Is Movado a good watch? They’ve been called fashion watches, but the prices don’t reflect this. Many consider them affordable luxury. Let’s navigate these confusing waters.
Movado is an interesting watch brand. I wouldn’t call them controversial, per se. However, go on and ask anyone, say the internet, the question, “Are Movado watches good?” You’ll inevitably get a wide range of answers.
Isn’t that the definition of controversial, though? I’d say no. If it were split down the middle, with 50% saying definitely yes and 50% saying absolutely not, that’s controversy. With Movado, though, the answers are conditional, with many levels and gray areas.
That’s why, when it comes to deciphering their quality and whether or not they’re for you, they’re tough to figure out. Until now, that is. Movado is known for its relationship with the art world.
I’ve worked in the commercial art industry and with luxury auction houses for over a decade. If you’re looking to elevate your style, read about how to buy your first luxury watch and make a lasting impression. So, here’s everything you need to know, starting with a straightforward answer to the question at hand.
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A Little History
Movado actually has a pretty rich history. They were founded in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Entrepreneur Achilles Ditesheim put together six watchmakers and opened a watch workshop.
They operated under the name L.A.&L. Ditesheim until 1905. This was when they changed their name to Movado, which means “always in motion” in Esperanto.
In 1947, Nathan George Horwitt created the Movado Museum Watch. As mentioned, it’s in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. When it was inducted in 1960, it was the first watch dial in history to be accepted into MOMA’s collection.
So, even today, Movado may arguably focus more on design than horological innovation. However, I’d consider many of their design and artistic feats innovations of their own. After all, in watchmaking, design and function are inextricably related.
The Movado Group was established in 1983. Movado is now the namesake brand in a family of watchmakers.
Scuderia Ferrari, budget brand MVMT, and watch branches from fashion goods brands like Tommy Hilfiger are also part of the Movado Group. Today, you can basically find any kind of Movado men’s wrist watch.
Shinola Detroit, known for its craftsmanship, rivals Movado watches in style and quality, offering unique timepieces that celebrate American manufacturing.
Are Movados Good Watches?
Regardless of your opinion on Movado, they undeniably check several boxes on what makes a “good” watch brand. They have at least one icon (the Museum Watch). They offer Swiss-made watches, and as such, they also generally offer solid construction.
And finally, they boast an individual brand identity — their relationship with the art world makes them the “art watch brand” in a way. If all of this is important to you (and you like their designs), then yes.
They make good watches. And yes, you can find a timepiece in their range that’s well worth the price.
However, is there definitely an upcharge for that brand specialty that isn’t worth it for many? Absolutely, 100%. Can they sell these watches for a lot less than they do? Yes. Every brand can sell their watches for less than they do.
Moreover, while they make automatic watches, they aren’t known for them. In fact, they source their calibers, both quartz and mechanical, from ETA. So feel free to take points off for that if you think it’s important.
Movado also boasts 100 patents and several design awards on the construction front. Sure, it’s not the almost 3,000 patents that Rolex has. But you’re also not paying $10,000 for an entry-level Movado.
A Movado dress watch, with its sleek design and minimalist dial, is the perfect accessory for any formal occasion, adding elegance to your outfit.
Movado and Art
Of course, their most iconic watch is the Movado Museum Watch. It’s a weird watch in that you can’t really tell time on it, making it more of a style accessory.
Those who believe that practicality is an integral part of what makes a good watch brand would deduce more points for this.
Still, it was designed by Nathan George Horwitt, an artist who explored the concept of time as design. The design is in the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. And Movado is featured in over 20 museums around the world.
In addition, they collaborate with contemporary artists. Andy Warhol designed a timepiece for them in the ‘80s, as did mid-aughts contemporary art star Kenny Scharf.
Perhaps Movado isn’t in the luxury watch brands category, as a rule. However, I can see how many would classify them as “accessible luxury.” They essentially offer pieces that are the equivalent of a fine art print.
A Range of Movado Men’s Wrist Watch Options
One thing Movado has going for them is that they’ve dipped into every watch category.
Want an automatic diver that’s also a chronograph? The Alta Super Sub Sea is a great option. Or, to save several thousand dollars, you can go for something in the Series 800. They’re premium-built, with sapphires and top-notch water resistance.
And they come in a range of colorways, with or without a chronograph. They even have a smart health-tracker watch. The Movado Connect utilizes Google’s OS Wear technology.
Do you love that Museum Watch but wish it were sportier? Check out the Museum Sport Line. Wish it was automatic? No problem—there’s the Museum Classic with a Swiss ETA movement.
Movado Bold Watch
I also want to highlight their collection of Movado Bold watches. They’re a minimal, modern, and clean subline with a youthful and, dare I say, hip vibe. They’re a bit like Swatch but sleeker and less polymer-focused.
I wanted to spotlight this line to show how well Movado does minimalism. They can do a lot with so little.
Even more, fashion designer Chris Benz developed a fashion-forward Bold line. It featured fun, lively colors and a melted-looking 12 o’clock marker.
The Essential Black Movado Watch
Black and gold are the colors most associated with the brand. This is likely because the classic Museum Watch features a black dial with gold accents.
Monochrome watches can often look one-dimensional, and all-black watches can obscure a timepiece’s aesthetics. However, due to their design-forward nature, I think Movados look sleek and commanding in black.
The all-black Movado Face, for example, features a textured dial against slick accents. The 12 marker, hands, and case have a fascinating look that sits somewhere between matte and shiny.
Plus, the construction includes black-ion plating for added hardness, so it’s as functional as it is stylish.
The luxurious Movado Bold Evolution utilizes a dynamic silhouette, textures, and shades of black to create dimensionality. The lacquer beautifully contrasts with the ceramic bracelet, which, since it’s ceramic, delivers a deep, non-murky onyx hue.
Meanwhile, the crystal pavé 12 marker adds a little sparkle without going full gauche.
Gold Movado Watches
All-black watches often drown out details, so all-gold watches can look quite loud. However, while all-gold Movados are undeniably shiny, their inherently minimal aesthetic brings balance to the palette.
Look at the gold Movado Face. It takes the neat and modern Museum Watch design and levels it up with sleek lugs and a Milanese bracelet.
I also love their Movado Bold Verso chronograph. A uniquely all-gold sport watch, there’s something Deco-meets-industrial about the multi-surfaced bracelet and lugs. The silky sunray dial complements the sportier dial details while also upping their legibility.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Movado watches!
Is Movado Considered a High-End Watch?
A Movado watch isn’t high luxury, but many consider it accessible luxury. This is because of their solid Swiss construction, upper mid-tier prices, and iconic Museum Watch design.
Is Movado Entry Level?
Yes, Movado watches range from general entry-level (a $300 quartz, for example) to entry-level luxury (a $4,000 Swiss sport watch).
What Makes Movado Watches Special?
Movado offers well-made Swiss-made watches. Their signature Museum Watch is a genuine piece of art, the design of which is in museums worldwide.
Conclusion: More Than a Fashion Watch
So, are Movado watches good? In my opinion, yes. Few watch brands can boast of having a decades-lasting icon in their range.
While many of their cheaper pieces can be considered “mall watches” or “fashion watches,” their Swiss-made status undeniably elevates them.
Questions? Comments? How do you feel about Movado watches?
I’ve been eyeing a Movado watch for a while now, and this post has really helped me make up my mind. I love the fact that they’re known for their precision and durability, and the brand history is fascinating. I think I’ll definitely be making a purchase soon!