During Movado's glorious period from 1912 through the 1950's, when such innovations as the polyplan movement, Calendomatic, and exceptional in-house chronographs pushed the envelope of horological technology, and original designs such as the Museum watch took their place in history, their wristwatches enjoyed a level of prestige reserved only for works of the finest watchmakers.

The gorgeously elegant Movado Kingmatic watch showcased in today's offering is a prime example of one of these wristwatches. Its case has masculine elegance with long lugs and a robust feel and was made for the English market.

Its dial has a "roulette" date wheel that alternates between red and black, like what you find on a few desirable early Rolex Datejust models.

It is full size, measuring 35mm in diameter by 43mm long, in between the sizes of the Rolex Date and the Datejust models. The thickness of its waterproof style screw back case also gives it a bit of a bigger presence on the wrist than its diameter would suggest.

For the engine , Movado used its very fine "in-house" Cal. 438 movement made at the company's workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the company's first automatic movements. It is a so-called "hammer" or "bumper" movement so named because of the large rotor that oscillates back and forth to wind the watch but is not allowed to rotate 360 degrees so "bumps" back and forth.

Its very classic silver dial nicely complements the style of the rest of the watch, and has warmed to a light sepia tone giving it a true vintage look. Besides its fine movement, wonderful all-original condition, and original box, we were drawn to this watch's timeless elegance - the watch's design felt to us like it could be of an automatic Patek Philippe from the '50's.

We were fortunate to acquire it with 100% original parts down to the original box.

Its beautiful case made for Movado by the esteemed English case maker David Shackman and Sons, is near mint and crisp, never having been significantly polished. We chose to leave it that way, but if you are so inclined a light expertly done polish could make the watch present as close to mint.

Its untouched dial shows only light aging. And its well-made movement is clean and keeping accurate time. Photos of the inside available upon request.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to the watch's performance.

Please note: A published example of this model can be found in Fritz von Osterhausen's work The Movado History, 1996

• Manufacturer: Movado
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the English market
• Year made: c. 1950's
• Model: Kingmatic Calendar
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Date, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K gold
• Case condition: Near mint plus with only light wear. Nice details that have never been significantly polished. We chose to leave it that way, but if you are so inclined a light expertly done polish could make the watch present as close to mint.
• Case markings (inside): D.S. & S. for David Shackman and Sons, English casemaker for Movado, English hallmarks, 18K
• Dial: Silver now warmed to a sepia tone, date alternates between red and black numbers, signed Movado, automatic, gold Arabic and faceted dart markers, original and untouched
• Hands: Original, gold, "lances"
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide