For sale is a captivating Vintage Movado Manual Wind "Non-Magnetic," a timepiece that hails from the brand's absolute zenith in the mid-20th century. To understand this watch, one must pivot away from the modern perception of Movado as a fashion-mall brand and recognize that during this era, Movado was a serious Swiss manufacture. This is proven by the presence of its legendary François Borgel (FB) case. Borgel was the renowned case maker who supplied waterproof cases to the "Holy Trinity" of watchmaking, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. This watch is not just a timekeeper; it is a piece of high-horology history that rivals the quality of the world’s most expensive vintage watches.
Housed in this historically significant 30mm steel case, the watch is a masterclass in understated elegance and vintage character. While the pedigree of the case is undeniable, the dial is equally striking. It features a stunning cream colored face that has developed a uniform, speckled patina over 70+ years, creating a texture that feels organic and impossible to replicate. The dial is anchored by shimmering gilt Roman numerals and hour markers. While they catch the light with the intensity of applied gold, they are actually rendered in a high-gloss gilt foil finish. This technique allows the markers to "shimmer" flush against the dial, adding a sophisticated depth that standard printing cannot achieve.
Key Features:
Brand: Movado
Era: Late 1940s / Early 1950s
Size: 30mm (Classic "Gentleman's Standard" of the era, now a perfect Unisex or Dress size)
Case Style:Francois Borgel classic round case with straight lugs
Dial: Champagne tone with heavy "Stardust" / Tropical patina
Markers: High-shine Gilt / "Foil" effect Roman numerals and batons (flat but light-catching)
Hands: Gold-tone baton style hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical (In-House Movado)
Tech: "Non-Magnetic" (Anti-magnetic hairspring alloy)
Why Collectors Love It:
This watch represents a "value sleeper" in the vintage market. It offers the high-horology pedigree of a top-tier Swiss house featuring a Borgel case from the 1940s at a very accessible price point. Collectors are drawn to the honesty of the patina; the "stardust" effect confirms the watch's age and gives it a one-of-a-kind personality that proves it has lived a life. Furthermore, the 30mm size, once the standard for men, has found a modern renaissance as a sophisticated unisex choice, perfect for men who prefer the subtle "Mad Men" dress aesthetic or women seeking a mechanical vintage piece with history. This is not a re-issue; it is a genuine survivor from Movado's best years.
Return Policy
All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
For sale is a captivating Vintage Movado Manual Wind "Non-Magnetic," a timepiece that hails from the brand's absolute zenith in the mid-20th century. To understand this watch, one must pivot away from the modern perception of Movado as a fashion-mall brand and recognize that during this era, Movado was a serious Swiss manufacture. This is proven by the presence of its legendary François Borgel (FB) case. Borgel was the renowned case maker who supplied waterproof cases to the "Holy Trinity" of watchmaking, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. This watch is not just a timekeeper; it is a piece of high-horology history that rivals the quality of the world’s most expensive vintage watches.
Housed in this historically significant 30mm steel case, the watch is a masterclass in understated elegance and vintage character. While the pedigree of the case is undeniable, the dial is equally striking. It features a stunning cream colored face that has developed a uniform, speckled patina over 70+ years, creating a texture that feels organic and impossible to replicate. The dial is anchored by shimmering gilt Roman numerals and hour markers. While they catch the light with the intensity of applied gold, they are actually rendered in a high-gloss gilt foil finish. This technique allows the markers to "shimmer" flush against the dial, adding a sophisticated depth that standard printing cannot achieve.
Key Features:
Brand: Movado
Era: Late 1940s / Early 1950s
Size: 30mm (Classic "Gentleman's Standard" of the era, now a perfect Unisex or Dress size)
Case Style:Francois Borgel classic round case with straight lugs
Dial: Champagne tone with heavy "Stardust" / Tropical patina
Markers: High-shine Gilt / "Foil" effect Roman numerals and batons (flat but light-catching)
Hands: Gold-tone baton style hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical (In-House Movado)
Tech: "Non-Magnetic" (Anti-magnetic hairspring alloy)
Why Collectors Love It:
This watch represents a "value sleeper" in the vintage market. It offers the high-horology pedigree of a top-tier Swiss house featuring a Borgel case from the 1940s at a very accessible price point. Collectors are drawn to the honesty of the patina; the "stardust" effect confirms the watch's age and gives it a one-of-a-kind personality that proves it has lived a life. Furthermore, the 30mm size, once the standard for men, has found a modern renaissance as a sophisticated unisex choice, perfect for men who prefer the subtle "Mad Men" dress aesthetic or women seeking a mechanical vintage piece with history. This is not a re-issue; it is a genuine survivor from Movado's best years.
Return Policy
All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
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