The man behind the Movado Museum Watch.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable watch today is the Movado Museum Watch. Clearly identifiable, even from quite a distance away, is the large dot at the 12 'o'clock position symbolizing the sun at "high noon". The watch is genius in its simplicity, and timeless in design.

This watch is the brain child of Nathan George Horwitt. Born in Russia, he came to the United States as a young boy. He attended City College and NYU; he then studied at the Art Students League of New York.

Nathan George Horwitt served in the army in World War I, returning home, he joined E.R Squibb & Company as an advertising copywriter. Eventually he became the director of advertising. Nathan was becoming antsy,he felt the world was lagging behind in innovations and fresh ideas.
"Even in a Depression, we need to know the time in newer more innovative ways," he thought.

In the 1920's Nathan was brimming with ideas, and thus opened a company in Manhattan called Design Engineers. He would patent an idea and sell it to a manufacture. Only just managing to get by, he closed the company after just three years. However, Nathan creative mind could not squash the flow of idea's. Consequently in the 1930's he patented idea after idea,18 in all ,many of which were watch related.

Nathan had one basic idea. If he wanted to know the time, he did not wish to stop and study his watch cluttered with Roman Numerals, and an insistent second hand. Nathan admitted he did not have to keep track of the seconds, but rather wanted a watch that could tell the time with a quick glance. In addition, he wanted a watch that would please him with a simple elegant beauty.

Nathan first designed the "jump clock", and Cyclometer, the latter having a construction which allows the hour numerals to be large in relation to the size of the clock. Both patented around 1936, were highly praised by authorities in the field of time pieces; however, these clocks never made it into the manufacturing stage as this would require complete retooling of the existing machinery. No one at this stage would take the chance.
Thus, during the next 20 years, Nathan's patented brilliant, innovative ideas struggled to take hold.

In 1954 Nathan entered his latest innovative idea as "the dot at the top" watch. Initially the watch was rejected by the patenting office, stating that the dial of this watch was not an innovative idea and thus could not be patented. Nathan did not give up, backed by a multitude of personalities in the design, he pushed forward.
Edward Steichen, an expert on design as the Director of Photography in the Museum of Modern Art said at the time ..." I believe that your design for the face of a watch is the only really original and beautiful design I have ever seen..."

Nathan received his patent, but still struggled to find a company who would take the risk of producing a watch with a modern, cutting- design. Nearing the end of 1960, Movado, a Watch Company formed in 1881 by 19 year old, Achille Ditesheim, recognized the design as an icon of modernization and decided to add "the Museum Watch" to its collection.

In 1960 Nathan's "dot-at-the-top" Watch Dial became part of a permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It was the first Watch Dial to be awarded this distinction. Thus the "dot-at-the-top Watch became known as the "Museum Watch".

Nathan Horwitt was indeed ahead of his time. His "Museum Watch" is still highly popular, stunningly simple, and aesthetically beautiful.

Nathan Horwitt died in 1990, at the age of 92

Gift Pick for the Professional & Adventurer.

Movado Men's Luno $795.00

You can never have too many wristwatches, and you can never go wrong giving a watch as a gift.  Imagine a gift without the nagging feeling of  "What if he doesn't like it.?"
With a watch you will be certain your gift will be much appreciated.
First you must know a little about your guy - the image he wants to portray and what he wants from his watch.
 If your guy needs to convey a professional attitude I always like the Movado Museum Collection.  The watch design is instantly recognizable and devoid of clutter.  The watch itself displays the epitome of organization and clear thought.  It was what Nathan George Horwitt - designer of the museum dial had in mind - a single dot.  He was a follower of the Bauhaus movement, designed a watch with no ornamentation besides for a gold dot at the 12 o'clock representing the sun at high noon. In 1959 the "dot at the top watch" was excepted into the Design Collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art becoming known as the "Museum Watch".

$499.99 Save 75%

For the rugged adventurer in your life always zipping off to one place or another -pouncing into a  Land-rover off to spot a family of mountain lions or to rock climb a precipice - you need a watch which is shock resistant, water resistance, hand indicator luminescence and preferably rubber strap (lightweight, less likely to slip, easy to clean).  There are a couple of really rugged timepieces:
Invicta Men's Subaqua Chronograph Black Rubber - aside from the fact that it is 75% off at The Watchery, there are many advantages for the adventurer. This particular model has a great water resistancy - up to 1650 feet.  I always like to stress that if one is in a situation of high water pressure such as navigating water rapids, one needs a higher water resistance than if one is merely in a swimming pool.  The extreme force of water on the dial can compromise the water resistancy. In addition this watch has a chronograph and tachymeter.

