Movado Super Sub Sea Chronograph (Ref. 206-704-501), 1960s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Although Movado today is probably best associated with the Bauhaus-inspired "Museum Watch" (the one with the plain dial and a big dot at 12 o'clock), the brand has been producing watches since the late 1800s and was at one time the beloved sister brand to Zenith. Over the years, they've produced everything from simple, beautiful dress and field watches to incredible tool watches, including the 1960s-era Super Sub Sea models, which put a chronograph in a waterproof case with a rotating dive bezel. Super Sub Sea models like this one are the most sought-after in the vintage Movado dive watch line-up. It features the impressive 17-jewel Zenith 146-HP movement, which is also used in a variety of other chronographs from this era, and was the last manual wind movement caliber by Zenith-Movado before the introduction of the automatic El Primero movement. This particular model is in incredible condition, from the crisp lines to the rich bezel, the flawless dial to the super cool Zenith-signed ladder-style bracelet. It's one of those under-the-radar pieces that really deserves its time in the spotlight. SPECS Stock # MOVSSS206704501 Brand Movado Style Diving Chronograph Model 206-704-501 Serial 7XX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 40.5 Bracelet Zenith / Gay-Freres 'Ladder-Link' Diving Bracelet W/ MB End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The case is in exceptional condition, exhibiting honest signs of use with the original chamfers and dimensions fully present. It features its original Movado-signed crown and dual pump pushers. The case back shows signs of wear commensurate with the watch's age, but the factory markings and medallion are still crisp and legible. The bezel is remarkably well-preserved and has taken on a stunning charcoal gray coloration, doesn't show any scratching or blemishing, and retains its original tritium pearl. The watch is supplied on its extremely rare and potentially original Zenith-signed Gay-Freres ladder-link diving bracelet with MB end pieces, which remains in wonderful condition showing very minimal stretch with 12 links that will fit up to an 8-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The striking "Reverse Panda" dial remains in virtually perfect original condition showing no blemishing or imperfections. The tritium lume on the dial and within the original dauphine-style hands shows no visible degradation when viewed under UV light and have taken on a wonderful matching golden-yellow patina. The hands within the sub-dials have been blued, and are in equally excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.