New Release from Baselworld 2015: The Movado 1881 Automatic

It's always good times in Baselworld – and this year was no exception. Movado watches released a three-handed beauty simply called the Movado 1881 Automatic. Apart from being a palindrome, 1881 is the year that Movado was formed. However, it wasn't until the early 1980's (maybe even 1981 – who knows) that the fabled Museum dial was introduced. The dial is so named because it was inducted into the Museum of Modern Art for its irrefutable simplicity. The name Movado means “always in motion” and I happy to see the brand leaning towards self-winding timepieces, which I think fit the meaning behind the brand a lot better that the quartz watches that were becoming more or less a staple.

Before the purists out there start their tirade on this self-winding watch, I want you to note that Movado is going through a transition and getting out of what I call “Lazy Watchmaking”. All of these changes are very positive moves on the growth and development of this manufacturer.
The case retains that minimalist appeal with its 39.5mm case diameter, and it is polished which adds the dressy aesthetic that the brand is known for. The watch is made from stainless steel but there are models with gold ion plating. I am looking forward to an all-black version coming out maybe for Baselworld 2016. These watches also feature strap or bracelet options depending on the style you are after. A standard main crown adorns the 3 o'clock case side, ridged for easy manipulation of the date and the time.

The dial is nice – not spectacular – just nice. I like the division between the inner and outer sections. The inner section is brushed into a sunray design, while the outer dial has stamped hour markers that keep the minimalist look intact. On the flange is the minute scale with applied indexes in intervals of 5's. The hands are dauphine shaped in a color complementing the case. At the 6 position is a date aperture. What ruins the dial for me just a bit is the proclamation of “Automatic” just below the date. Only a complete watch noob would look at the smooth sweeping seconds hand and question if there is a mechanical movement governing this timepiece. The Movado dot is larger than normal, clearly taking its design cues from the successful Movado Bold collection. All in all, I do fancy the subdued aesthetic of the 1881's dial.

Seen through the exhibition case back is an ETA 2836-2 mechanical self-winding movement. The crystals used on the front and back are both sapphire, and the Movado 1881 Automatic is water resistant to 30 meters. What do you think of this offering from Movado? Are you happy that this watchmaker is finally taking some risks? vedere di piu copie rolex e Hublot Red Devil Bang