Price $4,410.00 Save 65%

A great rugged mid range watch collection,  is the WYLER Geneve Men's Code R Automatic Chronograph.  Wyler Geneve specializes in shock absorbency- creator of the signature Incaflex balance wheel.  The Incaflex balance wheel is protected along its diameter by two curved elastic arms absorbing shock to the balance wheel. In addition the watch case is shock absorbing crafted from highly resilient and corrosion resistant titanium and black carbon fiber. The hands are silver tone and luminous enabling the adventurer for time read out in the dark.  Another great feature is the flexible black rubber strap allowing for maximum wrist mobility.  Scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal protects the Swiss made mechanical automatic chronograph movement.  I like mechanical watches on long adventures since the mainspring is wound by the swinging motion of ones arm. Since this is a mechanical timepiece, no batteries are needed, which is a good thing, since where is our adventurer going to get batteries in the Gobi desert. This watch is capable of a power reserve of 42 hours. The Wyler Men's Code R is equipped with  "ZULU" (Z) time (for aviation or military purposes) or GMT (Greenwich MeanTime).

Stay tuned for more of my top watch holiday picks from The Watchery. 

Caring for your Luxury Watch.

You have just purchased an exquisite Patek Phillipe Complicated Perpetual Calendar luxury watch. This is a purchase of a lifetime, a legacy to be passed from generation to generation. After all Patek Phillipe is one of the most sought after watch brands , a triumph held since 1839. The craftsmanship is impeccable, the movement - a symphony of moving parts. However,

this watch, like all other watches, require proper storage and maintenance. A watch can last many lifetimes if taken care of. When purchasing your watch do a bit of research into caring for your watch.

• A Watch is comprised of many different parts that need to be cared for in different ways. The part of the watch that bares most of the brunt of everyday wear and tear is the Watch Crystal (the transparent cover on your watch face) and requires care. The Sapphire Crystal is an extremely hard material - 9 on the Moh Scale and is scratch resistant to most materials.
  
  Caring for your Watch Crystal1. Wrap your Luxury watch in a soft cloth before placing it on a hard surface such as your granite kitchen counter.
  
  2. Whenever possible, store your Luxury Watch in its original box.
  
  3. Do not store your Luxury Watch with your other jewelry. Diamonds are harder than Sapphire Crystal and can scratch the surface.
  
  4. Avoid wearing your Watch during high risk activity such as moving heavy equipment or Sports such as Rock Climbing. (Some Sports Watches are crafted for this type of activity. Make sure your Watch is designed for those activities.)
  
  5. Avoid wearing other jewelry on the same wrist as the constant rubbing may cause abrasions to your Watch.
  
  6. Avoid inadvertently scraping you watch against corridor walls or on furniture. Some man made materials used to make simulated stone surfaces for furniture and walls comprise of incorporated silicon carbide which is a very hard material and can scratch most Watch Crystals.
  
  Although your watch is Sapphire Crystal, thereby making it Scratch Resistance, it is not Scratch Proof. (Read my post entitled "What makes my Watch Scratch Resistant?" to completely understand the concept.)
  
  Caring for your Watch Bracelet:
  Whether your Watch Bracelet is stainless steel, gold, gold-plated, platinum, titanium, Tungsten Carbide, rubber or a combination, the same precautions must be taken as Caring for your Watch Crystal. (above) .
  
  Caring for your Leather Watch Bands:
  1. Do not expose your Leather Strap to water. Water causes the leather to become brittle, crack, and eventually break.
  
  2. Do not expose your Watch strap to perfumes and other chemicals; this may degrade the leather.
  
  The length of your watches lifespan is determined by your care, personal wearing habits, and the climate in which you live.
  
  
  Caring for your Quartz Watch and battery.
  1. Do not pull out the stem/crown of your Watch in order to save your Watch battery. You will be harming your watch by exposing its movement to dust and moisture which may cause the Watch movement to malfunction. In addition, pulling out the Watch stem/crown will not save your battery life, it merely disengages the hands from the movement. The movement still runs depleting the battery power.
  
  2.Your Watch Battery is probably a 1.55 volt silver oxide battery. It will probably last 2-5 years depending on the brand, type of watch and movement. Do not attempt to change your watch battery yourself, especially if your Watch is water resistant. Opening the back of the Watch by an unauthorized individual may void the warranty of your watch. This task must be performed by an Authorized Service Center for your Watch Brand or an accomplished watchmaker who will change the battery by performing a detailed process of 27 intricate steps. Listed below are the main steps involved:
  Measurement of the lower working voltage


• Timing test on quartz timer


• Replacement of gaskets and crown if worn down, thereby hampering the watches water resistance.


