Movado Reissues Classic Super Sub Sea...worth $4k?????

OK - HODINKEE just released an article about the reissue of Movado's iconic Super Sub Sea chronograph...

Here's the link:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/movado-heritage?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hodinkee-daily-110422&_kx=TuotHy8LbN7ANOW94bprGK5KIysjVT1-wdHGX83WCtg%3D.UHTEkW

What do you all think?

Does this make you want to click hard and purchase one for $4k?

Or like me, are you a little skeptical that this is Movado trying to cash-in on the heritage train.

I think I'll wait till Jomashop is blowing these out for 30-40% off...a price of around $2,500 seems much more reasonable for these.

Thoughts?

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I wouldn't pay $300 for a moofarto. 

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I like it, but I don't $4K USD like it. 

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I am glad to see them pulling from their actual heritage vs the IP theft they built the brand one.

To your point, this is a nice $2500 watch.  It’s a chunker though. At 43mm and no specs otherwise, but given it is based on the Valjoux, what is your guess? 15+mm?

Honestly, I think it looks sharp. Currently, it costs more than a like new Autavia, which I use because of size comparison. Not sure I’d take it over an Autavia.

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I give credit when it’s due. It’s a fabulous looking watch. At that price point though I’d probably go with other offerings.

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AllTheWatches

I am glad to see them pulling from their actual heritage vs the IP theft they built the brand one.

To your point, this is a nice $2500 watch.  It’s a chunker though. At 43mm and no specs otherwise, but given it is based on the Valjoux, what is your guess? 15+mm?

Honestly, I think it looks sharp. Currently, it costs more than a like new Autavia, which I use because of size comparison. Not sure I’d take it over an Autavia.

So the HODINKEE write-up says it is using the Caliber 146M which is the classic Martel movement also used in the Zenith A271. HODINKEE did a heritage reissue with Zenith of the A271 using this movement and the width was only 12.5mm. Curious why you thought it was a Valjoux-based movement - did you see that somewhere?

Here is the discussion on Rescapement:

https://www.rescapement.com/blog/zenith-a271-chronograph-caliber-146

Here is the link to the HODINKEE x Zenith A271:

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/zenith-el-primero-heritage-03-2150-4069-10-10-zen-qmubla

If it is indeed using the classic Martel movement (used also by Zenith) and the fact that they are using Dura904 steel, that makes me more comfortable with a $3k price, but I just can't find the love for these dials.

Had they gone this route with internal rotating bezel and orange/black color combo on a Gay Freres style bracelet, I would have already had the credit card numbers entered into the checkout box...

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I think someone in their design department spent too much time looking at the Omega Speedmaster "Snoopy" with that Blue/White combo

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Nice looking watch especially the blue and white but not for that price. 

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Was it though (iconic)? I can't recall any content regaling the original so it's hard to understand the $4K pricepoint. Maybe it's just me.

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ChronoGuy

So the HODINKEE write-up says it is using the Caliber 146M which is the classic Martel movement also used in the Zenith A271. HODINKEE did a heritage reissue with Zenith of the A271 using this movement and the width was only 12.5mm. Curious why you thought it was a Valjoux-based movement - did you see that somewhere?

Here is the discussion on Rescapement:

https://www.rescapement.com/blog/zenith-a271-chronograph-caliber-146

Here is the link to the HODINKEE x Zenith A271:

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/zenith-el-primero-heritage-03-2150-4069-10-10-zen-qmubla

If it is indeed using the classic Martel movement (used also by Zenith) and the fact that they are using Dura904 steel, that makes me more comfortable with a $3k price, but I just can't find the love for these dials.

Had they gone this route with internal rotating bezel and orange/black color combo on a Gay Freres style bracelet, I would have already had the credit card numbers entered into the checkout box...

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I think someone in their design department spent too much time looking at the Omega Speedmaster "Snoopy" with that Blue/White combo

Good call out. I was looking at it on my phone at work and it looked like a reworked 7750, which Movado has been known to do.  It Martel, to your point, that is a different story. 

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I'm with the general consensus here. It's a really nice looking watch, especially for a Chrono diver . I do think that $4,000 for that movement and that design is probably just an over ask. Competition is fierce among 7750 variants these days.  Zelos really set the bar there.

