The minute summer is used as a counting-down device and comprises a rotating disk sector (11) revealing a contrasted dial sector preceding the zero of the graduated scale, at the start of counting-down, and equipped with cut-out (15). This cut-out reveals a second sector (14) of contrasted appearance at the moment when the front edge (19) of the first sector reaches a graduation mark close to zero, for example the final minute, so as to inform the wearer that the final minute has started. Particularly intended for yachting.