Movado M90 Chronograph

Today, Movado is probably best known for producing accessibly-priced fashion watches such as the always-popular Museum Watch collection. But from the 1930s through the 1960s, Movado was producing tough, purpose-driven timepieces that stood up against anything being produced by the larger, more well known brands.

The company released water-resistant wristwatches as early as 1935, and by the 1960s was producing dive watches to compete with the era's better known offerings from companies such as Rolex or Omega. The Sub-Sea range consisted of divers and chronographs alike, with plenty of variety in case size, dials, and movement offerings.

Dating to mid century, this M90 Chronograph is an absolute gem of a piece to rival the best. Housed in a 35mm yellow gold case with dual chrono pushers, an acrylic crystal, and a snap-on caseback, it features a lovely brushed silver dial with twin chronograph scales outbound and inbound, printed Breguet numerals, recessed chronograph totalizers, and patina to the stars.

One of the most beautiful details on this piece is its lovely multi-stepped case, a hallmark of high quality vintage case construction--- a detail most brands overlook in the modern era, but that really do wonders to elevate the aesthetic of a watch.

Powered by the brand's famed Calibre M90 manual-winding chronograph movement, this piece is the two-register alternative to the M95. These movements have inverted chronograph pushers, meaning that the reset and stop/start are flipped on these vintage pieces. It comes paired to a leather strap with a gold pin buckle-- just as it should. Perfectly sized for both men and women and beautifully preserved, this gorgeous chronograph combines 1940s aesthetics with 1960s technology in a package that still looks modern today.

Try it on for size, and we're sure you'll agree!

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.

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.

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.