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i can find you a vk63 mecaquartz from Ali that looks almost exactly like that for around $60.00 USD. The 4 oclock date is a giveaway

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Rolexahoma

Was it though (iconic)? I can't recall any content regaling the original so it's hard to understand the $4K pricepoint. Maybe it's just me.

I think the answer is "Yes" since Movado/Zenith was still a real proper watch company during the 1970s, and this is the era where companies were seeking to launch a Dive Watch/Chronograph (don't ask me why this was the case - I just know that it was). Zenith used the Movado brand in the US and the Zenith brand in Europe and ROW.

The Super Sub Sea was one of the first proper dive watch chronographs together with Nivada Grenchen's Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, Favre-Leuba's Raider Sea Sky, and a number of others. So, in that sense, I believe it is iconic as representative of the Dive Watch/Chronograph - probably the best known of this type besides Nivada Grenchen.

Here is a vintage 1970s Movado Datron HS 360 Super Sub Sea Diver Chronograph that I have in my collection. It runs the automatic Zenith El Primero caliber 3019 PHC and the case size is 42mm x 14mm. It has an incredible original domed acrylic crystal and is in fantastic condition. I paid $3,850 for it and definitely would not trade it for one of the reissues at the same price.

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For reference, here are a few other dive watch/chronographs from that era - no vintage Favre-Leube yet - they are almost impossible to find in decent condition...

Nivada Grenchen Chronoking (1970) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

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Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

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HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

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HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Yachting Regatta Chronograph (1966) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

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Heuer Skipper Chronograph (1970s) with automatic Heuer Cailbre 15 (Buren 1281) and case size of 43mm x 15.5mm

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Jenny Caribbean Yachting Chronograph “Big Eye” (1960s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

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Kaltron (J.P. Pingouin Co) Yachtimer Chronograph (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

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LIP Cronografo Racing Diver (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7734

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ARSA Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23

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Britscar Yachting Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 72

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I could keep going, but these are enough to give you an idea.

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OldSnafu

i can find you a vk63 mecaquartz from Ali that looks almost exactly like that for around $60.00 USD. The 4 oclock date is a giveaway

Post the link...very interested to see that.

I didn't think the VK series of mecaquartz movements had all three subdial complications. 

Typically they only have the 60 minute counter, 24 hour AM / PM subdial, and running seconds subdial. Most only use a bicompax format with the 60 minute counter and the 24 hour AM / PM subdial.

I've never seen one with the 12-hour totalizer subdial. I don't think the VK series has that complication available.

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In all honesty, I'd never even heard of the brand and, if pressed, would have thought it was some Chinese parts assembler.

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ChronoGuy

I think the answer is "Yes" since Movado/Zenith was still a real proper watch company during the 1970s, and this is the era where companies were seeking to launch a Dive Watch/Chronograph (don't ask me why this was the case - I just know that it was). Zenith used the Movado brand in the US and the Zenith brand in Europe and ROW.

The Super Sub Sea was one of the first proper dive watch chronographs together with Nivada Grenchen's Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, Favre-Leuba's Raider Sea Sky, and a number of others. So, in that sense, I believe it is iconic as representative of the Dive Watch/Chronograph - probably the best known of this type besides Nivada Grenchen.

Here is a vintage 1970s Movado Datron HS 360 Super Sub Sea Diver Chronograph that I have in my collection. It runs the automatic Zenith El Primero caliber 3019 PHC and the case size is 42mm x 14mm. It has an incredible original domed acrylic crystal and is in fantastic condition. I paid $3,850 for it and definitely would not trade it for one of the reissues at the same price.

Image

For reference, here are a few other dive watch/chronographs from that era - no vintage Favre-Leube yet - they are almost impossible to find in decent condition...

Nivada Grenchen Chronoking (1970) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Yachting Regatta Chronograph (1966) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

Heuer Skipper Chronograph (1970s) with automatic Heuer Cailbre 15 (Buren 1281) and case size of 43mm x 15.5mm

Image

Jenny Caribbean Yachting Chronograph “Big Eye” (1960s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

Image

Kaltron (J.P. Pingouin Co) Yachtimer Chronograph (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

Image

LIP Cronografo Racing Diver (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7734

Image

ARSA Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23

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Britscar Yachting Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 72

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I could keep going, but these are enough to give you an idea.

Shoot, man.  Save some amazing vintage chronographs for the rest of us!

