The Movado Astronic HS 360 Reference 01.0010.436 is one of the most extraordinary wristwatches of the early 1970s. Few timepieces combine the technical achievements of traditional Swiss watchmaking as impressively as this chronograph. Powered by the legendary calibre 3019 PHF — the rarest and most sophisticated version of the El Primero — it combines an automatic high-beat chronograph with a full calendar and moonphase complication. It is no coincidence that renowned watch historian Fritz von Osterhausen described this movement as the "final peak of the mechanical wristwatch before the onset of the quartz revolution" — the ultimate achievement of the mechanical wristwatch just before the quartz crisis transformed the watch industry.
The silver satin dial is preserved in exceptional original condition. The original tritium lume remains fully intact on both the hands and hour markers and has developed a beautiful creamy patina over the decades. The harmonious arrangement of the three subsidiary registers for running seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters is complemented by apertures displaying the day, month, date and moonphase, giving the dial a remarkably balanced appearance despite its impressive range of functions. The red chronograph sweep seconds hand, together with the blue subdials, provides a striking splash of color.
The substantial stainless steel case measures 45 x 38 mm and features the distinctive tonneau shape that perfectly embodies the unmistakable retro design language of the early 1970s. The screw-down case back and original screw-down crown underline the watch's sporty character. Equally remarkable is the original heavy stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet with its signed Movado folding clasp, stamped 3/71. Gay Frères was one of Switzerland's most prestigious bracelet manufacturers, supplying brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Heuer and Zenith. An original bracelet of this quality represents a significant part of the watch's collectability today.
Inside beats the automatic manufacture calibre 3019 PHF, one of the most technically advanced movements of its era. Developed through the collaboration between Zenith and Movado during their shared corporate history in the late 1960s, it belongs to the legendary El Primero family. With its high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, ball-bearing mounted central rotor for automatic winding, and the combination of chronograph, full calendar and moonphase complications, it represented the pinnacle of classical mechanical watchmaking at the beginning of the 1970s.
It is estimated that only around 100 Movado Astronic models fitted with the calibre 3019 PHF were ever produced. As a result, these watches rarely appear on the market today and rank among the most sought-after vintage Movado timepieces. The outstanding originality of this example, featuring a flawless dial, original tritium lume and its fully preserved Gay Frères bracelet, makes it an exceptional collector's piece and a fascinating witness to an era in which the mechanical wristwatch reached its technical zenith.
Condition Report
Dial: flawless original silver satin dial – original matching tritium lume on both the hands and hour markers – greatly well-preserved blue-grey tachymeter scale – signed "Movado Astronic HS360" and "Swiss Made T".
Case: massive stainless steel tonneau-shaped case – light signs of wear – full and well-defined profile – crisp case back engravings: "Reference 01.0010.436, Super Sub Sea" – width between the lugs: 22 mm.
Movement: automatic chronograph with full calendar and moonphase, Zenith/Movado calibre 3019 PHF – all functions operating flawlessly – timegrapher results: -1 sec/day, amplitude 231°, beat error 0.2 ms.
Bracelet: original integrated stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet – signed Movado clasp – clasp date stamp 3/71 – adjustable to fit wrists of approximately 18–21 cm (7.1–8.3 inches).
Int.Exe.: 78323