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Lot Essay
The Movado "Polyplan" was launched in 1912 and made in 18K and 14K gold and silver cases, with or without a second hand. At the time it was such an expensive watch that apparently only around 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 model combining an Art Nouveau style dial with a very modernistic, slender case design was and still is much looked after by collectors.
A similar watch is illustated in "The Movado History" by Fritz von Osterhausen, p. 35 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, fifth edition, p. p. 43, pl. 62 and p. 224, pl. 432-436.
The case of the present watch is stamped with The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd. hallmark, one of the leading English manufacturers and retailers of fine watches, silver and jewelery situated at 112 Regent Street, London. In 1952 the company merged with the renowned jeweler Garrard & Co.
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 model combining an Art Nouveau style dial with a very modernistic, slender case design was and still is much looked after by collectors.
A similar watch is illustated in "The Movado History" by Fritz von Osterhausen, p. 35 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, fifth edition, p. p. 43, pl. 62 and p. 224, pl. 432-436.
The case of the present watch is stamped with The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd. hallmark, one of the leading English manufacturers and retailers of fine watches, silver and jewelery situated at 112 Regent Street, London. In 1952 the company merged with the renowned jeweler Garrard & Co.