The release highlights the integration of traditional hand-engraving techniques with advanced watchmaking, paying homage to the brand's history and its namesake deity. The limited run emphasizes exclusivity for collectors of specialized luxury timepieces.
The watch features a 44.8mm 18K rose gold case and operates on the hand-wound Calibre M18.69 with a 50-hour power reserve. Each piece includes a blue and white agate cameo dial and is presented in a walnut wood Persian blue jewellery box.
The players
Minerva
Minerva is a renowned Swiss watch manufacturer based in Villeret that has been producing high-end timepieces since its founding in 1858.
The details
The watch movement contains 188 components and 19 rubies, with the skeletonisation process involving over 400 hand-polished inner bevels. The dial is meticulously crafted through laser-texturing and hand-engraving on a white agate stone base.
Timeline
1858: Minerva was founded.
1927: The fluted bezel design was first introduced.
2010: The Exo Tourbillon was first introduced.
October 21, 2026: The limited edition watch was released.
Culture Shift
This release reflects the broader luxury trend of returning to artisanal hand-engraving and cameo work as a differentiator in the high-end market. It positions Minerva against brands that focus on industrial automation by highlighting the labor-intensive 400-bevel finishing process.
Potential collectors can expect high demand for the 18 available units, as this piece is intended to be a rare acquisition. Buyers should note the 30m water resistance, which limits the everyday utility of the watch compared to standard sports timepieces.
The takeaway
The watch serves as a prime example of blending ancient artistic techniques like cameo engraving with modern horological skeletonisation. Collectors interested in such pieces should prioritize identifying authorized boutiques early, as the limited production run ensures swift sell-out times.
Further reading
For more on high-end timepieces, explore the Jewelry section.
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