Founded in 1881, Movado has become one of the most interesting watchmakers around with a longstanding history of making some incredible timepieces. While the modern watchmaker Movado that we know of today is certainly not typically associated with high-end luxury watchmaking, the brand’s earlier years were filled with prestige as they earned a reputation as one of Switzerland’s finest watchmakers. By the 1940s, Movado had grown from relatively humble beginnings to one of the industry’s leading brands. As such, their watches were worn by some of the world’s elite and vintage timepieces like the 1881 Perpetual Calendar ref. 40.B3.881 that we have here is straight out of Movado's golden age. Debuted in the 1981, the Perpetual Calendar ref. 40.B3.881 was launched to celebrate Movado’s 100 year anniversary by showcasing Movado’s iconic mid-century design. Boasting a 34mm 18kt yellow gold construction with teardrop lugs, a stepped bezel and a stunning silver dial with applied Breguet numerals and leaf hands, the Perpetual Calendar ref. 40.B3.881 is a wonderfully balanced timepiece that champions elegant design and exquisite craftsmanship. Powered by the automatic cal. 2890-9 movement, the Perpetual Calendar ref. 40.B3.881 features a perpetual calendar array of functions, as its name suggests, with a leap year indicator, and day, date and month displays balanced by a moon phase indicator, the Perpetual Calendar ref. 40.B3.881’s display is wonderfully symmetrical and thoughtfully executed.

A thoughtfully designed and carefully executed piece of classically-inspired watchmaking, the ref. 40.B3.881 showcases Movado's ability to create far more impressive timepieces that collectors often give them credit.