Movado M95 Chronograph 19038 - Silver Dial - FB case

This beautiful Movado Chronograph Reference 19038 from the 1950s impresses with its exceptionally attractive patinated dial, distinctive stainless steel case by François Borgel, and legendary in-house chronograph caliber M95.

The history of Movado chronographs dates back to the 1930s. At a time when numerous Swiss watch manufacturers relied on chronograph movements supplied by specialized manufacturers, Movado developed its own technically sophisticated chronograph calibers. The M90 and M95 became particularly well known, distinguished from many contemporary chronographs by their distinctive construction and unusual operation. Today, these early Movado chronographs rank among the most interesting historical models produced by the manufacture.

The absolute highlight of this Reference 19038 is undoubtedly its beautifully aged dial. Over the decades, the originally silver-colored surface has developed a warm, champagne-colored patina with numerous subtle variations in tone, giving each watch its own unique character. Particularly appealing is the combination of luminous Arabic numerals, slender hands, and three finely textured subsidiary dials. The surrounding tachymeter scale emphasizes the sporty character of this early chronograph.

The stainless steel case also deserves special attention. It was manufactured by the renowned casemaker François Borgel, known for producing high-quality and elaborately constructed watch cases. The distinctive stepped bezel and elegantly faceted lugs give the watch a remarkable presence on the wrist. The screw-down caseback bears the corresponding FB Patent hallmark as well as the original Movado engravings.

A particularly interesting detail is the matching case numbers: The last four digits of the case number A101xxx engraved inside the caseback correspond exactly to the number 1xxx engraved between the lugs. These so-called matching numbers are an important indication of the originality and matching configuration of the case components.

Inside beats the famous hand-wound Movado manufacture caliber M95. This sophisticated chronograph movement with three subsidiary dials is distinguished by its unusual operation: Unlike most chronographs, the timing function is started and stopped using the lower pusher, while the upper pusher is used to reset the chronograph hand. The caliber M95 ranks among Movado's most significant historical developments.

The watch is complemented by a vintage multi-row stainless steel bracelet, whose intricate link construction perfectly suits the appearance of this vintage chronograph. The practical sliding clasp allows for continuous adjustment of the bracelet length.

A fascinating vintage chronograph that combines Movado's distinctive watchmaking heritage with a characterful, authentically aged dial and a high-quality Borgel stainless steel case.

Condition Report
Dial: Original silver-colored dial with natural patina - original radium luminous material - signed "Movado Switzerland".

Case: 35 mm FB case - well-preserved lines and bevels of the faceted lugs - light signs of wear - serial number engraved inside the caseback - matching engraving of the last four digits of the serial number between the lugs - original crown and original chronograph pushers - width between the lugs: 18 mm.

Movement: Hand-wound Movado caliber M95 - chronograph starts, stops, and resets perfectly - timegrapher results: rate deviation: −1 s/day, amplitude: 261°, beat error: 2.6 ms.

Bracelet: Vintage stainless steel bracelet in very good condition - continuously adjustable sliding clasp - engraving on the inside of the clasp: "Stainless Steel Made in W. Germany" - length adjustable between 17.6 and 19.2 cm (6.93 to 7.56 inches).

Serial number: 101xxx

Int.Exe.: 87332