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Are Movado Watches Good? (EVERYTHING You Should Know)

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by Andrew Casino

Movado. You’ve likely heard the name before and might’ve even found this article hoping to learn more about the brand and whether its watches are good. For others, you may even already own one. Maybe it was your first real watch or one earned at graduation.

Whatever the case, we’ll be exploring Movado as a whole in this article, navigating key points in history, and identifying objective ways in which to measure the brand’s qualities, strengths, and weaknesses. We’ll also discuss some of the prominent models in the catalog and even provide brand alternatives should you decide it’s not the brand for you. Let’s jump in.

About Movado Watches

Movado represents a global brand with its presence reaching Europe, Asia, and the Americas. While initially based in heritage and traditional Swiss watchmaking in its early years, the Movado of today has branched into varied product categories ranging from analog watches (quartz and automatic) to jewelry, sunglasses, and even smart watches of late.

In this sense, the brand can be seen as more of a fashion brand with a focus on timepieces, and it’s through this lens of focus that’s best to analyze the pros and cons of the brand’s strengths, weaknesses, and its overall product offerings, mainly through a watch enthusiast’s eye. Indeed, for the mass market, Movado has come to represent a certain standard of Swiss watchmaking and can be frequently found in malls and department stores alongside other watches, such as Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, and Shinola. How did it earn this reputation?

The History of Movado

Movado has a long and storied history. The company was founded in 1881 by Achilles Ditesheim, a young watchmaker who opened a small workshop in the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1905, Ditesheim renamed his company Movado, which means “always in motion” in the artificial language Esperanto.

Movado quickly became a leading watchmaking brand in Switzerland. Yet, it was in 1947 that the brand produced a watch that would come to represent a core component of its ethos and design language moving forward. Enter– the iconic Museum Dial.

Created by artist Nathan George Horwitt, this groundbreaking dial design featured a stark, minimalist face with a solitary dot at 12 o’clock, symbolizing the sun at its zenith. The Museum Dial captured the essence of modernism and quickly garnered acclaim for its unique blend of sophistication and simplicity.

Today, it remains one of the most recognizable watch dials in the world and, certainly, the watch most associated with Movado. So iconic that it was inducted into the permanent collection of the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York City in 1960, and the reason it’s called the “Museum” watch.

But let’s not sleep on Movado’s historical technical chops, either. As a brand, Movado has historically pushed the boundaries of innovation, embracing new technologies and materials to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of its timepieces.

In the 1950s, the brand introduced the Calendomatic, a revolutionary self-winding watch that incorporated a day and date display—an impressive feat at the time. Movado continued to innovate with advancements like the Datron (in partnership with Zenith), one of the first automatic chronographs, and the Vizio, a fusion of digital and analog technology in their more modern catalog.

Are Movado Watches Good?

Let’s be clear. All wristwatches are a luxury because we no longer need them in modern society. We’re surrounded by time in various forms throughout our daily lives, whether on the screen of our cell phones or on our laptops and computer screens just a quick glance away.

In this light, wristwatches are then a subjective choice based on aesthetics and the things we value (for example: design, residual value, and so forth). But there are a few areas where we can make objective decisions based on fact. Let’s examine this within the context of our main question: are Movado watches good?

Overpriced Timepieces

Taking the Museum Classic as an example, one could expect to spend between $600 to $2,000 at full retail price to take home the brand’s most iconic design (with Swiss quartz and automatic movements available). Exploring other lines within the brand, a Vizio would land you in the range of $1,295 to $2,495, with another line yet in the Alta reaching into the near $4000 range for an automatic Swiss chronograph movement.

For certain watch collectors who place importance on mechanical movements, or those familiar with the competitive landscape within each price point, it can be argued that what Movado is presenting may be overpriced.

That’s because of the brand’s dependence on mass-produced quartz movements in the $1000 range and the availability of true luxury watches from brands in the higher price range.

There’s nothing wrong with the practicality and accuracy of quartz for a daily wearer (and for most of the general mass market at large). However, using a quartz movement is typically associated with watches well under this price. It implicates lower relative cost to the manufacturer than a mechanical movement, which is more challenging to produce and ensure accuracy.

For this reason, many would agree that Movado watches may be priced a bit aggressively for what’s on offer, especially with competitors in this range offering solid automatic movements and design at similar price points; for example, Hamilton and Tissot.

Additionally, once we break into the $2,000 through $4,000 price range, we’re entering what many would consider a true entry-level “luxury” range. At this price point, you get brands like Longines, Oris, and Tudor, which all carry more weight and respect in the watch industry for their own individual accomplishments.

Little to No Design Innovation

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s also true that Movado knows what they do well from a design standpoint and, to a certain degree, sticks to it.

Surely, common design language throughout a brand’s range of products is a telltale sign of a brand’s confidence and understanding of its offerings; however, one can’t help but wish they’d deviate just a tad bit from their iconic Museum watch design, with a bit more innovation than what’s currently on offer.

Speaking of the Museum design ethos, looking across the catalog, we see that a majority of their other lines are merely evolutions or variations on that minimalist aesthetic with the sole dot at 12 o’clock: the Bold line, the SE, Modern 47, Artist Series, Face, Bangles, Esperanza, etc. all pull from the same Museum design.

The few watches that don’t tend to be generic fashion watch designs that pull from other popular models across the industry. There’s certainly nothing wrong with providing a base level of popular design; however, we know that, historically, Movado can be a powerhouse in new design should they choose to focus on it.

Significant Value Depreciation

A Museum Class Automatic in 40mm and Yellow Gold PVD has a full list price of $1,295. A quick search for completed sold listings of the same model in new condition on eBay shows that the price being paid on the secondary market is within the $250 to $300 range.

If you have no intention of selling the watch, secondary market values are likely of little concern. However, this does go to show that the brand suffers significant value depreciation after purchase.

A prospective buyer would do well to find the best-discounted price available to them, whether from an official retailer or on the secondary market, in order to mitigate this depreciation. But it’s not all doom and gloom, and none of the above may deter you. So what are some reasons you might still want to buy a Movado watch?

Historic Watch Brand

Founded in 1881 and a survivor of the quartz crisis in the 1970s, Movado is truly a brand with a strong history within the Swiss watchmaking industry. The Movado group has grown to include brands like EBEL, MVMT, and even licensed brands under fashion labels such as Coach, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger.

At one point, they even owned Piaget, among the highest haute luxury watches and jewelry makers. Additionally, the Museum watch is truly an icon, since its development in 1947, despite how overused the term may be when talking about watch design (Bauhaus and all). If you appreciate the history, legacy, and design ethos of the brand, do not be deterred.

