Movado El Primero Chronograph 'TV Case'

Regular price: $5,750
Regular price
Sale price: $5,750
Unit price: per

Automatic-winding

40 MM

– Show less

SKU	AS10843
Article Number	40992480
case size	40 MM
movement	Automatic-winding
approximate age	1970s
dial color	Blue
material	Stainless Steel
style	Chronograph
category	Vintage
bracelet	Metal
Includes	Movado signed, stainless steel integrated bracelet with signed, hook and lock clasp.
overall condition	Good condition overall. Case and bracelet show signs of wear associated with age and use. Dial and handset are in good condition.

Inquire about this item

Automatic-winding

40 MM

– Show less

SKU	AS10843
Article Number	40992480
case size	40 MM
movement	Automatic-winding
approximate age	1970s
dial color	Blue
material	Stainless Steel
style	Chronograph
category	Vintage
bracelet	Metal
Includes	Movado signed, stainless steel integrated bracelet with signed, hook and lock clasp.
overall condition	Good condition overall. Case and bracelet show signs of wear associated with age and use. Dial and handset are in good condition.

Why We Love it

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In the midst of all the horological icons (Speedmasters, GMTs, Cartier Tanks and the like) that we are fortunate enough to handle every day, one of the most rewarding parts of doing what we do is discovering lesser known vintage timepieces and seeing what makes them tick (pun intended!). Most of the time the pieces we come across are less than desirable for one reason or another, but every so often one comes along that simply blows us away, and we can't wait to share it with our colleagues, friends and fellow enthusiasts.

This awesome 1970s Movado chronograph has totally slipped under the radar of most enthusiasts, and while we knew of their existence, we hardly ever see one in the metal.

At least three distinct elements go into making this unusual chronograph an awesome piece worthy of your attention:

Firstly, the design is evocative of the integrated bracelet sports watches common of the era. You have probably heard of some of them (Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur SL). The design is incredibly comfortable to wear and totally 70s, meaning it is very much wearable today.

Secondly, the detailing on the watch is impressive. Comparable to the Heuer Monaco of the era, the 40mm case is substantial and makes for a sizable statement on the wrist. With a gorgeous two-tone blue dial with triple subsidiary registers, angled internal tachymetre scale, diagonally-oriented date window, and "rocker-style" chrono pushers, this is one of those timepieces that is virtually impossible to stop looking at and playing with on your wrist.

Finally, the movement inside this piece is none other than the legendary El Primero by Zenith. One of the world's first automatic chronograph units, the El Primero is a high-beat mechanical movement that is still in use today. Launched in 1969, Zenith made their movements available to a few other manufactures. Back in the day Movado was one of the premier watchmakers, and selected some impressive movements for their line. "Off-Brand" timepieces are often a great value for collectors, and this is no exception.

Early El Primero powered chronographs are incredibly hot on the market, yet this one slips under the radar.

Brand Story

While Movado is now best known as a producer of fashion watches like the Museum Watch, Movado's roots go much deeper than that. The company’s history reaches all the way back to 1881, when watchmaker Achilles Ditesheim opened a workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds. His brothers Léopold and Isidore joined him in 1886.

Production from that point on proved how true the name brand was—it means "always in motion" in Esperanto. Throughout the 20th century Movado produced incredible mechanical timepieces. They gained notoriety for the sophistication of the equipment and technology they employed, including electric tools.

Unlike many of their counterparts, Movado's movements were designed and manufactured in-house.

In the late 1960s, they were acquired by Zenith, and enjoyed perhaps their greatest period of success as the subsidiary of that brand. Their chronographs (which used the famous Zenith El Primero movement), particularly, were successful sellers. But the extent of their offerings didn’t end there. They also made killer dress watches like the one we have here.

A:S Guarantee

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.