• Checking proper fit of case back and gasket seat


• Testing the water-resistant models to ensure seal has been reestablished


• Finally cleaning the case and metal bracelet

Quartz watches are powered by the battery and therefore do not need to be wound.
Caring for the movements of your Watch.
1. A loose, chipped or cracked crystal must be replaced immediately to prevent dust from entering the watch movement. Dust is a Watches nightmare. Even a tiny speck of dust can stop your Watch.

2. In the event a watch is only worn on rare occasions, store your Watch in its original box in a dry area to protect it from dust.

3. Regular maintenance is the key for the longevity of your watch. A mechanical movement needs to be serviced every 3-5 years, and a quartz movement at every battery change. Water resistance seals and gaskets can become worn resulting in small open spaces which will allow air, dust and moisture to enter.

Caring for Water Resistancy of your Watch.

1. Do not submerge your Watch in Water even though it states it is water resistant. Watches that are Water Resistance to 30 meters can only withstand minor splashes. No Watch is Water Proof. Some Watches like the Tag Heuer Aquaracers are Water Resistant to 300 meters; however, although it can used for extreme Water Sports , it requires a Helium valve for very deep dives.
2. Service your Watch once every 2-3 years to ensure that your watch remains water resistance. Seals and Gaskets may crack and need to be replaced. Water Resistance is not permanent.

3. Do not shower, bathe or swim while wearing your watch. Other agents such as chlorine, steam, soap, mildew, salt water and perfume, may enter the watch. If not cleaned immediately, these agents will over time corrode the gaskets and the seals thereby effecting the watches water resistance as well as allowing dust to enter, damaging the movements of your watch.


There is no substitute for good watch habits. Take care of your Watch and it will keep on ticking.

ESQ by Movado

ESQ Aston Men's Watch Stainless Steel Blue Dial

Shortly, Movado Group Inc. will be announcing the new name for ESQ will be “ESQ by Movado”. ESQ Swiss was launched in 1992 as a name brand whose quality watches were affordable and at the same time aesthetically appealing and exceptionally durable. The ESQ watches are made by Movado with cutting edge materials including ceramics and carbon fibre.

The latest ESQ creation, the ESQ Fusion Retrograde Chronograph, is a watch wearers dream. The profile of the watch is fashioned with the majestic curve of a suspension bridge in mind. The case in convex for absolute comfort. The watch is crafted from high tech materials such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, hard rubber and scratch resistant Sapphire crystal. In some models, a ultra light aluminum is integrated in the timepiece. Extra attention has been used in crafting the watch strap which is fashioned from stainless steel with titanium or ceramic. Both materials are highly resilient. A pleasing feature on this watch is three retrograde dials which provide for easy reading. In a retrograde dial, the numbers form a line or in this case a semicircle. In retrograde watches the hand jumps back to the starting point once it has reached the end of the line. The watch is Swiss quartz precise as well as being water resistant. This is a great sporty watch made by Movado Group.

By adding the name Movado to ESQ, ESQ will carry the name of Movado's long history and excellent craftsmanship.

Sotirio Bulgari Watch unveiled for Bvlgari 125th anniversary

Bvlgari is 125 years old, founded in 1884 in Rome. In celebration of this milestone, Bvlgari has released 125 limited edition watches honoring the brand's founder Sotirio Bulgari. Bvlgari Time S.A. is Bvlgari Swiss subsidiary dedicated to the Brand's Watch production.


The new limited edition Sotirio Bulgari Watch is available in either pink, yellow or white gold. The highly precise BVL 250 automatic mechanical movement is decorated with numerous polishes and finishes, and careful engravings on the gold rotor. The movement is approximately 3.73 mm thick and placed in a 42mm case. The rear of the case opens so that the stunning view of the decorated movement is visible. The front and the back of the watch is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.


The partially skeletonized aregente dial is a wonderful array of exquisite shapes. The hour markers are carefully hand applied. The gold hands are faceted adding to the splendour of the dial. Bvlgari timepiece is a exciting blend of long standing tradition and cutting edge design, bridging the past, present and future.

Movado keeps time since 1881 and now you can own a Movado for just $99.

The mind blowing prices on Movado watches are almost too good to be true. Movado Gentry for him and her for just $99 each. Unbelievable.