Several Models To Choose From

With a current catalog spread across eighteen model lines, each model line is made up of a plethora of color, size, material, and movement variants; one is spoiled for choice and likely to find something that catches your eye across Movado’s product range.

Whether you prefer to stick with the tried and true classic Bauhaus-inspired Museum design, prefer the vintage-inspired Heritage series designs, or even prefer to express yourself with the bold color options within the Modern 47 line, there is plenty to choose from.

Quartz variations on leather straps will typically be the most affordable, whereas the more complicated automatic mechanical timepieces on bracelets (steel, two-tone, PVD, etc.) will increase the price.
Want diamond markers on your dial? Also an option! With such a broad range, let’s dive deeper with a look at some more specific collections.

Most Notable Movado Watch Collections

Movado Museum Classic

The bread and butter, the core of Movado’s lineup. The Museum Classic is the modern iteration of the infamous Bauhaus-inspired design from Nathan George Horwitt in 1947. Clean, stark (often black) dials adorned with a simple dot motif at 12 o’clock.

The Museum Classic can be purchased in three primary sizes, 28mm, 33mm, and 40mm, with either Swiss quartz or automatic movements. It also comes in various case materials ranging from stainless steel to Yellow or Rose Gold PVD on leather or linked bracelets. Diamond markers or date functionality (with matching date wheels) are the only visual flairs to provide variety, should you choose further complication.

Rated at 30m of water resistance, the Museum Classic is best suited for office or casual smart wear and is most at home in dressier situations. Models range from $595 to $1995.

Movado BOLD

Officially (from Movado promotional material), the Movado BOLD collection “offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a confident twist”. In practice, the BOLD collection provides a plethora of more modern leaning designs on existing models in the catalog on everything from the Museum Classic to their sportier complicated chronographs.

With no true throughline across the various models (124 variants in total), perhaps the best way to describe the BOLD collection is in a focused fashion context: Looking for a blacked-out/ion-plated Museum design (BOLD Thin) or a transparent dial with integrated anthracite black rubber strap (BOLD Fusion Automatic)? You’ll find it in the BOLD collection. Models range from $495 to $1495.

Movado Series 800

Dive watches represent the best-selling form factor of watch design and function in today’s market. They’re sporty, bold, and altogether practical, ready to take a beating, with water resistance ratings at 200m and more. The Series 800 is Movado’s take on the modern dive watch.

Stylistically, the Series 800 retains the brand’s dot at 12 o’clock but otherwise adopts traditional dive watch design language, which is often Rolex Submariner adjacent. To be fair, it’s hard to break away and make one’s own mark within such specific functional requirements (rotating bezel with minute markers, legible hands, indices, etc.).

However, Movado’s choice to include a 42mm Diver Chronograph variant is admirable. Prices range from $1,195 for 40mm quartz variants to $2,295 for Swiss automatic-powered movements.

Movado Heritage

In the last decade, vintage-inspired designs have been at the forefront of the watchmaking landscape. The Heritage line is Movado’s version of this, and likely the line to most interested watch enthusiasts or those seeking more traditional design language from the 50s and 60s but in modern materials and size.

Watches such as the Calendoplan with a sub-seconds hand register at 6:00, Calatrava style. The Alta Super Sub Sea Automatic, recalling Movado’s history with Zenith, to the Calendoplan S, a 43mm upsized skin diver design available on a steel mesh bracelet. Pricing ranges from $595 to $3,995, with Swiss quartz and automatic movements available.

Movado Modern 47

The Modern 47 collection is easy to understand. Take the Museum Classic in 40mm with a quartz movement, but make it colorful. And I mean all the colors. From a playful light pink to Yellow Gold PVD with a white dial, the Modern 47 will set you back $595 to $695 retail, depending on your shade of choice.

Should You Buy a Movado Watch?

If the watches speak to you, far be it from me to tell you otherwise. Certainly, Movado provides a wide range of options in color, design, and function, steeped in the historic design language of the Museum watch.

A Movado watch will be solid, low stress, and reliable (particularly quartz) and often provide that minimum intersection of style and function required by most modern consumers looking for a dedicated daily timepiece fit for all occasions.

At its core, this is the target audience for Movado, and they’ve done well for themselves selling to the general zeitgeist. But what are the alternatives for the more discerning in the same price range?

Alternatives to Movado Watches

Tissot

Tissot is a renowned Swiss watch brand with a rich and illustrious history dating back to 1853. The company was founded by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot, in the town of Le Locle, Switzerland. From humble beginnings, Tissot quickly gained a reputation for innovation and precision well into the present day.

Today, Tissot watches are highly regarded for their Swiss craftsmanship under the Swatch Group umbrella, precision movements (ex: Powermatic 80, with 80-hour power reserve), and a wide range of styles to suit different tastes and occasions.

From classic designs to sporty chronographs and elegant women’s watches, Tissot offers a diverse collection that appeals to watch enthusiasts worldwide. Watches such as the Gentleman Powermatic 80 and PRX Powermatic 80, in particular at the sub-$1000 mark, are compelling options when weighed against offerings from Movado.

Hamilton

Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton initially focused on producing high-quality pocket watches. It quickly gained a reputation for precision and reliability, becoming a trusted timekeeping companion for railroad employees, who depended on accurate watches to ensure safe and punctual train schedules.

Present-day Hamilton continues to innovate and create exceptional timepieces that blend American heritage with Swiss precision. The brand offers a diverse range of collections, including sports watches, dress watches, and vintage-inspired timepieces, catering to various tastes and preferences.

They’ve also become a darling to the watch enthusiast community in recent years both for their accessibility and pricing and their penchant for listening to what enthusiasts want. Watches such as the Khaki Field or Murph are often an entry point for collectors for this reason, offering mechanical movements and personality well under the $1,000 price point.

Longines

Founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, by Auguste Agassiz in 1832, Longines eventually played a significant role in the development of early sports timing and aviation in the late 19th century into the 20th century. During World War II, Longines shifted its production to support the military, providing reliable timepieces to various armed forces.

The brand’s watches were favored by pilots and navigators due to their accuracy and legibility. In the post-war era, Longines continued to innovate and expand its collection. The brand introduced iconic models such as the Conquest, which showcased Longines’ commitment to timeless design and precision.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Longines experienced a surge in popularity as its timepieces became favored by celebrities, athletes, and watch enthusiasts worldwide. The brand’s watches graced the wrists of notable figures, including Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, further enhancing Longines’ reputation for elegance and sophistication.

Today, Longines continues that tradition offering a variety of collections catering to diverse tastes, from traditional dress watches (Master Collection 190th Anniversary) to heritage-inspired dive watches (Legend Diver) and aviation-leaning GMTs (Spirit Zulu Time). Priced within the $1,000 to $4,000 range, the brand offers a foot into the entry-luxury experience.

