NOS 1950s Movado Astrograph-Celestograf | Ref. 14970 | François Borgel Case | Spanish Date

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WHY IS THIS WATCH IMPORTANT

The vintage Movado market has surged in recent years, elevating the brand status among collectors. The brand was founded in 1881, and ever since, it's been known as one of Switzerland's most diverse and recognizable watch brands. Water-resistant chronographs are some of the most searched pieces in the Movado world. 

This particular example is as rare as it gets, the Celestograf, or Astrograph (for the American market), can be described as “the more complicated watches made by the brand”, it displays the hours, minutes, seconds, day of the week, date, month and moon phase.

 Something to consider here is a small  FB" stamped inside the caseback, the signature of François Borgel, a synonymous of "waterproof" greatness. That mark means quality and collectability. You're not likely to come across these in this outstanding ¨MUSEMUM QUIALITY¨condition, the mark is typically found within some inf the finest Patek Philippe's ref. 565 Calatrava "Tasti Tondi" as well as watches from, Vacheron Constantin, and IWC.

Borgel was born in 1856. Under the hands of Taubert & Fils, a family who bought the François Borgel operation in 1924, the "FB" and key insignia found their way inside the casebacks of some of the best and most recognizable brands in Switzerland.

Another interesting and exotic addition is that the day and month are in Spanish with a ¨Switzerland¨instead of plain ¨Swiss¨writings at 6 o'clock.

The crown is original and also designed by Taubert & Fils.

The dial is in a two-tone configuration, with gold hands and markers, a blue date track is also present.

The original Movado box is included.

 

CONDITION

There is a saying among watch collectors: condition, condition, condition! and that is certainly what we have here.
This watch is a time travel to the 50s, with unpolished and sharp case, a near-flawless and bright dial, the moon-phase is colorful, and a paper store-sticker still on the back. This watch was not used but only to take some pictures.
Inside the case back we can see a couple of small scratches probably made during the opening and closing of the back.
The watch is in running condition and keeps good time for a watch of its age.

 

THE FINE PRINT

Maker: Movado
Model: Astrograph-Celestograf
Reference: 14970
Year: 1950s
Movement: Manual wind
Case No: 91xx
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 11mm thickness 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Non
Bracelet/Strap: New blue saffiano strap
Lug width: 17.5mm
Box/Papers: Original box

 

 -This watch was photographed on a 6.9 inch / 175mm wrist.


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