MOVADO, POLYPLAN MODEL REF. 44009, A RARE GOLD CURVED AND RECTANGULAR SHAPED MANUAL-WINDING WRISTWATCH

The Movado Polyplan was launched in 1912 and made in 18K and 14K gold and silver cases, with or without a seconds hand. At the time it was such an expensive watch that apparently only some 1,500 examples were produced.

The plate of the Polyplan 400 caliber movement is angled at both ends to fit into the curved case, the compensation balance is placed under the dial. This placement allowed the use of a larger balance resulting in a more accurate watch. The horizontal section of the plate contains the gear train and barrel, while the setting wheel, stem and crown are located in the upper angled part. Furthermore the Polyplan features a unique regulator arm which can be reached from the back so that the movement does not need to be removed from the case for adjusting.

The Polyplan model is described and illustrated in The Movado History by Fritz von Osterhausen, pp. 34-39, and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mhe, Brunner, fifth edition, p. 43, pl. 62 and p. 224, pl. 432-436.

Previously sold at Christies New York in December 2012 as the property of Property of a Massachusetts Collector on Dec 2012 lot 119 sale 2610