Name: Movado Chronometer (1950s)
Brand: VAT FREE
SKU: VW177
Price: 2950.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

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This is a very rare manual wound Movado Chronometer from the 1950s. The movement used in this watch, calibre 126, was made in a run of less than 1,000 pieces with each watch numbered.

Movado made very few manually wound and independently tested chronometers. They did self-certify a fairly high number of watches as "chronometer", but those movements were standard calibres which were regulated to a high standard, whereas the calibre 125 has a host of adjustments all aimed at improving the precision of the time keeping:

The movement has 21 jewels, as opposed to 17 for the base caliber; Movado fitted a balance made from Glucydur which is an alloy with very limited thermal expansion and contraction. The balance has a self-compensating Breguet overcoil hairspring for better consistency across different positions and a swan-neck regulator for very precise adjustment of the rate of the watch. The train runs in jewels which are set in gold chatons. Calibre 125 watches were adjusted to five positions and this was inscribed onto the bridges. They were serialised with six digits, the first three of which were always “125”, followed by three digits denoting the production number, which leads us to understand they were produced in a run of less than 1,000 pieces (I've never seen an example with more than three digits)

The movement has been serviced and adjusted and the watch is keeping superb time, perhaps not quite to the same precision as when it underwent chronometer tests, but certainly it is still a very precise instrument.

The 14 carat gold case is an excellent wearable size at a fraction under 35mm, it has wonderfully evocative teardrop shaped lugs which were very fashionable during the 1950s. The original dial is in super condition, it has a two tone finish, with a brushed centre and a silvered ring around the edge. There are gold applied numerals and markers on the dial and a gold handset to match. One detail I rather like is that the sub-seconds disc has been printed with every second, something that emphasises the precision of the time keeping (i.e. that you can read this watch to the actual second).

The case back has the original owners name engraved on it, I always take the view that it is better to preserve this aspect of the watch's history rather than filling and polishing. Fitted with a hand made Italian strap the watch is ready to be worn and enjoyed. Please bear in mind that this watch, even when brand new, was not especially water resistant, so the new owner should take care not to expose it to moisture or damp.

Case diameter: 34.75mm
Case material: 14 carat yellow gold
Strap width: 18mm
time keeping: grade A+

Order processing

We aim to dispatch all orders within 2-3 working days.

When your order is dispatched, your tracking details will be updated.

If you have opted for a custom engraving please allow an additional 1-2 working days.

If you are purchasing during a sale or a limited edition release, you can expect an email update with an estimated dispatch date if there any changes to the timeframe.

If you are in a hurry for your order, please email us. We'll try our best to prioritise your order.

Shipping guide for watches

UK: FREE DPD shipping, 1-2 working days
United States & Canada: FREE DHL shipping, 1-3 working days
The EU: FREE DHL shipping, 2-4 working days. To order to The EU, please visit our Euro website here (duties and taxes are included in the price of your watch).

Click here to see the full shipping guide for watches

Shipping guide for t-shirts

Our t-shirts are printed by us and shipped from our workshop in London. This means if you place an order for both a watch and t-shirt(s), they will be shipped together via an express service. Delivery times for these can be found here.

If you order a t-shirt without a watch, it will be shipped via a Royal Mail tracked service which usually takes a little longer. You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

Shipping guide for watch straps

If purchased separately from your watch, watch straps will be shipped with Royal Mail 1st Class / International tracked shipping.

This takes 2-14 working days depending on location. You can see a more accurate timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

These delivery times are a guide based on the carriers terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch.

Return your watch for an exchange

We are happy to exchange unworn watches.

Fastening the watch will cause damage to the leather. If this is the case, we charge for the watch strap (or we can put the worn strap on the exchanged watch for free).

Please email us directly if you think your watch is faulty.

Return your watch for a refund

To return for a full refund, you have 30 days if purchased online. After this time we can offer an exchange if your watch hasn’t been worn.

If you purchased your watch in-store, we can offer an exchange or store credit only. This is because you’ve seen the watch in person and had the opportunity to try it on. Please let us know if you’re purchasing as a gift.

T-shirt returns and Exchanges

We recommend checking the measurements of our t-shirts on our size guide before placing your order, you can also check them here

However, if your t-shirt is faulty, we can offer an exchange or a refund. In this circumstance, please email us within 30 days of placing your order, with a photograph of the problem, as well as your order number.

To return other products (such as straps) please email us: info@mrjoneswatches.com to arrange this.

UK returns

1) Generate your free returns label here.

2) Print it off and stick it to your original packaging.

3) Take it to your local post office. Find your closest here.

(If you no longer have your original packaging, please ensure your watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap / something similar to protect it in transit).

NB please include a short note describing the issue with the watch and your contact details.

EU and International returns

Please send the watch to this address:

Mr Jones Watches (repairs)
61 Dartmouth Road
London SE23 3HN
United Kingdom

Ensure the watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap to protect it in transit.

Please include a note stating:

- the reason for the return
- a detailed description of the problem with your watch (if sending for repair)
- your email address and your order number
- remember to include your return delivery address, (so we know where to send the repaired watch)

We recommend you use a tracked service.

As the UK is no longer in the EU, you will have to fill in a Customs Declaration form (usually a CN22).

Please write in the description field "wristwatch, return for factory repair / refund , no commercial value."

This is essential otherwise an import duty will be levied which you will be liable for (there is no way for us to reclaim this charge).

Please note: we do not cover shipping costs for unwanted items, returned from outside of the UK. If you are returning a watch that is faulty we may be able to reimburse shipping costs if your watch is within warranty, please contact us ahead of sending in this instance.

Movado Chronometer (1950s)