In Conclusion

So, are Movado watches any good? Ultimately, it’s up to you as an individual to decide. While there are certainly other brands with the history, iconic designs, and value to boot, we all like what we like as individuals and should use our own personal tastes and interests to help guide us in our purchasing decisions.

We hope the information provided here can help you get closer to honing in on that decision. But one thing is for certain. In its over 100-year history, Movado has built a reputation for itself as a Swiss watchmaker at large, producing and developing its own iconic models with distinctive designs through the decades.

It has achieved a level of success today recognized the world over, even as its focus continues to lean towards fashion and trends in the modern market context. For some, this is reason enough to buy into the brand. For others still, it’s enough to recognize Movado’s historical achievements yet opt for a competitive option with more relative value and modern innovation. The choice is yours.

Bulova vs Movado: Which ICONIC American Brand Is Best?

Posted on August 2, 2023August 8, 2023 by Andrew Casino

Bulova and Movado. Two big names in the watch industry. Two watch manufacturers with American-based roots. In the years since their founding, both have become established and respected brands with historic achievements and celebrated models spanning their respective histories.

In recent decades, the two have come to occupy similar price points and could even be said to compete directly with one another. Certainly, for a prospective customer looking for a watch in the few hundred to under two thousand dollar price range, both Bulova and Movado provide a wide range of choices to pick from.

In this article, we’ll review the histories of both, draw comparisons between the brands, and ultimately pit specific models against each other to help readers decide which is the right choice for them. Let’s jump in.

About Bulova Watches

Bulova was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, a visionary immigrant from Bohemia who first established a small jewelry shop in New York City. Driven by an unyielding passion for horology, Bulova set out to create timepieces of exceptional quality. Initially, the brand specialized in crafting precision timepieces and quickly gained a reputation as the market took notice.

In 1919, Bulova introduced the first-ever complete line of men’s and women’s wristwatches, revolutionizing how people kept time as pocket watches remained the general mode of timekeeping for the average person.

They continued to push boundaries and launched the world’s first clock radio in 1928, followed by the groundbreaking Accutron, the world’s first electronic watch, in 1960.

During this time, Bulova established itself as a pioneer in accurate timekeeping. Their Accutron watches, powered by a tiny tuning fork, offered unparalleled precision and reliability compared to traditional mechanical counterparts.

So impressive was their technology that NASA chose Bulova as the official timepiece for their Apollo lunar missions, eventually leading to a total of 46 missions together. Bulova’s Accutron timing instruments were vital in coordinating the intricate maneuvers required during these historic space expeditions.

Bulova has always been at the forefront of style and innovation. In the 1960s, they introduced the Caravelle line, offering fashionable yet affordable watches to a broader audience. The brand continued to innovate with the Accuquartz, the first affordable quartz watch for the mass market, in the 1970s.

In more recent years, Bulova embraced cutting-edge technology with the Precisionist collection, boasting an unprecedented level of accuracy (timing to 1/1000th of a second), and the Curv line, featuring the world’s first curved case and chronograph movement.

Bulova’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned the brand a loyal following over the years. Their watches continue to be cherished for their exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and superior accuracy.

Today, Bulova offers a diverse range of timepieces catering to various tastes and preferences. From classic dress watches to sporty chronographs, their collections showcase a fusion of heritage and contemporary aesthetics. At the end of 2007, the company was sold to the Japanese multinational conglomerate Citizen Watch Co.

About Movado Watches

The year was 1881 when a visionary young entrepreneur, Achille Ditesheim, founded a small watchmaking workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It was here that the seeds of Movado were sown.

In 1905, Ditesheim officially registered the brand as “Movado,” which means “always in motion” in Esperanto, a language symbolic of universal communication, in tune with his passion for precision and innovation in watchmaking.

Over the years, Movado would produce a few iconic designs which would help characterize the brand’s design language into the modern era. Among the most defining features of Movado watches at this time is their iconic Museum dial.

Designed in 1947 by American artist Nathan George Horwitt in the school of Bauhaus style, the Museum dial revolutionized watch design with its minimalistic and distinctive appearance. Horwitt’s vision was to create a dial that captured the essence of time by removing all hour markers except for a single dot at 12 o’clock, symbolizing the sun at its zenith.

This groundbreaking design has since become a trademark of Movado and an epitome of modern elegance in the industry. Movado’s commitment to innovation continued to propel the brand forward. In 1959, they introduced the “Kingmatic” watch, among the first self-winding timepieces with a full rotor system.

This breakthrough solidified Movado’s reputation as a trailblazer in watchmaking technology. The brand’s dedication to design and innovation did not go unnoticed, and the brand received numerous accolades and prestigious awards. In 1960, the Museum dial was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, joining the museum’s permanent collection as a timeless example of industrial design.

This recognition further solidified Movado’s place in the pantheon of artistic timekeeping. Along these lines, the brand has also collaborated with renowned designers and artists to create limited edition collections that embody the fusion of art and horology.

One notable collaboration was with the legendary industrial designer Yves Béhar. Together, they created the Movado Edge collection in 2015, featuring strikingly modern watches that pushed the boundaries of design.

As Movado embarks on its next chapter, the brand continues to create watches that blend timeless design with cutting-edge technology. From the classic Museum dial to innovative complications and Swiss-made precision, Movado watches remain synonymous with refinement and understated style.

Today, the Movado Group’s list of brands includes Movado, EBEL, and MVMT (purchased in 2018), as well as licensed brands ranging from Coach, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss.

Bulova vs Movado Watches: The Battle of The American Watch Brands

Now that we have brief histories of both companies under our belt, let’s get into the nitty gritty and explore a few areas of comparison between the two. As with any comparison (or all-out battle in our case), both brands have their particular strengths and weaknesses that may appeal to or act as detractors for different individual tastes.

Brand Recognition

Despite both companies being founded over a century ago and with all that heritage and historic recognition through the years, arguably, the more recognized brand in a modern-day context would be Movado.

Movado’s recognition overall breaks down to two factors: consistent design language and marketing. With the development of the Museum dial in 1947 and its subsequent entry into the Museum of Modern Art, Movado has become somewhat of a household name for those seeking elegant, timeless design.

Indeed, this level of simplicity in design is echoed across its model lines, from the traditional eponymous Museum Classic collection all the way to its hyper-modern BOLD lines. This makes Movado watches very distinct and easy to recognize. (much in the same way a Rolex watch could be easily spotted for its oyster case and bracelet).

In marketing, Movado doesn’t rely solely on authorized dealers to sell its product (ex: Kay Jewelers, department stores, etc.). The brand has Movado Company Stores across the United States to help sell products with knowledgeable employees and a full in-house customer experience.

Unfortunately, Bulova has become less of a known quantity since the mid-century due to its lack of marketing and focused product lineup until recently. As of late, Bulova is making strides with updated Accutron models and revived heritage models.

We’re seeing the brand participate in more watch enthusiast-based events such as Windup Watch Fair, increasing visibility for a far more niche group of customers. It’ll be interesting to see where this takes the brand, but as it stands, Movado wins recognition for the general public.

Model Variety

While Movado’s focused design language has helped define the brand and produced recognition in the public at large, it can also be a detriment when looking for a diverse variety of design choices to fit your personal tastes.

In this arena, Bulova takes the cake with their vast array of watches like the heritage-based MIL SHIPS, Lunar Pilot, and Devil Diver archive series entries, to ultra-modern integrated bracelet designs like the Series X or the classic dress watch Frank Sinatra collection (celebrating the brand’s ties to the famous entertainer).

A buyer is likely to find a watch that suits their tastes within the Bulova range, whereas, if the minimalist design isn’t to your taste, you’d be hard set to find such variety within Movado’s collections.

Build Quality & Durability

In the realm of build quality and durability, it’s safe to say both Bulova and Movado will provide similar levels of daily dependability and similar levels of case construction and finishing within their respective watches.

While this will depend on the particular model and activity of use, generally a dress watch from either brand will provide at least 30 meters of water resistance. In contrast, the sportier options will provide around 100 meters and more of water resistance (ex: dive watches).

Being on the dressier side, a larger amount of Movado watches may include ion-plated gold and diamonds as materials and finishing; however, both brands will generally use stainless steel on a wide range of their watches.

Movements

Similar to build quality and durability, both brands are on equal footing when it comes to their use of both quartz and automatic movements (automatic movements occupying the higher price points for Movado particularly) in their portfolio of watches.

That said, we must acknowledge the 2020 relaunch of the Accutron brand (under Bulova), which re-envisions the Accutron line of watches at luxury priced levels. It also utilizes a proprietary electrostatic movement, the likes of which made Bulova so groundbreaking in the 1960s and 70s in the original Accutron (particularly in the Accutron DNA model).

Price & Availability

Finally, when it comes to price and availability, we have…yet another tie. Both brands have watches occupying the two hundred dollars to four thousand dollars price range.

Both brands’ timepieces equally have a retail presence in brick-and-mortar shops and authorized dealerships (department stores, large jewelry chains, etc.), as well as having a wide selection on the internet through various channels (brand websites, Amazon, etc.).

While Movado does provide its own company stores in major markets, Bulova’s brand participation in niche watch enthusiast events as well as dedication to brand history in recent years, prove that accessibility to new audiences is a new focus and that the brand is seeking patronage by listening to what their most loyal fans want.

Bulova vs Movado Watches: Top Models Comparison:

In this section, we’ll pit specific watch models from each brand against each other, as well as the ideal buyer for each. Each will represent comparable allegories that a prospective buyer may consider when looking to fulfill a specific style or watch type. We’ll also include some hard data (including measurements) for your reference.

Bulova Classic (ref. 96B149) vs Movado Museum Classic

When looking for a versatile day-to-day timepiece that wouldn’t look out of place in the office or in casual environments, both the Bulova Classic (reference 96B149) and the Movado Museum Classic present a solid choice.

Both options are powered by quartz movements, are rated to 30 meters of water resistance, and feature stainless steel construction. While the Bulova Classic will present a better value at less than half the price of the Movado Museum Classic (not to mention the inclusion of a stainless steel bracelet. Movado has an upcharge here).

It’s also true that with the higher price of the Museum Classic, you’re buying into the brand name, heritage, and the added recognition you’d get from wearing a more popular/known timepiece.

That said, the Bulova would also wear better on smaller wrists, coming in at 38mm in diameter and a pronounced curvature of the lugs, which would drape well over any wrist.

	Bulova Classic (ref. 96B149)	Movado Museum Classic
Case Size	38mm	40mm
Materials	Stainless Steel, Domed Mineral Crystal	Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance	30m	30m
Movement	Quartz	Swiss Quartz
Strap	Stainless Steel	Leather or Stainless Steel
Additional Features	Integrated bracelet design with curved lugs to hug the wearer’s wrist. Patterned black dial for visual play	Classic minimalist design with plain black dial and silver-toned dot at 12:00. Hour and minutes hands only (no seconds hand)
MSRP	$295.00	$595.00 (leather strap) $895.00 (stainless steel bracelet)

Bulova Lunar Pilot vs Movado Heritage Series Calendoplan Chronograph

In the chronograph department, both Bulova and Movado have long, storied histories and accomplishments, which helped propel both forward as technological powerhouses in the last century. When comparing the Bulova Lunar Pilot and the Movado Heritage Series Calendoplan Chronograph, however, space geeks and historians might side with the Bulova, which is a direct descendant of the very watches used by NASA in the 1970s and Apollo 15 mission.

The Bulova comes standard with a stainless steel bracelet, as well as a higher water resistance rating (50m against the Movado’s 30m). On the other hand, the Movado focuses on a cleaner aesthetic with traditionally-styled chronograph pushers, case, and overall design on a Cognac leather strap for the same retail price. Impressively, the NP20 movement of the Bulova is also higher-tech, with a frequency of 262 kHz, 8 times greater than standard quartz movements, providing an accuracy of seconds within a year.

	Bulova Lunar Pilot	Movado Heritage Series Calendoplan Chronograph
Case Size	43.5mm	43mm
Materials	Stainless Steel, Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal	Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance	50m	30m
Movement	High Performance Quartz	Swiss Quartz Chronograph
Strap	Stainless Steel (NATO leather strap included)	Cognac Leather Strap
Additional Features	Same 43.5mm silver tone stainless steel case as the original NASA watch. NP20 Quartz Movement accurate within seconds a year	Blue dial with triangular indices, date window at 4:30 position. Swiss Super-LumiNova applied throughout
MSRP	$895.00	$895.00

Bulova Marine Star Series B (ref. 96B256) vs Movado Series 800 Blue Chronograph Perpetual

In our final category of dive watch chronographs, we compare the Bulova Marine Star Series B (reference 96B256) with the Movado Series 800 Blue Chronograph Perpetual. Arguably, the Movado is more capable (200m depth rating vs. 100m) and more wearable for more wrists (at 42mm vs. 43mm).

But, at over twice the price of the Bulova, we should expect such levels of refinement over the Bulova. On aesthetic looks alone, the Movado is more classic in design with an oyster-like styled bracelet and traditional sub-dial layout, whereas the Bulova features an additional crown at 10 o’clock for an inner rotating bezel in lieu of an external rotating bezel as on the Movado.