Your Datron, that Chronoking, and the Jenny are 😍

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ds760476

Shoot, man.  Save some amazing vintage chronographs for the rest of us!

Your Datron, that Chronoking, and the Jenny are 😍

Just preserving them for the next generation 😉

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I quite like the design but agree that the price point is a tad on the optimistic side. I really like your 1970s Movado Datron though. 

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 I find that watch to be pretty “meh” at any price point. But if one does like it; 4k is too much. No Movado hate here either. I have a 16yo SE in my collection that still gets the occasional day out.

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The lume used is...urgh. just use the white ones, no need for the fauxtina look. 

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ChronoGuy

I think the answer is "Yes" since Movado/Zenith was still a real proper watch company during the 1970s, and this is the era where companies were seeking to launch a Dive Watch/Chronograph (don't ask me why this was the case - I just know that it was). Zenith used the Movado brand in the US and the Zenith brand in Europe and ROW.

The Super Sub Sea was one of the first proper dive watch chronographs together with Nivada Grenchen's Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, Favre-Leuba's Raider Sea Sky, and a number of others. So, in that sense, I believe it is iconic as representative of the Dive Watch/Chronograph - probably the best known of this type besides Nivada Grenchen.

Here is a vintage 1970s Movado Datron HS 360 Super Sub Sea Diver Chronograph that I have in my collection. It runs the automatic Zenith El Primero caliber 3019 PHC and the case size is 42mm x 14mm. It has an incredible original domed acrylic crystal and is in fantastic condition. I paid $3,850 for it and definitely would not trade it for one of the reissues at the same price.

Image

For reference, here are a few other dive watch/chronographs from that era - no vintage Favre-Leube yet - they are almost impossible to find in decent condition...

Nivada Grenchen Chronoking (1970) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

HEMA (Henri Maurer SA) Yachting Regatta Chronograph (1966) with manual Landeron 149 and case size of 38mm x 13mm

Image

Heuer Skipper Chronograph (1970s) with automatic Heuer Cailbre 15 (Buren 1281) and case size of 43mm x 15.5mm

Image

Jenny Caribbean Yachting Chronograph “Big Eye” (1960s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

Image

Kaltron (J.P. Pingouin Co) Yachtimer Chronograph (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7733 and case size of 38mm x 11mm

Image

LIP Cronografo Racing Diver (1970s) with manual Valjoux 7734

Image

ARSA Diver Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 23

Image

Britscar Yachting Chronograph (1960s) with manual Valjoux 72

Image

I could keep going, but these are enough to give you an idea.

Great collection and thanks for the mini history, you have certainly earned your handle @ChronoGuy

To the point of the thread, I would wonder how these felt and looked on the wrist, and it would have to be pretty good to get me to consider them for $4k; too many other good choices in that range. 

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Robcollects

Great collection and thanks for the mini history, you have certainly earned your handle @ChronoGuy

To the point of the thread, I would wonder how these felt and looked on the wrist, and it would have to be pretty good to get me to consider them for $4k; too many other good choices in that range. 

Thanks for the kind words.

If you are interested in some more watch brand history, I have posted a number of threads with mini histories of some lesser known brands. Just look for the Let's Talk About... title in the postings.

Here are a couple examples:

https://www.watchcrunch.com/ChronoGuy/posts/let-s-talk-about-decompression-dive-watches-11932

https://www.watchcrunch.com/ChronoGuy/posts/let-s-talk-about-the-lings-scam-fake-chronograph-watch-8836

https://www.watchcrunch.com/ChronoGuy/posts/let-s-talk-about-the-caribbean-7053

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Thanks, I’ll be doing some reading!

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They’re not bad looking, but Movado are effectively a mall brand at this point.  They should have offered this at a much lower price.  Who would ever choose to bypass Tudor, Breitling and even some Omegas at this price and pick a Movado???  Heck you could buy a couple Christopher Wards for this price!

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Long story short, I like the design but for what their watches sell for and at a size I cant comfortably wear plus that price that is a hard pass for me.

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Pretty cool, you kind of get a dive/ fashion type watch.  I think these 2 look pretty cool.  For that price though, I would probably look at other brands.  Cant you get a Tudor for that money?  I think they look great but that price tag seems too high for Movado.  Thats a tough price range to be at...

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No.  There are far better choices for $4000.