Mens 1940s Movado WWII Military Taubert Borgel S/S Vintage Swiss Watch
Item History & Price
One of the better known watch firms in the world today, the Movado Watch Co. of Switzerland took its name from the Esperanto word that translates as “Always in Motion.” Founded by Achille Ditesheim in 1881, he soon set up the first factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the “Movado” name first appeared in 1906. One of the first (if not the very first) watch companies to produce a wristwatch for men, its most famous early design was the Polyplan, followed by military timepieces and t...riple date watches. Prices continue to rise for the early pieces, thus making them a good investment. I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage men’s timepiece from Movado, an early 1940s military dial example in great, original condition. I’ve always been fond of this model, its case made Taubert of Switzerland and one that sold very well for Tiffany & Co. as one of its private label watches.Triple-signed, its stainless steel case measures 37mm lug tip to lug tip and 30mm in width (31.5mm with partially recessed, 100% original steel crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by 1-3/16 inches wide (without the crown). This is a smaller men’s watch by today’s standards, best described as a boy size or ¾ size. When new, however, it was a fairly normal gents size watch. It is powered by its original 17 jewel “Movado Factories” 470 caliber mechanism that’s been fully serviced by my watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.The 100% original dial is in very fine condition – acquiring a golden/tan patina from time. It has never been restored. Features include a 60 second outer chapter (calibrated to 1/5 of a second), Arabic numbers, original hands with aged fill and ‘sweep’ center seconds hand with red arrow tip. Signed MOVADO below the 12.The domed acrylic crystal is in excellent order, a new addition replacing the original that was also acrylic as this material was much sturdier than glass and was resistant to damage. The all-stainless case features faceted lugs and stepped bezel, in excellent condition. It was designed and fabricated by Taubert of Switzerland, the successor to the Francois Borgel Watch Case Company(FB) The 100% original steel winding crown (a subtle domed design unique to Movado) is in excellent order, winding and setting smoothly. Turning the watch over I note that the stainless back lid is a ten-sided, screw-down design in excellent shape – tastefully monogrammed “G.W.T. Jr.” and stamped “Movado Factories Switzerland.” Peeking inside I see that there is an inner dust cover lid, to protect it from moisture and dust. Removing this reveals the original manual wind movement that is signed Movado Factories – 15 Fifteen Jewels – Swiss Made, MXI. Caliber number 470 is stamped below the balance wheel. The inside of the back lid is fully hallmarked with the Movado trademark (hand holding pocket watch), including FB Key- PATENT + STAINLESS STEEL INAL, 0494381 - 14760 The “FB” stands for Francis Borgel and the KEY symbol is for Geneva. Please note that the case is stamped with #4381 between the bottom lugs, the last four digits of the case number. This cleaned, oiled & regulated watch winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new 16mm black genuine pigskin strap with stainless steel buckle from Fluco of Germany. All in all an excellent condition, ready to wear timepiece from one of Switzerland’s best watch firms of the first half of the 20th century. Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. U.S. winners pay $8.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax. Canadian winners pay $35.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $52.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.
00915
00915