	Bulova Marine Star Series B (ref. 96B256)	Movado Series 800 Blue Chronograph Perpetual
Case Size	43mm	42mm
Materials	Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal	Performance Stainless Steel and Aluminum. Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance	100m	200m
Movement	Quartz, accurate to within 15 seconds/month	Swiss Quartz Chronograph
Strap	Stainless Steel	Performance Steel Link Bracelet
Additional Features	Includes fold-over clasp with push buttons, 6 hands with 1/20 second chronograph (up to 60 minutes), calendar, and small seconds hand	True divers watch with rotating bezel and trademarked Performance Steel bracelet for rugged durability
MSRP	$525.00	$1,395.00

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste and personal preference when deciding between Bulova and Movado watches, both brands having ties to American history. We’ve explored these histories and dived even deeper into direct comparisons across specific models between each brand.

However, overall it can broadly be said that a Movado buyer is one that is likely more interested in design and classic refinement, whereas a Bulova buyer might tend towards design variety and, increasingly, niche preferences such as the heritage-based reinterpretations and the Accutron sub-brand. Both brands will provide similar levels of material construction and dependability, as well as price point variety and movement tech.

Each has a long and storied history with representative models that have come to define each brand in the century since their respective foundations. While you can’t go wrong when choosing either, at the end of the day, it’s the stories and histories we build with our own personal watches we choose and wear that make them the objects we desire today. Godspeed!

15 Best Movado Chronograph Watches (To Improve Your Style!)

Posted on July 19, 2023August 7, 2023 by Grant McKay

The word chronograph is derived from the Greek words “chronos”, meaning time, and “graph”, which means to record or write. Chronograph watches offer multiple subdials with features that can measure elapsed time. Chronographs are often used in sports, aviation, and other activities that require precise timing. Many of these watches offer tachymeters that calculate speed, as used in motor races, for example.

Movado has been a leader in crafting high-quality, fashion-forward timepieces for over 100 years. In this article, we’ll look at 15 of the best chronographs they make. These watches are both elegant, sporty, and highly functional. We’ll examine a broad range of models, from the more budget-conscious Bold collection to the upmarket Alta collection.

Watch experts and aficionados can sometimes be critical of Movado, feeling they are more fashion-oriented and not serious watchmakers. It’s true that Movado does seem to cut some quality corners while still commanding a higher price point, leading some to question their value.

With that said, there’s something iconic and distinctive about Movado watches. Most of their designs are immediately recognizable, modern, and chic. So, if Movado’s designs grab your attention, let’s explore some of their best chronographs on the market.

About Movado Chronograph Watches

Movado is a Swiss brand that’s been making watches since 1881. Movado produces a mix of luxury and fashion watches. While they produce many types of watches, their chronographs are some of their most desirable. One of Movado’s most celebrated timepieces is the Museum classic Chronograph, which pairs a black dial with a silver case.

The dial includes three registers that mark elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours. Their Bold Chronograph collection is also well regarded with its modern designs, thin profiles, and more affordable prices – some of the models in this collection feature stainless steel cases or leather straps.

Movado makes a whole range of different watch types, including aviation watches like the SE Pilot. The timepiece offers a tachymeter scale for calculating speed, with its rotating bezel, and is fitted with a leather strap.

Movado even offers some smartwatches, such as their Connect 2.0, which tracks heart rate, offers GPS guidance, and Google Assistant. The watch is modern and stylish, as one would expect a Movado to be, but it offers a touch screen with a broad range of customizable faces.

History of Movado Chronograph Watches

Founded over a century ago in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Achille Ditesheim, a young entrepreneur with an eye for fashion and a dedication to watchmaking, Movado has made its mark on the watch industry and remains one of the most recognizable and popular watch brands to this day.

In the 1930s, Movado introduced its Museum Watch with its minimalist design and iconic dot motif. It captured the hearts and minds of a watch-adoring public. To this day, it’s one of their most sought-after and admired models.

Starting in the ‘40s, Movado introduced their first chronographs. These watches offered stopwatch functions for precise timing. By the 1950s, their Datron collection was a favorite among athletes and well-regarded in the world of sports.

The release of the Kingmatic, in the 1960s, with its self-winding movement, became a popular choice with pilots, offering features to make quick flight calculations.

By the ‘80s, Movado had fully embraced the quartz craze and offered Datron models powered by quartz chronograph movements. The quartz movements only added to the reliability of their timekeeping features.

In the ‘90s, Movado introduced the Vizio, a rectangular chronograph featured in the movies and on television, and became popular among the more fashion-conscious. Movado’s chronographs of the current era are just as desirable and popular as ever.

The Best Movado Chronographs

MOVADO ALTA SE AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH BLACK & WHITE

The Alta SE Chrono by Movado is a smart-looking watch designed to be sporty and dressy. Movado in Esperanto (a constructed international auxiliary language that’s fallen out of use) is translated as ‘always in motion.’ Alta is translated as ‘the peak.’

Apparently, the message this sends is if you keep moving, you’ll get to the top. I can’t speak to the authenticity of that promise, but I think it’s safe to say this watch will keep you looking classy at the summit or in the valley.

Do you like dots? If so, you’re going to love this timepiece. Movado is famous for its dot motif at the 12 o’clock position. Not only does this dial feature a silver dot, but there are dots around the bezel and down the center of the stainless steel bracelet.

The stainless steel case measures 43mm with a black ceramic bezel and tachymeter. The sides of the case are highly polished, and there’s a screw-down signed crown. The black sunray-textured face of the watch offers three silver-white registers, silver hands, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The face of the timepiece is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

The open caseback displays the Caliber 145M automatic movement, which is rather attractive, with its gold gears and blue screws. It also provides a 62-hour power reserve and is water-resistant to 100 meters. The three-row bracelet has contrasting outer polished links with inner stain-finished links.

Price:$3,795

MOVADO ALTA SUPER SUB SEA AUTOMATIC WHITE DIAL

This classy-looking timepiece puts off yachtsman vibes to my eye. I can see this on the wrist of a man dressed in linen on the deck of his motor yacht, smoking a fine Cuban cigar. I can also see this paired with a blue suit in the boardroom.

The deep ocean blue bezel, with a coin edge, has white markings and a yellowish triangle at the top. The matte white dial features silver-lined Super-LumiNova hands, indices, and accents. There are three blue registers, matching the bezel color, and a date window at 4.30.

The 43mm case and the three-row bracelet are made from 904 steel, the same type of steel used by Rolex for their watches. There’s a screw-down crown and a water resistance of up to 200 meters. The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 146M movement, with a 62-hour power reserve.