Movado Gentry Mens' Watch Stainless Steel Black Dial on Brown Leather Strap 0604992

Movado began ticking in 1881 when Achille Diteshein, a young headstrong entrepreneur of just 19 years old accomplished in a few years what most people only dream of accomplishing in a lifetime, he hired six watchmakers and set up shop in Le Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He worked tirelessly to be the best, to invent, to be a step ahead. It is incredible to note, in the first 100 years of existence, Movado registered close to 100 patents. In 1890 Achille's brothers, Leopold and Isadore, "stepped on the band wagon" and joined the company becoming L.A.I Diteshein.
The year 1905 became the pivotal year for the three brothers when the name "MOVADO" was chosen to represent the company. Movado means "always in motion" in Esperanto.


In 1912 the polyplan watch debuted, contoured to follow the curve of the wrist. The watch is elongated and rectangular with a revolutionary movement constructed on three levels. The polyplan would lie forgotten for the next 89 years until 2001 when Movado would release the exquisite Elliptica. The Elliptica is quite unique in that the numbers are along the top and bottom, and only the 3 and 9 are at the sides.

Movado Elliptica Ladies' Watch Stainless Steel White Mother-of-Pearl Dial Diamond Bezel on Lavender Leather Strap



Movado gained worldwide respect and recognition with the introduction of the museum watch. Nathan George Horwitt, a follower of the Bauhaus movement, designed a watch with no ornamentation besides for a gold dot at the 12 o'clock representing the sun at high noon.
In 1959 the "dot at the top watch" was excepted into the Design Collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art becoming known as the "Museum Watch". In 1960 Movado purchases Horwitt's design and begins production of the world famous museum watch. George Horwitt had designed the watch a full 13 years earlier. It single dot seemed quite plain to some. After all with all the great designs out there why would anyone want a dial with a single dot? However Movado was created by little more than a boy who had a vision to the future. Movado recognised the small dot as powerful as the sun itself. To be able to own a Movado for as little as $99 is incredible.Movado Dolca Ladies' Watch Gold Plated Mother-of-Pearl Dial

I simply love the Movado, Dolca. The museum watch bracelet design features cushion-cornered square links with circular center cutouts. The Dolca featured above is a geometric beauty with a distinct retro feel.
Movado Vivo Ladies' Watch Gold Tone Black Dial 0605638

A delicate as tulips whose season is too short, is the Movado Vivo. Aside from the slim bracelet, the beautiful gold tone case that frames the Museum dial is positioned slightly closer to the bottom edge of the case. This feminine round watch gives the illusion that the case is elongated on the top and sides. However the watch is in fact quite round. This little tease gives the watch an alluring sense of captivating mystery adding to its sensual curves.

I have blogged about the Movado SL quite a number of times and in other Movado blogs I frequently feel an irresistible urge to mention Movado SL. Call it a Movado SL addiction. I will get some help for it I promise, but for now I need to blog about the Movado SL so please hear me out. The Movado SL symbolized an entirely new dimension in Movado - the Movado Sport Luxury Timepieces. The Movado SL features an elegant but sporty round case with the loan dot at the 12 o' clock; however while other Movado Musuem watches have a truly loan dot, this dot has quite a bit of company. The dot is carried from the dial onto the center of each segment of the bracelet.

Movado provides one with the distinct satisfaction of owning an article of importance, which keeps perfect time.

Movado's Ambassador, Wynton Marsalis.

Since 1998, Wynton Marsalis has been an ambassador for Movado. He is said to be the best jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation. As I am writing this blog I am listening to his incredible trumpetering, and as always I am amazed at his incredible agility and talent. He knows the trumpet like no one I have ever seen. Not only is he one of the worlds top classical trumpeters, he is a brilliant composer, a tireless advocate for the arts, and a inspirational educator.

When we are greeted with great talent like Wynton Marsalis, it is only natural that we are curious. To be the best in a world of good is to reach the stars.
Wynton was born, on October 18, 1961, to Ellis and Doloris Marsalis in New Orleans where the sound of jazz envelopes the city. He was the second of six sons. One of his brothers is autistic. He was drawn to music from an early age, and he was good at it. Better than good. At 8 he began performing traditional New Orleans music, and incredibly when he was only 14 he was invited to perform for New Orleans Philharmonic. Throughout high school, he was a member of a number of bands including the New Orleans Symphony Brass Quintet. On weekends he played in a jazz band as well as a popular funk band, the Creators. He was music to the core. AT 17 he became the youngest musician ever to be admitted to Tanglewood's Berkshire Music Center. Even though he was very young, he was awarded with a prestigious award from the school, the Harvey Shapiro Award for an outstanding brass student.

