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There’s a certain magic to oversized watches from the mid-20th century. In an era when most men’s timepieces hovered around 33mm, these “jumbo” models were a bold statement of style and confidence. This Movado is an absolutely fantastic example of the genre. It’s a watch that immediately commands attention, not just for its impressive size, but for the incredible, authentic character etched onto its dial over a lifetime. It represents a golden age of Swiss watchmaking when Movado was a true manufacture, producing movements and designs that were second to none. This isn’t just a large vintage watch; it’s a wearable piece of art with an undeniable soul.
Produced in the late 1940s or early 1950s, this watch hails from a period of post-war optimism that was reflected in watch design. Men’s style was evolving, and with it, the desire for timepieces with more presence on the wrist. Movado, known for its high-quality in-house movements and sophisticated designs, met this demand with exceptionally well-crafted oversized models. Inside a watch like this, one would find a robust and beautifully finished manual-wind Movado caliber, the kind of reliable and elegant movement that solidified the brand’s reputation among true horology enthusiasts. These jumbo cases were often produced in limited numbers, making them a particularly desirable find for collectors today who appreciate their blend of vintage charm and modern proportions.
This specific example is a masterclass in balanced, classic design. The gold-plated case measures in at a formidable size for its era, likely around 37-38mm, giving it a presence that feels perfectly contemporary. The dial layout is wonderfully charismatic, featuring an “Explorer-style” arrangement of applied Arabic numerals at the poles, punctuated by applied dot markers. A beautifully recessed subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock adds a touch of technical elegance and visual depth. The original, delicate leaf-style (feuille) handset is still present, a graceful touch that contrasts wonderfully with the watch’s bold size. The entire composition is framed by a “beaded” minute track, a subtle and refined detail that speaks to the quality of the dial’s construction.