Price: $3,995

MOVADO SERIES 800 CHRONOGRAPH BLUE DIAL

This is an attention-grabbing modern blue wristwatch that straddles the line between sporty and dressy. The blue diver’s bezel has white markings and a blue sunray dial with silver-lined hands and indices. A date window sits at 3 o’clock, and Movado is printed in white, just below their iconic silver dot and above the text Series 800 written in red.

The stainless steel and aluminum case measures 40mm. There’s a sapphire crystal that protects the face of the watch and a 200-meter water resistance. The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement. This is paired with a three-link, stainless steel bracelet with satin outer links and polished inner links. This is a fetching timepiece that you can expect to get noticed and complimented on.

Price: $1,195

MOVADO BOLD THIN ALL BLACK CHRONOGRAPH

The name aptly describes the fundamentals of the watch’s design. It is indeed all black and thin. However, this watch must be seen to be fully appreciated. Movado is known for its modern simplicity, and this model doesn’t depart from that modality.

It’s sleek and stylish. I can see this on the wrist of an executive or attorney, and it will perfectly complement their tailored suits and black-on-black company cars.

The watch case is made of black ionic-plated stainless steel, which measures 42mm. That’s a nice size on the wrist that matches with current trends, which have shifted away from the extra-large statement watches, but still remain larger than the vintage timepieces of yesteryear.

With its three registers, the black dial bears no markings other than the Movado dot at 12 o’clock with a silver ring around it and a charcoal gray print at 6 o’clock, detonating that the watch is a Swiss-made Movado.

The timepiece is powered by a Swiss quartz movement that’s water-resistant to 30 meters. This should therefore be regarded as a dress watch that is splash resistant but shouldn’t be taken for a swim. It’s fitted with a black leather strap and tang buckle. Movado also makes similar all-black models with black bracelets.

Price: $695

MOVADO HERITAGE SERIES CALENDOPLAN CHRONOGRAPH GUNMETAL BRACELET

This is a model that brings something old and something new. Movado has long been known for its calendar movements, hence the name. Movado first introduced its Calendoplan line in the 1950s, and this is a nod to that ear, but with some modern touches. One design change you’ll notice is they moved the dot off the dial and onto the bezel.

The black bezel and dial of the watch are handsomely paired with gray ion-plated stainless steel, which Movado is calling gunmetal, for a sophisticated, upmarket appearance. The case measures 42mm, and the dial features three registers, two with sporty squiggly hands and a date window inside the 6 o’clock subdial. The timepiece has gold lettering and white luminescent hands and indices.

Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz chronograph movement. The timepiece is water-resistant to 50 meters, which one could theoretically take for a brief swim, but it’s certainly not made for water sports. The gray Ion-Plated three-link stainless steel bracelet, with a two-button release butterfly clap, offers contrasting satin and high polish surfaces.

Price: $1,295

MOVADO FACE ALL BLACK CHRONOGRAPH

Many of the Movado timepieces are similar, and yet there are subtle differences worth appreciating. The Movado Face is a 43mm black ion-plated stainless steel case. The black museum motif dial includes a concave dot with muted markings around the dial’s outer rim to note the time. There are three registers on the dial with a red seconds hand and sub hand for a nice touch of color.

At 6 o’clock is the Movado logo printed in gray; except for that, the dial is as clean, simple, and modern as it gets. The timepiece is powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement and its water restraint to 30 meters. The face of the watch is protected by a K1 crystal. K1 crystal is a composite that blends the shock resistance of plastic with the scratch resistance of glass.

For the price point, this is an acceptable crystal, but it doesn’t compare to the sapphire crystal found on higher-end watches, which would be noticeably superior. All this is paired with a black leather strap and tang buckle for a rather chic look.

Price: $750

MOVADO BOLD TR90

The Bold TR90 comes in ten different configurations, some with chronograph and date functions and others with simple, clean dials. Some have classic black dials; others feature bright colors of blue, turquoise, and red. There are brown and black, smooth, and perforated leather bands, along with black ion-plated bracelets. There are many options to suit one’s taste.

The one we’re highlighting here has a 43.5mm black stainless steel case and a black dial with three blue registers. The subdial at 6 o’clock is larger than the other two and features a date window in white. The hands and the blue dot are also a deep blue. There’s a gray outer ring around the dial with the Movado logo at six o’clock.

The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement and is water resistant to 30 meters. The two-link black bracelet with center-polished links is as sleek and smart as they come and includes a deployment clasp for greater security.

Price: $850

MOVADO MUSEUM SPORT BLACK DIAL CHRONOGRAPH

The Museum Sport collection offers eight configurations with perforated black leather straps or stainless steel bracelets, some coated black, yellow-gold, or gray. Some of the dials are black with yellow-gold hands and indices; some are blue, and some are all black. A couple are simple dials, but most are chronographs, and all have date windows.

The configuration we’re highlighting here has a black sandpaper finish to the dial, three black hands with white lume, three black subdials, and piano-black polished indices that contrast nicely with the rough finish. There’s a date window at 4 o’clock and a fixed black bezel on the outer rim.

The timepiece is water-resistant to 30 meters and powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement. While this is a sportier look than many of Movado’s other dress watches, the modest water resistance is a reminder that this isn’t a true sports watch.

The gray and black PVD-finished stainless steel case measures 43mm. The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is a nice upgrade over many of the lower-budget models Movado offers. The timepiece is completed with a perforated black calfskin leather strap with a tang buckle.

Price: $995

MOVADO STRATO CHRONOGRAPH BLUE PVD

The Strato is one head-turner of a timepiece. The 44mm case and bracelet are finished in what Movado describes as blue and light blue PVD-finished stainless steel. Whatever one calls it, it’s simply beautiful and as smooth as silk. The matte blue dial is a chronograph featuring three registers and a blue-tinted transparent date ring inlay, with the actual date in white at 4 o’clock.

One of the subdial hands is yellow, matching the yellow tip on the seconds hand and the yellow line through the 12 o’clock dot. The hands and indices have a white lume. There’s a printed, fixed bezel on the outer dial.

The watch face is protected by a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 30 meters. The timepiece is powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement. The link bracelet is as stunning as the case and features a twin push-button deployment clasp. This timepiece is a work of art and is bound to garner a lot of attention.

Price: $2,195

MOVADO ALTA SE AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH BLACK & GOLD

Black and gold always pair nicely together for a sleek and classic look. The Alta Se Auto Chrono has a 43mm stainless steel case and black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter. The gray brushed sunray dial has three registers and gold-toned lined hands and indices. The dot at 12 o’clock is gold toned, as are the dots around the bezel.

There’s even a gold-lined date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Movado calls this a sport-elegant design, which captures the essence of the timepiece in a phrase. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic chronograph movement and is water-resistant to 100 meters. There’s a screw-down crown and open caseback, showing off the beauty of the movement.

