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If there is a single watch that encapsulates the brave, funk-forward design language of the early 1970s, it might just be the Movado Kingmatic “Video.” In an era where watchmakers were scrambling to look futuristic, Movado leaned all the way in, creating a case shape that mimicked the most important piece of technology in the living room: the television. But do not let the whimsical name or shape fool you. Under the hood, this series carried serious horological firepower, owing to Movado’s partnership with Zenith during this period. The “HS 360” on the dial stands for “High Speed 36,000,” denoting a movement that beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. This was the same frequency used in the legendary El Primero, designed to offer superior accuracy and a flawlessly smooth sweep of the seconds hand.
The model name “Video” is, in our opinion, one of the most charmingly literal naming conventions in vintage history. It perfectly describes the rectangular, TV-screen aperture of the case. This specific execution features a dial that is nothing short of spectacular. It is finished in a deep, vertically brushed blue that mimics the texture of denim or raw silk. The way the light catches the brushing adds a dynamic quality to the wrist that a flat matte dial simply cannot achieve. The indices are properly architectural, standing tall off the dial surface to add depth and legibility.
This particular example, dating to 1972 based on the bracelet code, retains its original stainless steel bracelet, which is a significant value proposition on its own. It was manufactured by the legendary Gay Frères, the same house that produced bracelets for Patek Philippe and the Rolex Oyster, and features their signature stag logo on the clasp blades. The bracelet integrates seamlessly with the shrouded lugs of the case, creating a unified, sculptural block of steel that feels incredibly solid on the wrist.
Condition-wise, this is a survivor. The case retains its complex brushing and sharp facets, though it bears the surface scratches and marks expected from a watch that has been worn and enjoyed for over 50 years. The “Sub-Sea” caseback engravings are still visible, and the movement inside is clean and winding smoothly. The dial has preserved its rich blue tone without succumbing to the degradation often seen in colored dials from this era.
This Movado Kingmatic Video is a piece for the collector who appreciates the “unusual suspects” of Swiss watchmaking. It combines the high-beat technical prowess of the Zenith era with the unparalleled bracelet quality of Gay Frères and the undeniable cool factor of 1970s industrial design. It is funky, rare, and mechanically superior to almost anything else in its price bracket.
Production Note: The clasp of the original Gay Frères bracelet is stamped “1 72”, indicating production in the first quarter of 1972.
