Tag Archives: ww2 watch

Movado Watch Company History We can trace the early history of the Movado Watch Company to 1881 and the famous Swiss watch-making town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. When it was first founded by Achille Dittesheim it was just a small workshop. Together with his brothers Leopold and Isidore they expanded and moved into a modern 20th century factory. By 1905 the company was employing 150 workers and was producing high-quality pocket watches, at that point the company was just called Movado (from the Esperanto word ‘always in motion’). In the modern era, the company is probably most famous for the Bauhaus-inspired Museum Watch designed by American designer Nathan George Horwitt in 1947. Movado only produced two types of wristwatches for the military during WWII: the ‘Weems’ pilots watch and the 6B159 pilots and navigators standard issue wristwatch. 6B159 ‘Family’ When collectors talk about RAF-issued 6B159 watches we normally think of Omega and Longines versions and perhaps their ‘Weems’ versions that need no introduction. Many of these aviator watches were worn during The Battle of Britain. All manufacturers produced to the same RAF specification with white non-luminous dials, black Arabic numerals, centre seconds and blued steel non-luminous hands. These watches are collector’s pieces for sure but in our industry, you do see a fair few. However, we seldom see the Movado version. In my 15 years of researching and collecting watches I have seen many Omega and Longines examples, but when this Movado turned up at our office I got quite excited. The truth is I have never seen one before. Movado Watches at Auction In our November Luxury Watch Sale, one such watch was featured. In my opinion, this is a good, honest example of a rare watch. Interestingly the RAF ‘downgraded’ Movado from 6B159 (Pilots and navigators type) to 234 (standard issue ground and airborn crew wristwatch). Reasons for the downgrade are not known but perhaps some examples did not perform as they should during operations. The downgrading meant case backs of these watches were re-engraved and the watches were re-issued. Our research suggests the majority of the already very limited production was reissued. The few examples known to the market all have 6B159 crossed off and 234 added. The fact that this watch has not been re-engraved makes it even rarer. The Watch has the original unrestored dial, original blued steel hands and of course the original case (don’t forget many 6B159s we re-cased post-war). The watch features a 15 jewel movement, calibre 75, signed Movado Swiss Made and a stainless steel case back. The case back is stamped 6B159 9215/42 (Made in 1942). In conclusion, colletors will always want original untouched examples of rare military watches and this one certainly does it for me. Lot 269 Movado – a military issue wrist watch, 33mm. Price Realised: £1,170.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Richard Griza | Watch Specialist