Movada have won more than 100 patents and more than 200 international awards but who are they?  If we tell you that they are a Swiss company…that narrows it down to Banks, chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks.  The last one is the nearest – they are high-end watchmakers.

What does Movado mean?

Movado is an Esperanto word.  Esperanto is an ‘international’ language and the word Movada means ‘always in motion’.

The beginning of Movado

Movado was started in 1881 in a small village called La Chaux-de-Fonds.  It was founded by a 19 year old pocket watchmaker called Achille Ditesheim.  His philosophy was that all Movado watches should display excellence in design, dedication to Swiss craftsmanship and the quest for technological innovation. As his success grew, he hired six assistants and from that boy with a dream, an international company grew and they still hold Ditesheim’s philosophy today.

Innovative designs from Movado

• In 1912, Movado produced a watch called Polyplan.  It had a never-before-seen movement which was built on three planes so that it could fit into a case which was curved to wrap neatly around the wrist.
• During WWI, Movado produced ‘The Soldier’s Watch’ which had an elegant and yet protective grille over the face.
• In 1927 they produced the ‘Ermeto’.  This beautiful pocket watch was unusual because it was shaped like a capsule.  It was wound by the sliding movement made by its’ case.
• The 1950’s saw the ‘Kingmatic’ series of automatic watches that were driven by rotors.
• Famous exponents of fine art became involved in the development of the ‘Artist’s Series’.
• Probably the most famous Movado is the Museum® Watch with its’ legendary trademark dial.

The Museum Watch®

This Icon of Modernism was designed by an artist called Nathan George Horwitt in 1947.  His design was influenced by Bauhaus and featured a single large dot at the twelve o’clock position, signifying ‘high’ noon as shown on a sundial.  In 1960, the watch dial was chosen to be on permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York – the first watch dial to be awarded this honor.  That is why it is called the Museum Watch and it was so sought after that it spawned an entire collection.

Since then, many Movado watches have found their way into more than twenty permanent collections in museums all over the world.

What’s so special about Movado watches?

Since its’ humble beginnings, Movado has stayed at the forefront of design, amazing craftsmanship and the newest technology.  Movada watches stay accurate to within seconds per year.  They are all sealed to protect them from water, moisture and dust – all of which could damage the movements.  They are all individually tested to make sure that they meet high international quality standards.

Do Movado only make watches?

No – they now have a jewelry collection featuring diamonds with 114 facets, jewelry made with 18 carat gold, diamonds, sterling silver and gemstones, pens, personal accessories and clocks.  Movado produce a seasonal catalogue and there are more than twenty five Movado Boutiques in the United States.

Get a Movado watch…

Movado watches are high-end and consequently costly but it is possible to get hold of an affordable one if you shop around.

Let’s take a look at a lady’s watch – the

Amorosa Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch by Movado

This beautifully elegant watch features the signature Movado Museum dial in black with gold Dauphine hands and Horwitt’s classic concave dot at the twelve o’clock position.

The black dial is housed in a silver colored stainless steel case measuring 24 mm across and framed by a round silver colored steel bezel.  The dial is further set off against the background of two tones of highly polished stainless steel.

The watch is set on a highly polished steel bangle bracelet accented in gold tones.  The bracelet measures 6.5 inches and features removable links to ensure a perfect fit.  It fastens with a jewelry clasp.

The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters and consequently can survive splashes and very brief immersion in water – but it is not water resistant enough for prolonged immersion or to be worn while bathing or swimming.

This watch is also available in stainless steel plated with 18 carat gold and is available with diamonds.

It features a Swiss quartz movement.

How do I know if I’ve got a fake?

A search for ‘Movida’ brings up many pages of companies selling Movida watches and many are confessed replicas.  But how can you tell if the Movida watch that you have bought in good faith as an original – is an original and not a fake?

1.  Look at the wording on the face of the watch.  The word ‘Movida’ should be all in capital letters.  A true Movado will have the words “Swiss Movado Made” or “Swiss Made”.  Anything other than those would denote a fake.  Many fakes say “Swiss Movado Quartz”.  Because many fake watches are made in foreign countries, it is likely that fakes will have spelling and / or grammatical errors.

2.  Remove the back cover and look for the Movado logo on the inside.  A real Movado will have the logo and the word ‘Movado’ in capital letters on the inside.

3.  Movida are not able to verify or determine authenticity from a serial number, style number or model number. If you didn’t buy your watch from an Authorized Retailer, they cannot verify authenticity without physically examining your watch.  When you purchase a Movida watch, it should be accompanied by an embossed warranty card that contains the Authorized Retailer’s name.

If you would like Movida to examine your watch for authenticity, please download, complete and send a Repair and Service Request Form along with your watch to them for examination.

4.  Bear in mind that a real Movado watch will never cost you less than $250.  Anyone charging less than that is probably selling you a fake.

A timeless classic

A Movida watch will bring you endless pleasure for many years so although they are costly, they are well worth the money.  Go on…you’re worth it!