The fluid three-row bracelet with satin and brushed surfaces displays the gold dot down the center of the links and is completed with a twin trigger deployment clasp. This model is not only fashionable but also includes many of the features and materials one would expect from a luxury timepiece, like the automatic movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and respectable water resistance.

Price: $3,995

MOVADO BOLD VERSO GOLD

The Bold Verso comes in 19 different configurations. This one is in yellow gold ion-plated stainless steel. The case measures 44mm and has a fixed bezel and tachymeter. The dial of the timepiece is a sunburst gold with three registers, including a day pointer and a date window at 4 o’clock. There is a gold-toned marking around the outer edge of the dial with white lumed hour markings.

At 12 o’clock, there’s a gold-toned dot. The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement and is water-resistant to 50 meters. The timepiece is paired with a yellow gold ionic-plated stainless steel link bracelet with a twin trigger deployment clap. The bracelet’s center links are high polish and provide a sophisticated contrast.

This is a substantial-looking timepiece that would pair nicely with a gold wedding band, and while yellow gold can look good with all skin tones, it looks especially attractive with warmer tones. So, if that’s you, you’ve found some additional reasons to consider the Verso Gold.

Price: $995

MOVADO ALTA SUPER SUB SEA AUTOMATIC BLACK DIAL

The Alta Super Sub offers a nod to the 1960s original with its smart, mid-century design. Expertly crafted from Dura904 steel, the case measures 43mm. The black bezel is made of ceramic, and there’s a sapphire crystal protecting the face of the wristwatch.

The dial is black with Arabic indexes, and while the dial is sans the Movado dot motif, it does feature dots around the bezel. In place of the iconic dot is the Movado M Chevron logo in silver. The three registers on the dial are white, and there’s a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The timepiece has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 200 meters. Under the hood is a Swiss automatic chronograph movement visible through the open casebook and offers a 62-hour power reserve. The three-row bracelet is also made of Dura904 steel and has contrasting satin links on the sides and polished links down the center, giving the watch an upmarket style.

Price: $3,995

MOVADO BOLD VERSO BRONZE

This version of the Bold Verso in bronze ion-plated stainless steel is a refined pairing of materials and color combinations. The stainless steel case measures 44mm, and there’s a fixed gray bezel. The dial is a sunburst gunmetal with indexes.

The bronze hands and ring around the dot play well off the dial. There’s a pointer day and a date window at 4 o’clock. The timepiece has a Swiss quartz chronograph movement and is water-resistant to 50 meters. The face of the watch is protected by K1 crystal.

All this is fitted with a black leather strap with a tan lining and a tang buckle. The Verso Bronze is simply a fine-looking dress watch that may not have a loud presence, but when it’s noticed, it will surely be admired.

Price: $795

MOVADO HERITAGE SERIES CIRCA ROSE GOLD

Rose gold pairs well with every skin tone and can be rather versatile. The Heritage Series circa in Rose Gold presents with a vintage-inspired dial. There’s a printed tachymeter on the outer rim of the dial, three registers, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The black dial, white lettering, rose gold hands, and indices offer a classy display. There’s something about this timepiece that’s mature and refined.

The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz chronograph movement and is water resistant to 30 meters. The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is a worthy upgrade. The black alligator leather strap with a rose gold tang buckle adds another level of distinction over a simple calfskin.

Price: $995

MOVADO BOLD FUSION

There are many Bold Fusion models by Movado with various color and material combinations with straps and bracelets, as well as chronographs and other features. The one we’re exploring here is an eye-catching bronze ion-plated stainless steel case that measures 44.5mm. The smooth ceramic black bezel is fixed and plain but frames the timepiece well.

The dial is a beautiful brushed sunburst bronze/rose gold with three black registers. The hour and minute hands are black, and the second hand is a lighter, polished rose gold. The hour indexes are black, and there’s a black ring around the dot. There’s a date window at 4 o’clock for added functionality.

The face of the watch is protected by a K1 crystal and offers a Swiss quartz chronograph movement inside. It’s water resistant to 50 meters and includes a black silicone strap that’s attached to the timepiece with bronze end pieces and is secured to the wrist with a bronze tang buckle. This is a sporty and elegant timepiece that reminds me of a more upmarket design from a brand like Hublot.

Price: $895

Closing Thoughts

While the experts might be divided on this brand, the real question is, what do you think about Movado? Personally, I find their minimalist design to be the definition of understated elegance. While some of their models lack the basic standards one might expect in a luxury watch, their designs are so captivating and classy that they deserve a spot in your collection or at least your consideration. All of the chronographs explored in this article won’t disappoint and are sure to solicit many compliments.

Tag Heuer vs. Movado Watches [EVERYTHING You Should Know!]

Posted on August 20, 2022August 7, 2023 by William Boyd

Which is a better watch brand – Tag Heuer vs Movado?

Tag Heuer and Movado are two vastly different watchmakers that offer plenty of value in their respective corners of the watch market. Both with a rich horological history, they have evolved over time and have continued to design luxurious and innovative timepieces. Tag Heuer has built a solid reputation around producing unpretentious luxury sports watches stemming from their ties with Formula 1 and Movado is known for their minimalist designs that exude sleek luxuriousness.

Today, both watch brands are producing a variety of timepieces that appeal to multiple areas of the market. From affordable quartz analog watches, to fine Swiss watches, and even smart watches, Tag Heuer and Movado are widely known across the watch market to have something for everyone.

Is Movado watch a higher end brand watch?

Movado has slowly moved more into the fashion watch side of the market. Starting as a high end Swiss watch brand, Movado has evolved to put more focus on their affordable timepieces and acquiring fashion watch brands in the U.S. Today, Movado owns 11 fashion watch brands and is the second largest American watch group. Over the past couple of years Movado has prioritized staying relevant in “a challenging and evolving landscape for both retail in general and the watch category in particular.”

Unlike exclusive luxury brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, Movado has transitioned into more of an e-commerce focused business model. Focused on growth, the goal of the company has been to “connect directly with consumers in the digital world”, according to Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg who realized that in order to be an omni-channel player in the market they would have to go digital.

Grinberg, who inherited the company from his father who founded Movado group in 1983 after acquiring Movado, has shifted the business focus on growth and development across multiple segments. Movado, originally a luxury Swiss brand, has evolved into a watch brand that is more accessible to the average consumer. Compared to luxury brands in the market like Omega, Tag Heuer, and Mont Blanc, Movado is more affordable and more accessible to consumers.

Today, Movado is seen mostly as a fashion watch brand, appealing to millennials and watch enthusiasts who are looking to find a timepiece at an affordable price and without having to join a potentially lengthy waitlist for a highly sought after watch.

