Movado Watch Review: Is this Brand Worth Your Money?

If you’ve ever strolled past a watch display and found your eyes drawn to the sleek simplicity of a Movado watch, you’re not alone. Movado’s minimalist designs, particularly the iconic Museum Watch, have earned the brand a loyal following and plenty of admirers. But does that admiration translate into value for money? 

And is Movado a must-have addition to your own collection, or is it just a fancy name with a hefty price tag? Ultimately, it’s all going to come down to your own tastes and desires, but let us at least give you all the information you need to make your decision.

Movado Watches in the Past

If you were to head to the Movado website today, you’d be right in thinking this watch company leans more towards fashion-style watches than high-end watchmaking prowess. But the Swiss timepiece manufacturer hasn’t always been the fashion-forward, design-centric brand you see today.

Movado has a rich history that dates back to 1881, when it was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, a region that many of you will probably know is already synonymous with precision watchmaking. The name “Movado” itself means “always in motion” in Esperanto, which reflects the brand’s early commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship.

Back in the day, Movado was a serious player in the world of horology. Its reputation was built on elegant, innovative designs, and it won numerous awards for this philosophy. 

Notable watches in its archive include the Polyplan, which launched in 1912, a curved watch designed to fit the wrist more comfortably, and its Chronometer watches, which were highly prized for their accuracy.

The real turning point for Movado came in 1947, though, when artist Nathan George Horwitt designed the now-iconic Museum Dial. 

The watch’s stark, minimalist design featured a single dot at 12 o’clock to represent the sun and two hands sweeping around the dial. It was a design so striking it became part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, earning it the nickname “Museum Watch.”

But alas, the history of Movado isn’t all sunshine and accolades. Their acquisition of the Museum Dial design has been a source of plenty of controversy. 

While Horwitt initially licensed the design to Movado, there have been disputes over its intellectual property, which has led some watch enthusiasts to question the brand’s integrity. Regardless, Movado has leaned heavily on this design ever since, making it the cornerstone of its identity.

For decades, Movado was seen as a serious, respectable Swiss watchmaker. Collectors still prize vintage Movado pieces for their craftsmanship and unique designs. However, as we’ll see, the brand’s focus shifted dramatically in the late 20th century.

Movado Watches Today

Fast forward to the present, and Movado occupies a very different space in the watch world. While the brand still leans on its Swiss heritage, its watches are now more often associated with fashion than high-end horology. 

In fact, even Movado has positioned its company more as a lifestyle brand, appealing to a fashion-forward audience with its sleek, modern designs. But this does mean prices can feel a little high, especially considering the technology and design prowess involved. 

The Good 

Now, I don’t want you to think this article is focused solely on the negatives of Movado. This Swiss watchmaker still has many admirable qualities that have earned it a dedicated following over the years. 

From their iconic Museum Dial to their commitment to crafting timepieces that seamlessly blend fashion and functionality, Movado continues to hold a respected place in the world of horology.

Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to watches, and I would never look down on someone for choosing to wear a Movado. After all, a watch is a personal choice that reflects individual taste and style, and Movado offers a unique aesthetic that resonates with many.

For me, the real draw of Movado is the Museum Dial. It remains their most timeless design feature and has inspired countless imitators (so you know it must be admired). 

Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic make it a perfect accessory for those who value simplicity and sophistication. And, Movado has clearly listened to their customers because they have expanded their Museum offerings to include hundreds of dial, case, and strap configurations. 

Movado’s pricing strategy also still makes it accessible to a wider audience. With many models falling in the $500 to $1,500 range, it’s a more attainable brand than many luxury Swiss watchmakers. And, while purists may scoff, Movado’s quartz movements are reliable and require minimal maintenance, which will always be a plus for casual watch wearers. 

The Not-So-Good 

On the other hand, it’s clear Movado’s reputation as a serious watchmaker has taken a hit. Once celebrated for its innovation and craftsmanship, Movado is now often grouped with fashion brands like Michael Kors and Gucci. 

For serious watch enthusiasts, this association diminishes its credibility. Much of this is down to Movado’s reliance on cheaper technologies like quartz movements and its departure from producing intricate mechanical timepieces. While dependable, quartz movements lack the artistry and complexity that many collectors seek.

Movado’s over-reliance on the Museum Dial design is another sticking point. Yes, it’s iconic, but it’s also ubiquitous. The sheer number of variations on this single concept, with different dial colors, case materials, and strap options, makes it feel overdone. 

It’s as though the brand is treading water creatively, relying on the Museum Dial to carry its identity instead of innovating with new, exciting designs. For a brand with such a storied past, this lack of evolution is disappointing. 

Another criticism lies in the pricing of some Movado models. For instance, the Movado Bold line looks great, but their price tags—often around the $1,000 range—don’t always align with the technology and materials offered. Many competitors in the same price bracket provide better value through superior craftsmanship, mechanical movements, or more innovative features. 

Lastly, Movado’s focus on mass production has diluted its exclusivity. In the past, owning a Movado felt special, almost like a connection to Swiss heritage and artistry. 

Today, the brand’s ubiquity and presence in department stores make it feel more like a commodity than a coveted timepiece. This mass-market approach has made Movado accessible but at the cost of its prestige among horology enthusiasts. 

