Movado M90 Chronograph

Today, Movado is often associated with its sleek, minimalist Museum Watch — a modern design icon. But from the 1930s through the 1960s, the brand’s reputation rested on something far more formidable: serious watchmaking chops. During those decades, Movado was producing rugged, technically advanced timepieces that could hold their own against the likes of Rolex, Omega, and Longines.

By the mid-1930s, Movado was already experimenting with water-resistant cases, and by the 1960s, its Sub-Sea line had evolved into a full suite of divers and chronographs designed for real-world performance. These were not watches for fashion — they were built to go places, to time things, to be used.

This M90 Chronograph, dating from the mid-century, is one of those gems that reminds you just how good Movado once was. Its 34mm yellow gold case features elegant, multi-stepped lugs — the kind of meticulous detail that’s all but vanished from modern production — along with dual square pushers, an acrylic crystal, and a snap-back case. The silver dial is a showstopper, complete with twin chronograph scales, recessed registers, printed 'stick' indices, and gold 'pencil' hands that glow with quiet confidence.

Under the hood beats Movado’s legendary Calibre M90, a manual-winding chronograph movement notable for its inverted pushers — a delightful quirk where the reset and start/stop functions are reversed. Paired with a leather strap and matching gold-tone pin buckle, this watch effortlessly balances refinement with technical intrigue.

Perfectly proportioned and rich with history, this M90 captures everything we love about vintage chronographs — craftsmanship, charm, and a dash of character. Try it on, and you’ll see why Movado was once among the best in the business.

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.