1950s Jewelry

SLIDING DOORS – THE MOVADO ERMETO WATCH Very often, decorative objects or so-called luxury items can be accused of having a surplus of form over function. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with this and in many ways we applaud it! Collecting and enjoying beautiful objects that exist merely for the sake of existing is central to the Bulang and Sons rason d’etre. The watches we will be discussing today are, however, the epitome of when form and function collide perfectly to create a useful and yet aesthetically very pleasing object. The Modvado Ermeto watch first saw light in 1926 and had an impressive run of 59 years until it ceased production in 1985. Tactile and handsome in equal measure, the Ermeto watch was designed to be used in the same way as a pocket watch and afforded the watch full protection, much like a full-hunter pocket watch. Overlooked by collectors for many years, we have fallen in love with these quirky pieces and want to share our love of one of Movado’s most enduring timepieces with you all today. Off the radar is the Movado Ermeto watch, a name that is derived from the Greek for “hermetically sealed”. Holding the watch in your hand you can easily see why the name is perfect, as the watch is case between two sliding outer sleeves, almost like a shell. The two ‘shells’ can be slid apart to reveal the watch within and then closed to cover and protect the concealed timepiece. Whilst now technically hermetically sealed like a Rolex Oyster case, the watch was well protected from dust, water spills and shocks when closed. The concept was not unlike the Jaeger-LeCoutre Reverso or Cartier Tank Basculante in so far as the face of the watch was protected. The Ermeto, however, took the idea a step further to offer all-round protection. The Ermeto was originally available in four different sizes depending on your preference. The largest was the Pullman at 100mm wide and 70mm high. Then came the Master at a more modest 54 by 37mm size and the Normal that was 48 by 34mm – both very similar in size. The final size was marketed at ladies and was referred to as the Baby, was 43 by 26mm and was intended to be worn on a chain around the neck or placed in a purse. Whilst the closing case was perfect for keeping your watch safe and sound, the sliding doors had a fully functioning purpose. The wound the watch! Opening and closing the watch six times was enough to fully wind the watch for a 24-hour period. It was after one year of production, that in 1927 Movado’s founder’s brother invented the mechanism to wind the watch using the case. The system was simple in execution but genius in design. Each case side was fitted with a rack that engaged a pinion to wind the stem of the crown. The simple sliding of the case therefore roatted the winding crown, thus negating the need for the user to do so. The movements that Movado used...

Original 1950’s men’s Movado Calendograf, triple calendar Gold arabic numerals dial, in proper working order. Original movado signed steel case, in good c...

Movado Yellow Gold Watch Bracelet circa 1950-60, with the original dial. Materials: 18k YG 33.1 dwt Hallmarked market 18k Original dial c. 1950- 1960 ...

Lovely travel clock created by Movado in the 1950's. Slick, elegant and compact, the clock is a great addition to your accessories collection. The clock is made of 14 karat yellow g...

1950s Movado Watch 18 Karat Rose Gold Watch Head Only, without a strap. A strap can be included upon request. This winding watch has a date and month function, and runs perfectly. I...

This is a Movado gold plated automatic wristwatch. It appears to be out of a time capsule with the original strap, buckle and hang tag.

This is an elegant Movado stainless steel wristwatch with stepped lugs that have a nice matte finish detail and a snap back. The dial is a two-t...

Ref. 16230, case n° 254002, made circa 1950 Cal. G225 bumper automatic movement, three section silvered dial with applied gilt dot hour markers and Arabic quarters, blue outer cal...

This is a beautiful stainless steel Movado chronograph wristwatch with square pushers, circa 1950s.

This is a beautiful example of a Movado Calendomatic in 18k yellow gold. The case, dial, and movement are in mint condition and 100% original. The case has beautiful lugs and the dia...

18K yellow gold Movado 17 Jewel manual wind wrist watch for Tiffany & Company, Raised case markers with a light brushed finish, brown lizard strap.

Stainless-Steel & Leather Purse Alarm Travel-Clock by Movado - circa 1957, very rare to find in Mint condition, winding as you close and open the clock