Popular Movado Models 

Museum Classic 

The Museum Classic is perhaps Movado’s most iconic watch, and for good reason. It closely mimics the original Museum Watch design, featuring the signature minimalist dial with a single dot at 12 o’clock. The simplicity of this watch is both its strength and its weakness. 

On one hand, it’s a timeless representation of modernism. On the other, some critics argue that the design feels overused. While it’s a beautiful piece, Movado’s reluctance to innovate with the Museum Dial has left some fans, myself included, yearning for more creativity. 

Movado Bold 

The Movado Bold series takes a more contemporary approach with bold case stylings, chunky metal bracelets, and dials that play with textures and colors. These watches certainly look the part of a luxury timepiece, but their price tags—often exceeding $1,000—raise questions about value. 

While they feature automatic movements and durable materials, they face stiff competition from brands offering better technology and craftsmanship at a similar or lower price point. For instance, Seiko and Tissot provide comparable or superior options in terms of movement and design for half the cost. 

Movado Face 

The Movado Face is another model inspired by the original Museum Dial, but it takes a more playful and accessible approach. These watches are significantly more affordable, often powered by quartz movements, and feature bold, colorful dials. 

While the designs are fun and vibrant, they still carry a premium price tag that’s hard to reconcile with the technology on offer. Many critics feel that Movado’s reliance on branding over innovation in these models diminishes their appeal.

Should you get a Movado Watch? 

So, is a Movado watch worth your hard-earned money? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. 

Who Should Buy a Movado? 

If you’re someone who values design and aesthetics above all else, Movado has likely already caught your eye. The Museum Dial’s minimalist beauty is hard to beat, and the brand’s other offerings provide plenty of stylish options. 

Movado watches are also ideal for those new to the world of watches. They’re relatively affordable, easy to maintain, and offer a taste of Swiss heritage.

For professionals, Movado watches can also serve as a statement piece. The understated design of a Museum Watch pairs seamlessly with business attire, making it an excellent choice for those who want to exude confidence and style in the workplace without being flashy. It’s a way to make a subtle yet powerful impression. 

Additionally, Movado watches aren’t something you see every day. While brands like Seiko and Longines are celebrated and often spotted on wrists worldwide, Movado’s unique approach to watchmaking sets it apart. Their minimalist aesthetic and uncluttered design offer something distinctive in a sea of more traditional styles. 

For this reason, Movado watches will likely appeal to those who like to stand out from the crowd. They embrace a real stripped-down, artistic approach to watch design, so they’ll be a natural fit for those who appreciate subtlety and want their style to reflect their uniqueness. 

Finally, Movado works for those who are less interested in the mechanics of watchmaking and more focused on aesthetics. I know that not everyone needs a watch with a complex automatic movement or a rich horological history. For many, a beautiful design and a reliable movement are more than enough, and Movado delivers on both fronts. 

Who Should Look Elsewhere? 

In stark contrast, if you’re something of a watch-collecting buff or simply someone who appreciates the artistry behind mechanical movements, you’ll likely find Movado lacking in this area. 

There are plenty of great alternatives in the same price range that offer mechanical movements, greater craftsmanship, and a richer history. Brands like Hamilton, Tissot, or Seiko provide excellent value for money and are more widely respected within the watch community. 

For those willing to stretch their budget, stepping up to brands like Longines or Oris will get you a true luxury timepiece with more robust features and mechanical movements. 

These brands offer watches with a level of craftsmanship and innovation that Movado simply doesn’t compete with within its current form. Additionally, if exclusivity is important to you, Movado’s widespread availability might be a turnoff. Other brands in the same price range can offer a sense of rarity and individuality that Movado lacks. 

Another point to consider is that while Movado’s Museum dial is undeniably iconic, it’s not to everyone’s taste. Its minimalist design is polarizing. Some find it striking and timeless, while others view it as overly simplistic or uninspired. 

Furthermore, despite boasting over 350 models on their website, Movado offers very little in terms of design variety. Most of their watches share the same core aesthetic, with differences largely limited to dial colors, case sizes, and minor material variations. For buyers seeking diverse styles or bolder design choices, Movado’s lineup can feel repetitive and uninspired, making it a less attractive option compared to brands that embrace broader creative expression.

Conclusion 

Movado is a brand that tends to elicit strong opinions, and it’s easy to see why. Once a prominent name in Swiss watchmaking, Movado has evolved into more of a fashion-forward brand, catering to those who prioritize clean, minimalist design and accessibility over traditional horological pedigree. 

For many, the sleek and iconic Museum dial is enough to make a Movado watch an appealing choice. I can understand it; it’s a design that’s hard to mistake for anything else and can make a subtle yet bold style statement.

However, Movado’s shift toward fashion-oriented timepieces does mean it may not appeal to everyone. If you’re someone who values the intricate artistry of mechanical movements, the weight of a storied legacy, or a reputation that resonates deeply within the watch-collecting community, Movado may feel lacking. It’s also fair to say you can find similar or better levels of craftsmanship and design at half of the price if you look hard enough.

Ultimately, whether Movado is worth it comes down to what you value most in a watch. If you’re drawn to their design and the modern, minimalist aesthetic speaks to you, there’s no reason not to enjoy wearing one. 

Watches are personal and should be a reflection of your taste and personality, no one else’s. Whether you choose Movado for its distinct style or opt for another brand that aligns more with traditional watchmaking values, the most important thing is that you wear what you want. Other people’s opinions shouldn’t matter, including mine.