Movado Calendograf ref. 44820, Multi-Tone Silver Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

While it may be hard to imagine based upon their product line today, Movado Factories (yes, that was the full name) once made watches that were beautifully designed, exceptionally-well made, and respected on a level that matched the very best manufacturers. Some of their more sought-after models include the M90 and M95 chronographs of the 1940s - 1970s, the Sub-Sea range, and both time-only and complicated pieces that utilized case designs shared with brands like Patek Philippe, Mido, and DOXA. The piece that we have here, a Calendograf, is one of Movado's many calendar and triple calendar models. Dating to circa the 1950s, it features a 34.5mm 14k yellow gold case with beautiful 'banded' profiles, stylized lugs, 'micro-pushers' on the right case profile, and a snapback caseback. The multi-tone silver inside is as gorgeous as the case and beautfully preserved. There is a very light, warm patina present across the surface with excellent printing throughout, applied gold-tone 'dot' and 'Arabic' indices, and a matching gold-tone 'lance' handset typing it all together. The symmetrical layout of the dial is also wonderful, with the Movado text on the top, day and month apertures flanking the center post, and a running seconds register on the lower half. Of course, this piece is powered by Movado's fantastic in-house Calibre 475 manually-wound movement. Both M95 and M90 chronographs have become extremely coveted by collectors, and its just a patter of time until collectors begin to realize the incredible value that these complicated calendar watches offer. Oh, and this reference with this dial configuration was owned and worn by one Sir Winston Churchill. In our opinion, and we know there are a handful of other dealers and enthusiasts out there that share this viewpoint, there are not many brands that get design this right. Simple as that.