Today’s offering presents an interesting, significant, and increasingly difficult-to-find Movado Hermetic wristwatch, produced circa the 1920s, during the formative years of waterproof wristwatch development. This example remains original, preserving the design, construction, and materials that define early hermetic case experimentation.

During the early twentieth century, dust and water were among the greatest enemies of wristwatches. Before modern gaskets and compression systems were perfected, manufacturers experimented with fully sealed case architectures in an effort to protect delicate movements.

Among the most advanced of these early solutions were fully hermetic designs, in which the movement was enclosed within a sealed inner case and further protected by an outer, screw-secured shell. This Movado employs exactly such a system. Its screw-down bezel forms an integral part of the sealing mechanism, creating a jar-like closure that compresses the case components together to resist dust and water ingress. Unlike later partial solutions, this was a true attempt at full environmental isolation - a concept that would directly inform the next generation of waterproof cases.

This was decades before the tool watch era of dive watches. Fully hermetic watches were precursor to icons that ultimately took waterproof ratings to deep depths like the Rolex Submariner or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms that followed.

During this same period, multiple manufacturers were racing to solve the problem of waterproofing, often arriving at different technical solutions simultaneously. Case makers such as François Borgel (FB) were supplying hermetic constructions to a variety of brands, while Rolex was pursuing its own path toward what would ultimately become the Oyster case. Movado’s Hermetic belongs squarely within this competitive moment - a parallel solution developed during the same era, reflecting the industry-wide push toward sealed, dust- and water-resistant wristwatches before any single standard emerged.

Within only a few years, these early hermetic approaches would be eclipsed by newer systems - most notably the Oyster case patented in 1926 - making surviving hermetic watches like this Movado especially scarce today.

It was a “bridge watch” connecting the simplicity and refinement of the 1920's with the tool-watch DNA of the mid-20th century.

This example shows authenticity and character with its imperfections - signs of use and honest patina of a watch that truly lived its purpose - while still remaining in good condition.

In person, the crystal does not look cloudly like the photos seem to suggest. The inner mineral glass crystal has a few scratches on it. Please inquire if you would like it replaced - it could easily be done.

One of our watchmakers has cleaned and oiled the movement and adjusted the hairspring. We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn - it is keeping accurate time.

For the finishing touch, it comes equipped with a new leather strap designed for fixed lug watches making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

The Movado full hermetic was built for an age of innovation between the wars, when explorers and adventure seekers need watches as robust as their aspirations. With its elegant Art Deco styling and pioneering caes design, this 1920's example captures the spirit of adventure that defined its time.

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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Movado:

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 very fine watchmakers.

Maker: Movado
Country of manufacture: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1920's
Case no.: 190,847
Model: Hermetic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Nickel
Case condition: This example shows authenticity and character with its imperfections - signs of use and honest patina of a watch that truly lived its purpose - while still remaining in good condition.
Dial: Silvered, applied gold Arabic Breguet numerals, outer minute track with gilt dot markers, subsidiary seconds at 6, signed Movado. original and untouched, warmed to sepia. Please inquire if you'd like it professionally restored
Dimensions: 32mm diameter (excluding crown), 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Gold "cathedrals"
Movement type: Movado, manually wound, nickel plated, 15 jewels, lever escapement, four adjustements, index regulator
Band: Leather, fully stitched, remborde, designed for fixed lug watches, brand new and unworn
Crystals: Outer - acrylic, excellent condition; inner - mineral glass. The inner mineral glass crystal has a few scratches on it. Please inquire if you would like it replaced - it could easily be done.
Serviced: One of our watchmakers has cleaned and oiled the movement and adjusted the hairspring. We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn - it is keeping accurate time.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn - it is keeping accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done work for the Cartier Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price. Simply notify us and send it back anytime within 30 days after it has been received. Our goal is to exceed your expectations throughout the buying experience. View our feedback and shop with confidence.
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

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