Movado Astronic HS 360 Triple Calendar Chronograph

The El Primero you weren’t looking for—but probably should be!

Spend enough time around vintage chronographs, and you quickly realize a truth collectors rarely admit: some of the most compelling pieces aren’t the ones everyone is hunting, but the ones quietly sitting just off-center. The Movado Astronic HS 360 is exactly that—an El Primero in everything but name, wrapped in a design that channels seventies futurism and solid mechanical pedigree.

Created during the period when Movado and Zenith shared the MZM holding company, the Astronic benefited from a free exchange of components and calibers. Inside beats the Calibre 3019PHF, a high-beat automatic chronograph with triple-calendar and moonphase complication—the same mechanical architecture that powered Zenith’s Espada, differentiated mainly through jewel count and branding. Ongoing trademark issues with Zenith television in the U.S. meant Movado often became the default brand for Stateside distribution, leading to American-market pieces fitted with 17-jewel versions to reduce import duties. The result is a watch that shares the soul and specs of a Zenith, but with a slightly different suit of clothes.

Aesthetically, the Astronic is full of that irresistible seventies charm: a 38mm stainless steel case, a crisp silver dial with applied markers, an outer minute track, and hands that look like they were borrowed from a retro instrumentation panel. The date window between four and five keeps the dial lively without overloading it. Completing the picture is a wonderfully chunky big-link steel bracelet from the era, secured with a Movado signed, fold-over clasp and safety. Mineral crystal up top, steel caseback at the rear—plus that unmistakable high-beat, Zenith El Primero Calibre 3019, heartbeat inside. You easily call this the most complicated El Primero ever made, which makes this piece incredibly special!

For collectors who appreciate the deep-cut corners of chronograph history, the Movado Astronic HS 360 remains a sharp, savvy way to get into high-complication El Primero territory. A sleeper? Absolutely. But one that rewards anyone paying attention.

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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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.