The Watch
We probably aren’t alone in realising that Movado is a far too low valued watch brand. There are tons of discredited and underestimated watch brands but perhaps Movado is the most forgotten of them all. Especially if you take a look at what they have done in terms of engineering and design. We will only touch a fraction of their achievements but we hope to shed some light on this amazing brand. We are especially happy to be able to present our very own Movado - but more on that later on. Movado was founded in 1881 in a small watchmakers shop in Chaux -de-Fonds. The name is sprung from the international language Esperanto and means active.
Today, Borgel is perhaps most recognised as the casemaker behind some of Patek Philippe’s most important references. The company started producing snap-back cases for Patek Philippe’s first Calatrava, the reference 96, using their existing designs, but soon persuaded the brand to use its patented decagonal screw-back case. This design is first seen in the Calatrava reference 438, but soon after in the reference 565, and in the inimitable chronograph reference 1463, among many other Patek references.
Borgel continued to produce cases for Patek Philippe until around the mid-1960s. For this historical importance, but also for their profound beauty, the references 565 and 1463 have become some of the most collectable of all vintage watches. The reference 565’s unique monocoque construction makes it immediately recognisable compared to nearly any other watch. Meanwhile, the reference 1463’s status as the only waterproof chronograph from the vintage-era of Patek Philippe sets it apart both in terms of rarity and importance.
Specific Information
Object nr: 389
Brand: Movado
Model: Kingsmatic
Year: 1950’s
Ref: 11179
Movement: Professional serviced automatic movement; cal. 431A
Material: Stainless steel case made by François Borgel. Today, Borgel is most recognised as the casemaker behind some of Patek Philippe’s most important references such as Calatrava ref 438, ref 565 and the chronograph ref. 1463. They all got the same patented decagonal screw-back case as this Movado.
Original crown: Original crown, Movado signed
Dimensions: 35mm, without crown
Strap/Bracelet: Black leather strap ”Äkta läder” (used)
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No/No
Service: Professional serviced with 6 months of warranty from date of purchase
Dial: The factory original dial is a classic Calatrava-style design, simple and sophisticated, featuring dagger markers and recessed outer minute marks. The dial itself shows gentle and aesthetically attractive aeging that gives the dial an overall warm hue. The original dauphine-style hands is very beautiful.
Case: The perfectly balanced and proportioned Borgel-designed case (35mm excl crown) is simply beautiful, featuring long, twisted lugs that greatly add to the overall presence of the watch. The case appears to be potentially lightly polished in the past however the lug holes remain crisp with the case dimensions and geometry remain crisp. The case retains its original crown which features the Movado "hand holding a clock" motif. The screw-down caseback got a beautiful engraving that tells a bit from its history.
Bracelet/Strap: The watch got used black strap in good vintage condition.
Service history: The movement is serviced and under warranty under 6 months from date of purchase.
Sold as SERVICED!
The pictures is a part of the description, study therefore the pictures carefully!
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