Movado Kingmatic S 'Explorer Dial'

A time-only Movado from the 1950s or 60s — really any mechanical Movado from the 1950s or 60s for that matter — offers a ton of value in the watch world. 

Movado, established in 1881, made some of the finest time-only and complicated watches of the 20th century. Their famed triple-calendar watches of the 1940s and ‘50s and Super Sub Sea chronographs from the 1960s are highly sought after by collectors, and for good reason — combining high-quality movements with attractive design, they’re the type of timepieces that draw people headfirst into the horological world.

This piece could easily be mistaken for a vintage Rolex explorer, but it actually has Movado Kingmatic cool behind it. The dial has patinated beautifully, with nicely intact lume and a classic Mercedes handset. If this watch were a Rolex, it would cost quite a bit more, and it would be less rare! This watch is a really awesome piece of Movado history, and we are excited to offer it for you here in the shop.

Svelte and handsome, this is a beautiful watch for someone who’s gone deep down the horological rabbit hole.

Snag it now!

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.

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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.

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.