Why This Watch Matters

This Movado has it all – a reverse panda dial, a large compressor case, a great chronograph movement ,– and it looks killer on the wrist.

The Full Story

At first glance, you might think that this is a Zenith reference A277, as it looks almost identical to the Movado Super Sub-Sea you see here. They were both manufactured at the end of the 1960s when the two brands worked closely together. As a result this Movado houses a chronograph movement from Zenith, the caliber 146 HP from a Martel ebauche. It comes with a large compressor case whose water resistance justifies the Super Sub-Sea reference name. Its sheer 41 mm size makes it quite wearable on the wrist, while the reverse panda dial and the external bezel are very legible. This Sub-Sea gets a high score on both functionality and looks, the type of combo we love.

The Fine Print

Maker: Movado
Model: Super Sub-Sea
Reference: 206-704-501
Year: 1960s
Case No: NA
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 41 mm diameter; 13.5 mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: No
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Manual-wound chronograph movement 146-HP
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Brown Leather Strap
Lug Width: 22 mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

This chronograph looks and feels substantial thanks to its well-preserved 41 mm compressor case. There is a noticeable scratch on the left case band, and some superficial traces on the engraved case back. The original bezel has a nice faded color with a full lume plot. Similarly, the dial does not come with any aging marks, although the lume on the minute and hour hand is lighter than on the indexes, which indicates that the handset may have been replaced.