Movado
1960s Movado Super Sub-Sea Chronograph (Ref. 95-704-541) "Cal. M95"
As far back as the 1930s, Movado was trading in water-resistant wristwatches, and by the early '60s, they were producing dive watches built to stand up to the era's greater-known offerings from names like Rolex, Omega, Heuer & Tudor.
The Super Sub Sea is quite possibly the most desirable of Movado's dive watches during this era, and this ref. 95-704-541 is an absolute rarity. The earliest variations of this chronograph contain the M95 movement that was first developed by Piguet, which just happens to have the distinction of being the first modular chronograph movement ever produced.
Of course, at first glance, you may think that this is a Zenith reference A277 as they almost look identical. And to be sure, both references were manufactured at a time when Movado and Zenith worked closely together under the same parent company. But this one is a piece all its own - something we like to call a "Time Capsule" due to the fact that it is in flawless vintage condition. And with these Sub Sea Chronographs becoming increasingly difficult to find—especially in this condition—this is an especially unique opportunity to own one of the coolest dive watches from the dive watch golden era.
SPECS
Stock # | MOVSSSM95 | |
Brand | Movado | |
Style | Super Sub Sea Chronograph | |
Model | 95-704-541 | |
Serial | 29X | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Black " Reverse-Panda" | |
Millimeters | 40 | |
Bracelet | Single-Pass NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The 40-millimeter case features wide set lugs and appears to have been minimally polished in the past, as the lugs retain factory chamfers, finishing, and dimensions with honest signs of use. The rare rotating bezel remains deep black in color and is in excellent condition, showing light signs of use but no excessive wear, and retains its tritium triable at the 12 o'clock position, which matches the dial perfectly. It retains its original Movado-signed crown set between two pump pushers. The case back is clean, and though the factory markings have slightly faded, they all remain legible and intact. The watch will be supplied on a single-pass nylon NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The "reverse panda" dial colorway pairs an inky black glossy dial with gilt printing and silver sub-dials that have achieved a champagne-colored patina. The aged sub-dials match the gilt printing perfectly for a stunning aesthetic effect. Overall, the condition of the dial is near-flawless, with no notable age or damage present on the dial itself and no marks or damage present on the sub-dials either. The tritium lume at the hour indices, as well as in the hour and minute hands, has aged to vivid golden coloration; there is no major degradation to report when the dial is inspected under U.V. light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, the previous service history is unknown.