Movado Turns Back Time To Move Forward With The Heritage 1917 Collection
5 min read
Picture the world in 1917. Jazz was beginning to shape culture, skyscrapers were transforming city skylines, and Art Deco was redefining the language of design through bold geometry and elegant symmetry. Amid this wave of creative change, Movado introduced one of its earliest square-shaped wristwatches- a timepiece that captured the spirit of a generation looking firmly toward the future. More than a century later, that design returns in the form of the new Heritage 1917 Collection, launched in Mumbai as part of Movado's celebrations marking 145 years of Swiss watchmaking excellence.
As Movado celebrates an impressive 145 years of Swiss watchmaking, the brand is revisiting one of the most fascinating chapters in its archives with the launch of the new Heritage 1917 Collection. The collection marks the beginning of a milestone year that will see the Swiss maison honour its rich legacy through heritage-inspired creations, immersive experiences, global events, and special marketing initiatives.
Founded in 1881, Movado has long been synonymous with modern design and Swiss precision. Over the course of nearly a century and a half, the brand has secured more than 100 patents and earned a place in horological history, with its timepieces featured in over 20 museums worldwide. While many enthusiasts immediately associate Movado with its iconic Museum Dial, the Heritage Collection demonstrates that the brand's design story runs much deeper.
A Century Of Square Watches
To understand the Heritage 1917, one must travel back to an era of jazz clubs, glamorous soirées, and the rise of Art Deco. In 1917, Movado introduced one of its earliest square-shaped wristwatches, a bold departure from the pocket-watch-inspired designs that dominated the period. Characterised by clean geometric lines, artistic Arabic numerals, and a distinctly modern silhouette, the watch reflected the spirit of a rapidly changing world. It was a time when automobiles were reshaping cities, jazz was transforming culture, and Art Deco architecture was beginning to define skylines.
The square watch quickly found favour among style-conscious men and women who appreciated its contemporary elegance. More than a century later, that pioneering design serves as the inspiration for the Heritage 1917 Collection. Rather than simply recreating a vintage watch, Movado has thoughtfully reinterpreted the original, blending historical design codes with contemporary materials, proportions, and mechanical performance.
Art Deco Elegance Reimagined
At first glance, the Heritage 1917 immediately captures attention with its distinctive square profile. Crafted from stainless steel and measuring 35mm by 45.20mm, the case strikes a pleasing balance between vintage character and modern wrist presence. The design is deeply rooted in Art Deco aesthetics. Strong geometric architecture, softened corners, and beautifully proportioned Arabic numerals create a visual language that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary.
The dial is one of the collection's standout features. Executed in a charcoal grey sunburst ombré finish, it showcases a captivating play of light and shadow. As light moves across the surface, the dial transitions subtly between tones, creating depth and visual dynamism. The effect recalls the dramatic contrasts and architectural grandeur of the Art Deco era, where light was often used as an artistic element to accentuate form and structure.
Surrounding the dial is a gold-plated bezel that adds warmth and sophistication, while sapphire crystal provides exceptional scratch resistance and long-term durability. Unlike conventional mineral glass, sapphire ranks among the hardest materials used in watchmaking, ensuring that the watch maintains its pristine appearance through years of wear.
Movado has also introduced a newly designed unilink bracelet that integrates seamlessly with the case. The bracelet's fluid construction enhances comfort while reinforcing the watch's streamlined vintage-modern aesthetic. Alternatively, the collection is available with richly textured Italian-tanned leather straps in warm tan hues, further emphasising its heritage-inspired character. Adding to the vintage appeal are thoughtful details such as the signature "M" crown and an archival floral motif featured on the smaller model, subtle nods to Movado's historic design archives.
The Mechanics Behind The Design
While the exterior celebrates the past, the movement inside firmly belongs to the present. Powering the Heritage 1917 is the Swiss-made Sellita SW200 automatic calibre, one of the most respected workhorse movements in contemporary watchmaking. Known for its reliability, serviceability, and robust construction, the movement operates through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist.
As the watch is worn, a weighted rotor continuously rotates, converting kinetic energy into stored power within the mainspring. This eliminates the need for daily manual winding while ensuring consistent performance. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), allowing for a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and improved timekeeping stability. The higher frequency also helps the watch better resist minor shocks and positional variations encountered during everyday wear.
One of the most satisfying aspects for enthusiasts is the exhibition caseback. Rather than concealing the movement, Movado has chosen to showcase it through a transparent sapphire window, allowing owners to admire the intricate mechanics at work. The oscillating rotor, gears, balance wheel, and finishing details are all visible, providing a reminder that beneath the watch's elegant exterior lies a sophisticated mechanical heart.
Honouring The Past, Looking To The Future
The Heritage 1917 arrives at a pivotal moment for Movado. As the brand celebrates 145 years of innovation, it serves as a reminder that some of the most compelling watch designs are those that successfully bridge generations. The collection captures the optimism and creativity of the early 20th century while delivering the functionality, durability, and mechanical reliability expected by modern collectors. It is a watch that speaks to both history enthusiasts and contemporary design lovers alike.
More importantly, it demonstrates that heritage is not simply about preserving the past it is about finding new ways to bring it to life. With the Heritage 1917 Collection, Movado has done precisely that, transforming a century-old design into a thoroughly modern statement while celebrating one of the most important milestones in the brand's 145-year journey.
