The Movado Datron lives in the shadow of earlier Movado chronographs and the Zenith El Primero, but when found in solid 14 karat gold and insane condition, I think it deserves a deeper look. This example was unearthed in a local jewelry shop and is perhaps the best preserved example on the planet. If you’ve ever been interested in the gold Datron, this is the example to own! Typically I run through all of the flaws in the condition report below, but to be honest…there aren’t really any flaws to point out. See below for more detail:

Dial: Champagne dial is in flawless condition, as can be seen in all of the hi-res photos below (any marks or seeming scratches are solely on the original crystal). These dials featured a sportier aesthetic than prior generation Movado chronographs, akin to the “lemon” Daytona. The applied logo sits just below the unusually placed date function at 12 o’clock, which has a color matched date wheel to the tachy scale on the outer rim. Also, take a closer look below – the minute track continues within the concave date window! Tritium lume in the applied indices is in excellent condition, with a slightly lighter patina than the hour and minute hands.

Handset: As with everything else on this watch, the gold handset is in perfect condition. This example features black striping down the center of the hands, as well as a blackened tip of the chronograph hand (presumably for legibility).

Case: As beautiful as the dial is, the 38mm case is the true star of the show with this example. As can be seen in all of the pictures below, the case is in mint condition, with no true scratches or dents accumulated throughout the years. Original brushed finish and bevels are in perfect condition and the stepped bezel is also in 10/10 condition (see below). The caseback has some minor scratching (magnified in the photo gallery below), but the caseback stampings are still present and in original, unpolished condition. Finally, the original hallmarks on the underside of the lugs are both present and in excellent condition. While these cases certainly have a 70’s flair, they are compact on the wrist and perfectly proportioned – essentially a classier execution of the bulbous and bloated sizing that started to enter the market in the 1970’s. The original gold crown and pushers are in mint condition as well.

Movement / Functionality: The Datron was powered by the calibre 3019PHC – which was essentially identical to Zenith’s El Primero movement that was utilized in the A386 and other contemporary offerings from Zenith at the time. The watch winds strong and keeps good time, with all functions working correctly during testing over a two week stretch. The jeweler who sold the watch to me said the prior owner had not worn it in decades, so as always, a servicing is highly recommended. I was not able to unscrew the caseback with my friction ball, and given the precious nature of the gold case, have opted to not make any further attempts to open it. A watchmaker should be able to easily open it.

Accessories: The watch is being sold head only.

ASKING PRICE: $7,100, which includes fully insured Fedex Priority shipping. This is the best price for a solid gold Datron on the market right now, and the condition of this example far outshines all of the others on offer. Payment via PayPal (F&F or add 3% if using PP) or direct bank wire. US sale strongly preferred. Returns are not accepted unless I have materially misrepresented something (and I don’t believe I have).