Tag Heuer watches

During the year of 1860, Edouard Heuer founded the Heuer Watch Company. His goal was to be at the forefront of horological innovation with his watch designs. Within 10 years of starting the company, Heuer started to file patents. In 1869 they filed the first patent for a keyless, crown-operated winding system for pocket watches. In 1882 Heuer patented the company’s first chronograph. Amongst their first handful of patents was the oscillating pinion mechanism that is still being used by watchmakers today.

During the year of 1911 Heuer began their long standing relationship with the automotive and airline industries. They patented their first dashboard chronograph which served as catalyst for a season of rapid growth and development in the company. Only a couple years later in 1916 they patented the Micrograph, the world’s most accurate stopwatch at the time. This patent led Heuer to building a partnership with the Olympics committee who made them the official timekeeper of the 1920 Olympics.

For the next couple of decades, Heuer continued to strengthen their ties with the automobile and airline industries. From producing chronographs designed specifically for pilots to more dashboard instruments, Heuer came out with the Autavia. This clock featured a timer function, could run for eight days on one full wind, and was the first watch designed for racecar drivers.

The year of 1985 was a monumental year for the Heuer Watch Company. They were acquired by a group under the name of Techniques d’Avant Garde and became the brand we know today, Tag Heuer. Despite being under a new name and leadership, Tag Heuer remained loyal to the automotive industry.

In 1992 they became the official timekeeper for Formula 1 racing. This partnership ultimately led to the Formula 1 collection from TAG. To this day the company has upheld their position in the market by continuing to innovate with their designs and mechanics.

Movado watches

Movado was founded during the year of 1881. Before operating under the name “Movado” the company was initially known as LAI Ditescheim & Freres SA. It wasn’t until 1905 when the name “Movado” was introduced. A direct translation to the english phrase “always in motion”, the new branding of the company set the tone for the next couple decades of Movado watchmaking.

From the beginning, Movado proved itself to be at the forefront of watchmaking by pushing innovation within its watch designs and operational strategy. They were one of the first watch companies to invest in electrically powered machinery which led to a boost in productivity and helped scale the business to increase its workforce and output.

As the company started to evolve, they came out with new technologies leading to patents that would help distinguish Movado as a leading watch maker in the industry. One of their most notable patents was filed in 1912. Movado introduced the Polypan, an incredibly ergonomic design that allowed the watch to conform to the natural curvature of the wrist.

The genius idea came from Isidore Ditesheim and the name Polypan was derived from the multi (poly) level shape of the movement. The Polypan movement was built in 3 distinct layers which allowed the watch to adopt a curved shape. A design like this was unheard of at the time and helped Movado stand out as a noticeable watchmaker in the Swiss watch industry.

Towards the end of the 1930’s Movado introduced fully in-house chronograph movements to their timepiece portfolio. They designed the M90 and the M95 movements which differed by 1 subdial. The M90 had 2 sub-dials and the M95 had 3. The M90 was launched in 1938 and was produced until 1965. The M95 was launched just after the M90 in 1939 and was in production until the early 1970’s.

At this point Movado began to partner with Zenith, a watchmaker known for designing the first chronograph movement. Movado resided within the European watch market well through the 1900’s until the North American Watch Corporation acquired them in 1983. From there Movado crossed the pond and entered the U.S. market. Upon arrival, Movado instantly built a reputation for their sleek minimalist designs.

Their most popular design was the “Museum” line. Embodying minimalism, the watch only has one dot at the 12 mark and no other prominent features aside from the watch hands. This design is still one of, if not the, most popular designs from Movado.

In 2018, Movado acquired the fashion watch brand MVMT. MVMT is a fashion watch brand that manufactures modern yet simplistic affordable timepieces for those who aren’t keen on spending a fortune on a watch. Movado, having history in fine Swiss watchmaking, has evolved to become a brand that produces both luxury and fashion watches.

How long do Movado watches last?

Movado produces watches with a couple different movements. In their fashion watch lines, the quartz analogs will house a 1.55 Volt battery that is specifically designed for watches and will last 18-36 months under normal use. A great reason to buy a quartz watch is that when the battery dies they can be easily replaced at a low cost. By keeping your watch in good condition and replacing the battery when needed, you can extend the life of your watch by a lifetime.

The other movement that is housed in Movado’s higher end watches is the ETA 2824-2 Swiss automatic movement. This movement has shock protection, quick set date, and a 40 hour power reserve. An automatic watch is powered by the kinetic movement of the wearer’s wrist and will run depending on how often it is being worn.

Automatic movements, if being worn regularly, will need to be serviced every 5-7 years. When servicing an automatic watch, the watchmaker will disassemble the movement, clean it, and put it back together. If your watch is regularly serviced it will last a lifetime. Swiss movements are more intricate and costly to design and service but deliver high accuracy timekeeping and potential to last for many decades.

By offering both quartz analog and Swiss automatic watches, Movado has made it very accessible for watch enthusiasts to buy into the brand at a range of price points. From affordable quartz to fine Swiss movements, your Movado watch has the potential to last a lifetime.

Is Movado Swiss made?

Movado produces a wide range of timepieces. On the fashion watch side of the house Movado utilizes quartz analogs housing Citizen Miyota movements. These movements are usually between $95 to $195 which allows Movado to produce more and have affordable options for watch enthusiasts on a budget. Movado still produces higher end watches that are in the entry level swiss segment. These watches cost up to $2,500 and contain a Swiss automatic movement.

Is Movado a luxury brand?

Movado primarily competes in the “accessible luxury” segment of the watch market. A majority of their timepieces range from $500 to $2,500. This area of the market allows consumers to purchase a timepiece at a comfortable, affordable price but also have access to pieces that are closer to the entry level luxury pricing. Aside from MVMT, Movado also owns seven other fashion watch licenses under brands like Coach, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger.

In the last couple years these fashion watch segments accounted for almost half of their watch sales in total. Most pieces ranging from $75 to $500, these timepieces are categorized under the fashion watch segment of Movado. The goal for Movado was to offer “radically fair prices” to give more accessibility to millennials on a budget.

The brand isn’t afraid to dabble in this segment of the market which takes focus off their luxury pieces and higher end watch production. Movado has created a certain niche in the watch market that allows them to be viewed as a luxury brand to some as well as a fashion watch brand to others.

After comparing the history, strategy, and reputation of both Movado and Tag Heuer, we’ll let you decide which brand is more appropriate for your taste and budget. Both brands have a rich history that allow the wearer to bear a timepiece from a watchmaker that has held strong to the test of time. From affordable quartz watches to fine Swiss pieces, you’ll be sure to find a watch that best fits your needs, style, and budget.