Why This Watch Matters Whether you call it a pyramid or a hobnail texture, this Movado's gorgeous dial is the star of the show. The Full Story The vintage Movado market has surged in recent years, elevating the brand to darling underdog status among collectors. High quality examples continue to pop up and achieve great value in public sales. The brand was founded in 1881, and ever since, it's been known as one of Switzerland's most diverse watch brands, from a product perspective. Among its historic catalog are stunning dress watches, professional tool watches, design-driven releases, and entry-level models. We have been lucky enough to offer some sports watches from Movado over the past few weeks, even one signed by Tiffany & Co, but this 14k dress watch shows a different approach to a different customer by the brand. In the 1960s, Movado created a few different variants of the watch we have here. These textured gold tone dials are sometimes described as "pyramid" or "hobnail" texture. The HODINKEE Shop even offered a slightly different example in the past. Some dials are signed with the model name "gentleman" which speaks to the aim here. This was a solid gold and automatic dress watch for those that wanted a bit of elegance on their wrist and weren't afraid to show it. The design here is unlike anything we see from other brands in this era, especially in a shiny gold tone. In contrast to today, where it appears some market research was done and disseminated to a bunch of watch brands saying "green dials are in," it is refreshing to see a vintage design that aimed to carve out its own niche. Unapologetically different, this Movado is absolutely striking on the wrist. Looking at the "14K" stamp on the caseback in a fashion and font that has become known as "American" as well as the "MXI" import stamp on the movement, we can draw the conclusion that this Movado was built for and originally retailed in the United States. We are pleased to offer it once again from HODINKEE HQ in New York City and get this beautifully designed dress watch back on someone's wrist for years of more service. Another neat little fact about this Movado is the casemaker. Inside the caseback is stamped a key with a number "1." This indicates that the case was made by Wenger, who also built the cases of many important Patek Philippe watches over the decades, including some ref. 2499 perpetual calendar chronographs and ref. 2497 perpetual calendars. This Movado is paired with our Sedona strap in dark brown. We have been reaching for more black straps than brown lately for our dress watches, but when we saw this dark brown Sedona next to the gold tones of this dial and case, it had to be done. The slight dusty texture of the strap brings a layer of casual to this "fancy" Movado. The Fine Print Maker: MovadoModel: N/AReference: 48463Year: 1960sCase No: A2123032Material: 14k yellow goldDimensions: 34.5mm diameter; 8.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Movado, self-winding, caliber 1052 (bumper movement) Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Dark BrownLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Beautifully textured dial- 14k yellow gold case- Crisp overall condition Things To Know: - Light scratches on dial This Movado is in overall great condition. The case is strong with some light scratches. There are some light scratches on the caseback, particularly around the edge from it being opened. The "14K" stamp on the caseback is sharp and legible. The outside of the five and 11 o'clock lugs are crisply hallmarked. The case has developed patina on the back and sides; it is likely unpolished. The dial is overall clean with a light patina; the hands and hour markers have developed a matching light patina. The dial finish has taken on an iridescent patina that is visible in varying lights and angles. There are some scratches on the dial near six o'clock and slight marks throughout. Due to the mirror finish on the dial these imperfections can be hard to notice. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Movado. Compared to other examples, the unsigned crown appears to be the correct shape and size and is likely original. The crystal has light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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