Movado Watches

Founded

1881

Headquarters

Paramus, NJ and Bienne, Switzerland

Average MSRP:

Movado sells watches from $395 to $3,995.

Website:

https://www.movado.com/us/en/home

Movado Logo

Brief History of Movado

 

Achilles Ditesheim founded Movado in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Ditesheim was 19 with six watchmakers under his guidance. He called his watch brand Movado, which means “always in motion.” Over the years, Movado revolutionized the watch market. First, with a Polyplan watch design, a sliding case closure, the first self-winding calendar watch, and the first automatic chronograph movement. 

Movado is a brand rich in history and innovation and has received several accolades. In 1947, Nathan George Horwitt designed Movado’s iconic Museum Dial. The minimalistic design of shiny hands on a solid dial and a solid circle at the 12 stands is evergreen. It’s one of the most popular Movado styles today. In 1960, the Museum of Modern Art in New York placed the Museum Dial timepiece in its permanent collection. It’s the first watch accepted into MoMA.

Why We Love Movado

You’re not just wearing a watch when you purchase and wear Movado. You’re wearing a piece of art. It’s one of the reasons why we love Movado. Additionally, the brand has various styles, so a timepiece is accessible to most regardless of price and functionality needs. 

Switzerland is renowned for watchmaking. Movado watches stay true to the country’s high standards of craftsmanship and performance. Each watch purchased from an authorized retailer comes with a two-year warranty. Movado also offers an additional extended warranty for extra coverage. You can rest assured that Movado will take care of your investment if anything happens.

Our Favorite Movado Watches

There are various Movado watches available based on your budget and functionality needs. Here are our favorite Movado watch models at different price points across the brand’s offerings. 

Movado Museum Classic watch with black face, black leather strap and silver metal accents.

TSW Budget Pick: Movado Museum Classic – $595

The Movado Museum Classic is the quintessential Movado watch. When you think of Movado, this is the watch cataloged in your memory. It has a sleek design that takes you from work to happy hour. The Museum Classic’s exterior features a sapphire crystal fabrication, a 40mm stainless steel case, and a black calfskin strap. You’ll find a Swiss quartz movement and 30m of water resistance inside. 

You’re in luck if you’re looking for something other than this classic black and silver pairing. This style comes in a variety of strap, dial and case colors. You can also add personalization with in-house engraving at an additional cost. 

A Movado Bold Verso watch with blue stainless steel case and strap and black face.

TSW Mid-Price Pick: Movado Bold Verso – $995

If you’re looking for a modern, stylish and unique timepiece, look no further than the Movado Bold Verso. The navy blue and black color combination is striking and unexpected. This Verso option is extremely versatile. This watch covers you whether you are expanding your watch collection or choosing one to wear with everything. Movado defines its Bold line as a “modern, minimalistic aesthetic with a confident twist.” That’s precisely what our pick is. 

It features a large 42mm blue ceramic and black ion-plated stainless steel case. Inside, you’ll find a reliable Movado Swiss movement and 5 ATM water resistance. This means you can wear it for a light swim or in the shower. It will withstand water pressure up to 50 meters.

Movado Alta SE Automatic Chronograph watch with stainless steel and gold case, and black face with gold accents.

TSW Splurge Pick: Movado Alta SE Automatic Chronograph – $3,995

Have you always wanted a Movado watch and want to splurge? The Movado Alta SE Automatic Chronograph has all the bells and whistles. This watch’s styling is modern yet slightly reminiscent of the past. Silver and gold stainless steel and the grey dial are the perfect combination. This piece has a chronograph dial with three subdials and an exhibition case back to take a peek at the movement. 

Movado powers the Alta SE Automatic Chronograph with a 146A movement. It provides a 62-hour power reserve to keep your watch running on its own. Automatic movement aside, this watch also features 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal fabrication on a 43mm case.

 

FAQs About Movado Watches

If you have questions about Movado watches, we have your answers. Here are your most common queries regarding Movado watches.

Is Movado Considered a Luxury Watch?

Whether Movado is a luxury watch or not is subjective.  Some watch collectors deem a watch luxury if a timepiece is exclusive in availability and pricing. Others consider a watch luxury if constructed with master craftsmanship. Movado is considered a luxury watch under these conditions:

  • It features Swiss-made quality with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. 
  • Movado’s timepieces are timeless. Specifically, the Museum dial is iconic and has luxury appeal. 
  • The price point is luxury-accessible. Some watches are as inexpensive as $395. However, others graze the $4,000 price point.

How Much is a Movado Watch Worth?

The value of a Movado watch differs greatly. You have to consider the model, materials, movement, condition and market demand. Some of the most valued Movado watches are vintage or from their limited edition series.

Are Movado Watches Still Good?

Yes. Movado is a good watch brand. It’s a reputable and respectable brand that stands the test of time.

Is Movado Swiss or American?

The Movado timepiece stays true to its history and is made in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. However, components like watch straps may be outsourced.