Movado - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Movado
    Year: Circa 1950
    Reference No: 19038
    Case No: 369
    Model Name: Sub-Sea
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. C 95M, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Movado presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present timepiece illustrates that exceptional condition, timeless style, and outstanding mechanical watchmaking can be obtained without great financial effort. Offered in absolutely untouched condition, the present chronograph wristwatch will impress even the most discriminating vintage watch collector.

    This Movado Sea-Sub chronograph with tachymeter scale is a gem from the golden age of horology. The oversized, 35mm diameter water resistant screw back case was comfortable to wear, and manufactured by the famed Taubert & Fils, who also produced cases for two of Patek Philippe’s most iconic watches, the reference 1463 chronograph, and time only reference 565. In fact, its case is remarkably elaborate - the stepped bezel perfectly frames the dial and amplifies the size of the watch. The sculpted lugs are simply breathtaking. It is important to note how these details are characterized by sharp edges and well defined facets, easily lost by even the lightest polishing. In this instance, instead, the case is flawlessly preserved - as is the dial.

    Movado introduced their first two button chronograph in 1938 with the caliber 90M developed by Frédéric Piguet. The following year, Movado released the caliber 95M like the present watch, which was a three register chronograph with 60 minute subsidiary dial. An unusual convention of the 95M is that unlike most chronographs, the case pushers are reversed so that the start and reset functions through the bottom pusher. Over the years Movado made generational changes to the dial, and the present example from the mid-1950s features the “M” logo directly below the 12 position, and the 60 minute and 12 hour chronograph counters feature Movado’s signature, serpentine hands.

104

Ref. 19038
A fine and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, tachymeter scale and presentation box

Circa 1950
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
$7,000 - 14,000 
CHF6,300-12,600
€5,900-11,800
HK$54,300-109,000

Sold for $18,900

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020