In 1979 he moved to New York to study at Julliard, and he became playing in gigs in the Big Apple.
Talent like Wynton Marsalis cannot be kept under wraps for too long, and soon enough people were talking.
In 1980 he joined the Jazz Messengers where he had the opportunity to study under the master drummer and band leader, Art Blakey. Art Blakey taught him how to bring an intensity to each and every performance. In the following years, he was invited to perform with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sweet Edison, Clark Terry and many other jazz greats.

Marsalis formed his own band, performing 120 concerts every year. He continued for 10 years perfecting his talent and determining how best to give his audience. In essence, in these years he gave a new vitality to jazz and rekindled the publics interest in jazz. It seems he had his work cut out for him, but during this time Marsalis spent as much time composing as playing. He created major compositions for the New York City Ballet, Twyla Tharp for the American Ballet Theater.
He also had an affinity for Classical Music and his debut recording of classical trumpet concertos won him a Grammy for "Best Classical Soloist with an Orchestra" He has performed with the New York Philharmonic and countless other orchestras.
Marsalis has won nine Grammy's , in 1983 winning a jazz and classical Grammy in the same year and doing the same in 1984. In 1997 he became the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music. He is a teacher and spokesman of music and has received honorary doctorates from universities through out the US.

On March 20,2001, Wynton Marsalis was named United Nations Messenger of Peace by Secratary General Kofi Annan.

When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, Wynton heeded the desperate calls of his fellow citizens and organized organized the Higher Ground Hurricane Relief concert (produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center) thereby raising and distributing over $3M to musicians and cultural organizations crushed by the hurricane. In addition, he headed an organization called the Bring Back New Orleans Cultural Commission. In which a plan was set in place to revitalize the city’s cultural base. Since Katrina, Wynton has been a constant advocate for Hurricane Katrina survivors, to bring hope an will as well finding resources to rebuild New Orleans culturally, socially and economically.

Wynton Marsalis has just released a new book , "“Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life,”.

Movado has chosen well. Very Well.

A Lone Dot at the 12 'o' clock. Movado.

Who knew a single gold dot could attain such a remarkable presence in the world of watches. The dot represents the sun shining at noon and for Movado and its gold dot the sun has never set. The Movado Museum Watch. Since 1960, Movado has redesigned the cases and bands and even colors of the gold dot and its face, but the unwavering dot whether concave or flat remains in place. A gold dot at the 3 'o'clock position would be perceived as wrong and a gold dot at the 6 'o'clock position would be turned facing the other way. The dot shall remain as Nathan George Horwitt had designed it in 1947, at the 12 'o'clock position.Movado Aprezi ladies watch in 14 karat gold.
Movado Artiko Ladies Watch. A dazzling tribute to the Movado style.

The Movado Bareleto Ladies Watch is a gorgeous piece of jewelry that tells the Movado time.
The Movado Dolca Ladies Watch with a mother-of-pearl dial is a perfect gift for mothers day. I know mothers day is ways away, but a watch like this does not have to wait till mothers day. The exquisite bracelet is in perfect harmony with the watch face and the gold dot.

Tom Brady Limited Edition 800 Series Chronograph by Movado

Tom Brady recently became a Movado Ambassador , joining Movado's already impressive list of talents in the Movado art of the performance campaign new Movado Series 800.

Who is Tom Brady? Tom Brady is a household name in the world of Football. Although he has an impressive list of accomplishments, he is best known as a quarterback for the New England Patriots which he joined in 2000, and has established himself as one of the leading quarterbacks in the NFL today. Tom Brady has led the New England Patriots to the Championships an impressive three times: Super Bowl XXXVI at age 24; Super Bowl XXXXVIII at age 26; and SuperBowl XXXIX at age 27. In addition, he has earned multiple MVP awards.

Now that you know his track record, it is no surprise that Tom Brady is one of the Movado Ambassadors, and has a Sports watch in his name. He knows how to play time and is recognized for his impeccable timing on the field.

The Tom Brady Watch from Movado sports textured dial and an XtremeResin strap, reinforced with Kevlar. This watch is built to withstand the high impact sport of Football. A steel case with a rotating bezel, and Sapphire Crystal case back to ensure the ultimate protection against scratches and blemishes. It is available in black or silver dial with luminescent markings.
The rotor is Custom designed with Tom's #12. Finely crafted Swiss automatic movement with precise chronograph function. The production is limited to 500 pieces world-wide and it costs somewhere in the range of $2,500.00.

In addition Movado has a non-celeb Collection of Series 800 with are available in a wide range of colors.