Movado - Zenith-Era Dress Watch - No reserve price - 20.0870.355 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Movado timepiece from the mid-1970s represents a fascinating intersection of horological history, hailing from the era when Movado and Zenith shared a partnership. With its classic square silhouette and crisp Roman numeral dial, this watch embodies the sophisticated dress aesthetic of the period while hiding a significant Zenith-signed surprise within the caseback, making it a delightful find for collectors of both marques. Brand: Movado Model: "Zenith-Era" Dress Watch Reference Number: 20.0870.355 Movement: Manual Wind Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Size: 25 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Electroplated / Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age and wear to the case plating which adds to its vintage character, while the dial remains in remarkably clean condition. Dial and Hands The watch features a pristine white dial that serves as an elegant canvas for the printed black Roman numeral hour markers. The layout is balanced and traditional, featuring the Movado logo and name clearly printed below the 12 o'clock position. Slender black stick hands provide excellent legibility against the light background. The dial surface appears well-preserved, free from significant spotting or aging, maintaining a crisp and sophisticated appearance. Case and Crystal The square case is crafted with a gold electroplated bezel and a stainless steel caseback. The gold plating shows visible signs of oxidation and tarnish, particularly on the lugs and sharp edges, consistent with a watch of this vintage that has been enjoyed over the decades. The crown is original and signed with the Movado logo. The acrylic crystal displays some surface scratches and hazing visible under direct light. A significant detail for collectors is found inside the caseback, which is stamped with the Zenith logo and name, confirming the shared production lineage of this specific reference. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Movado-signed manual wind movement featuring 17 jewels. The movement bridges are clean and the mechanism is aesthetically pleasing. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance suitable for occasional wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring light contrast stitching which complements the gold tones of the case. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. The strap is in used condition but remains serviceable and comfortable on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The primary signs of age are concentrated on the case plating, which exhibits tarnish and wear at the high points and corners. The crystal has normal handling marks. However, the dial is in excellent condition, presenting a sharp and attractive face. The movement is clean and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 25 mm in width excluding the crown. This compact size was a classic standard for square dress watches of the era, offering a discreet and refined profile suitable for smaller wrists or those who appreciate the traditional vintage dress watch proportions. Remarks This Movado is a distinct example of the "MZM" (Mondia-Zenith-Movado) holding company era. The presence of the Zenith stamping inside the caseback elevates its collectibility, marking it as a piece of shared history between two legendary Swiss manufacturers. It is a charming dress watch that combines the understated style of Movado with the manufacturing heritage of Zenith. History Movado, established in 1881, is renowned for its design-centric approach to watchmaking. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Movado entered a holding company with Zenith, resulting in a period where designs and components were often shared or co-produced. Watches from this specific era are highly regarded by enthusiasts for their build quality and the unique historical context of the collaboration, which lasted until the mid-1980s. This specific reference captures the essence of that partnership perfectly. / Second Vintage SKU: MOV9T2TOC0000