Movado is an American-Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, originally under the name LAI Ditesheim & Frères. The company adopted the name “Movado” (Esperanto for “always in motion”) in 1905, reflecting its focus on innovation and modern design. Movado became widely recognized for its minimalist aesthetic and technical quality, winning numerous early-20th-century chronometry and design awards.

The brand’s most iconic creation is the Museum Watch, designed in 1947 by American artist Nathan George Horwitt. Its stark black dial with a single gold dot at 12 o’clock, symbolizing the sun at high noon, became the first watch dial ever accepted into the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent design collection. This design still defines Movado’s identity and appears in many interpretations, from simple dress watches to diamond-accented models.

Popular Movado styles include the classic Museum Classic and Museum Sport collections, the more contemporary Bold line with larger cases and colorful accents, and the heritage-inspired 1881 Automatic models that highlight Swiss mechanical movements. Interesting aspects of the brand include its strong ties to modern art and architecture, frequent artist and designer collaborations, and a focus on creating “modern wearable art” rather than purely traditional luxury watches. Today, Movado is known for offering modern, design-driven timepieces at a relatively accessible luxury price point while maintaining its roots.