This Watch

We have here a fabulous Art deco style 1930s Movado piece in solid 14k Gold. What appealed to us first about this watch was the size on the wrist! The case gently curves toward the elegant lugs at 40mm with a width of 25mm not including the crown. This is larger than the usual tank or rectangular of the period and in our opinion perfect on average wrist ( Wrist in picture 7.5inch )A lug to lug length of 40mm ensures a comfortable fit on most wrists.  At 7.5mm thick the watch has a classic unusually slim profile for a 1930s piece and credit to the Movado factories innovation in watch calibers to enable this . On the right side an original 'Nipple' type crown and just A polished curved front bezel holds what looks to be the original domed crystal, We have left the glass as is with some scratches and nics because we feel it is original and only adds to the character. The copper almost salmon dial has applied gilded mirror Roman numerals and line markers. Railway type outer track and subsidiary seconds. We feel the dial has had previous but not recent restoration. The hour and minute hands are simple pencil shaped.   

Achilles Ditesheim at the age of 19 founded LAI Ditescheim & Freres SA in 1881.  With the help of 6 watchmakers, he built a workshop in the small village of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.  In 1905 he renamed the company Movado meaning “always in motion” in the international language of Esperanto.  In 1947 Nathan George Horwitt created the single dot watch dial.  In 1960 Horwitts original design became the first watch dial ever to be accepted by the Museum of Modern Art, New York.  In 2017 Movado Group purchased the Olivia Burton brand based in London, one of the fastest-growing fashion watch and jewellery brands in the UK.  In October 2018 Movado Group acquired MVMT who specialise in selling quartz watches, sunglasses and jewellery.  The Movado Group also owns Concord, Ebel.  

What we think

This is a truly stunning Art deco piece and an objectively rare watch as it is likely the very first slimline tank watch by movado.  A solid 14ct Gold Swiss case not to be confused with the usa market cases. This watch showcases what an established watch manufacturer Movado are and the quality in design, Materials and workmanship stand out.  A perfect almost antique addition to any collection and we would advise this piece to be used for occasional wear due to its age and rariety.

Spec Stuff