Vintage Movado Chronograph Collector's Guide

Subexplorer · 2024-09-03T19:09:57Z

Explore the vintage Movado chronograph reference 49038, featuring the in-house 95M movement. Discover why these 1940s timepieces are gaining collector attention.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies2758 views9 photos

Subexplorer, a seasoned collector, shares his latest acquisition: a vintage Movado chronograph reference 49038. His post highlights the brand's exquisite craftsmanship from the 1940s and 50s, a period often overlooked but increasingly appreciated by enthusiasts. This article delves into the unique attributes of this reference and the broader appeal of vintage Movado, offering insights for both new and established collectors.

21 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Hello dear friends!

I wish to share this recent addition to the collection: I’m very fond of the vintage Movado brand which made some exquisite timepieces in the 1940’s/50’s even sharing cases and details with Patek Philippe (e.g. those using 565 style cases).

Regrettably it’s a brand which is very difficult to find in my hunting grounds.

This one is a reference 49038 which I guess was from the ends of 1940’s. With a 14K gold case made by Francois Bogel and with the well known in house movement 95M (three subdials). The Movado movement feels a bit annoying in using the pusher at 4 to start and stop and the pusher at 2 to reset the chronograph hand as we are accustomed to the opposite in all my other chronographs.

The case is small as per present standard's at 35,5 mm but it wears larger on the wrist.

The dial is very nice with its arrow indexes though I would have loved if I could find the rarer type with Breguet numbers.

I feel it’s a charming and classic watch and I hope you’ll like it!

Best cordial regards

Abel

Key Points from the Discussion

Vintage Movado watches, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s, represent a significant value proposition in the current market, with many beautiful models still available at accessible prices.
The vintage Movado market is experiencing a price increase, especially for specific variants like those with 565-style steel cases and Breguet numeral dials, indicating growing collector interest.
Movado's in-house caliber 95M chronograph movement is notable for its unique pusher configuration, where the pusher at 4 o'clock starts/stops and the pusher at 2 o'clock resets, a reversal of the more common layout.
Movado not only developed advanced chronograph movements like the caliber 95M but also produced award-winning chronometer movements, recognized in competitions around 1950.
Despite their 35.5 mm case size, vintage Movado chronographs like the reference 49038 wear larger on the wrist, offering a classic aesthetic that remains relevant today.
The scarcity of vintage Movado watches, particularly in certain regions, makes finding specific references or dial variations, such as those with Breguet numbers, a significant challenge for collectors.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Sep 3, 2024

This is a charming vintage Movado chronograph. Congratulations !

Dr No

Sep 3, 2024

. . . that developed not only the chronograph movement in your latest arrival but also a chronometer movement that took a prize at one of the competitions around 1950. Congratulations, Abel! Best, Art

KMII

Sep 4, 2024

Huge congratulations and enjoy your new addition 🎉🎊🎈

montres1

Sep 4, 2024

Here is mine (not chrono though) from the 40's

Subexplorer

Sep 4, 2024

... golden era of the brand. Though in the last years I´ve been following the brand I could see that the old brand is being discovered and their watches are rising the prices in the vintage market. Specially some variants with the 565 steel cases and dials with Breguet numbers. Regret to say that these Movado watches are very very rare in my Country. I´m happy to know you like it! Best cordial regards, Abel

Subexplorer

Sep 4, 2024

I´m enjoying it so much. Best cordial regards, Abel

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 21 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Vintage Movado Chronograph Collector's Guide

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum