Movado "UFO" Dress Watch 18K YG (Ref. 1794) 'Cal. 150MN', 1930s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

In the world of vintage watches, few brands better illustrate the contrast between past prestige and modern perception than Movado. During the early-to-mid 20th century, Movado stood shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe, competing not only in technical innovation but also in design excellence. The brand’s influence on modern watchmaking remains undeniable, and pieces such as this 1930s Movado “UFO” Dress Watch perfectly capture the refined creativity and manufacturing prowess that once defined the maison. With its sculptural, rounded case and elegant proportions, the ref. 1794 embodies the bold yet restrained Art Deco-inspired styling that made Movado one of the era’s most respected manufacturers. Housed in an elegant 18K yellow gold case, this ref. 1794 was manufactured by the famed casemaker Favre & Perret of La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the most prestigious case manufacturers of the period. Favre & Perret would later go on to produce cases for some of the most celebrated watches ever made, including the Rolex “Padellone” ref. 8171, early Patek Philippe ref. 3940 models, and even the early cases for the ref. 3700 Nautilus. That pedigree is immediately evident here, with the watch’s beautifully executed “UFO” case profile offering an unmistakably sophisticated wrist presence that feels decades ahead of its time. Powering the watch is Movado’s in-house Cal. 150MN movement, a testament to the brand’s commitment to producing reliable, high-grade calibers entirely under their own roof. Altogether, this remarkable timepiece serves as a compelling reminder that vintage Movado was once among the very best in Swiss watchmaking. SPECS Stock # MOVUFO1794 Brand Movado Style Dress Watch "UFO" Model 1794 Serial 15XXXX Size Men's/ Unisex Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Silver "Aged" Millimeters 32 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The charming, nearly perfectly circular 18K yellow gold case is in wonderful condition, showing some gentle wear and light evidence of past polishing. The crown is believed to be an early replacement, but it matches the overall aesthetic of the watch perfectly. The fixed strap bars remain in excellent condition. The watch comes supplied on a dark brown leather strap. Please note that due to the fixed strap bars, the strap is also fixed to the watch and can only be replaced with another permanent-style strap. DIAL & HANDS The original cream colored dial with raised markers provides a fantastic vintage aesthetic through its earm wear and patina, showing some light marks and a speckeled staining throughout, but with no major damage present. Completing the watch, the blued steel hands offer a welcomed cool-contrast to the overall warm-toned watch, and remain in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.