C.1930s Movado Chronometer Ref.1261 Tonneau & curved back with stepped bezel manual wind in 18KYG

Description

Vintage. No box or papers & a Passions box will be given.

This is a very attractive Movado in Art Deco style with a rather long Tonneau & curved case. It is further fitted with a chronometer grade movement that’s adjusted to 4 positions which is desirable. In the early 20th century, many watchmakers were striving to achieve chronometer grade watches so much so competitions were held and only the best solid gold watches were fitted with these top-grade movements.

Although the timing of this watch has long lost it’s accuracy over almost a century of time-keeping, it is without doubt a quality that collectors look out for. The polished gold case remains in very good condition throughout with little wear and the dial shows general ageing but highly legible. This watch has no water resistance and non-shockproof so please do not ever drop it. The movement has been serviced and retains most of it’s shine. More images of wristshot here. The acrylic crystal is very thick and with it’s form shaped curvature, gives it a magnifying effect on the dial which is quite a delight.

A short history of the brand here. Founded in 1881, Movado is a very well respected watchmaker in the vintage watch world as they offered many iconic timepieces some of which were sold by Tiffany & Co and even Cartier. Notable models by them were Ermeto, Moonphase, Calendomatic and their chronographs are particularly collectible and last but not least the Museum watch where it’s simple single gold disc on a black dial has earned a place in the museum of Modern Art and an icon in horology. This particular watch is very large for it’s time when most watch makers offered rectangular watches that were 30% smaller, making this very suitable for present day. It has an original, curved and very thick acrylic crystal giving it a further magnified appearance.

We will be adding many of their iconic models in the months to come but for a start, this is a rare early beauty by Movado which means always in motion.