Rare 1940s Movado Art Deco Breguet Lugs

Brand - Movado Factories

 

Model - Art Deco, Blue steel hands, applied Breguet numerals

 

Case: 30 mm excluding. crown, lug to lug 45 mm.

 

Reference - N/A

 

Movement: Manual wind

 

Bracelet - Leather strap

 

Accessories - Company watch pouch

Now here we have something rather special—an elegant survivor from the golden age of watchmaking.

 

Dating to the 1940s, this exquisite Movado showcases a beautifully tropicalised two-tone dial, rich with character and depth that only time can create. The dial is adorned with applied Breguet numerals—graceful, sculptural, and unmistakably classical—paired with striking blue-steeled Art Deco hands that dance effortlessly in changing light.

 

Housed in a superbly sharp and unpolished case, the watch features the highly desirable hooded lug design, giving it a bold, architectural presence on the wrist. The screw-back waterproof construction is the work of François Borgel, one of the most important case makers of the 20th century—renowned for supplying cases to the likes of Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin during this era. His designs were pioneering, both in durability and innovation, and remain highly regarded among collectors today.

 

Measuring 30mm excluding crown, the watch wears notably larger thanks to its elongated lug-to-lug proportions and strong case geometry—offering far more wrist presence than the dimensions might suggest.

 

These early Movado pieces represent outstanding quality, often flying under the radar compared to their contemporaries, yet delivering craftsmanship that rivals the very best. Finding an example with such a crisp, unpolished case and a naturally aged dial is becoming increasingly difficult.

 

A truly characterful and investment-worthy piece—one that encapsulates the charm, innovation, and understated excellence of 1940s horology