The new special fake Movado Datron automatic chronograph watch in an imposing rose gold case was presented last month during the Baselworld 2011 event. The new Datron, for example, looks like a faithful homage to the gorgeous Movado Datron HS360 Zenith El Primero watch that was released in the 1970s.
Like the original, the new version is available in a two-tone tonneau-shaped rose gold case, but is slightly smaller measuring only 40 mm from lug to lug.
The dial can be had in three versions: black or anthracite grey with silver soleil subdials or silver soleil with anthracite grey subdials
If the new replica Datron somehow reminds you the classic Zenith watches, that’s absolutely okay: nothing is wrong with you. The two brands spent some time together 40 years ago and Zenith’s DNA is still clearly visible in some Movado watches.
However, while the original was powered by the legendary Zenith El Primero PHC 3019 caliber –the world’s first automatic chronograph movement that was even outsourced by Rolex to power its Daytona chronographs– the remake is animated by an ordinary ETA 2894-2 ebauche. Although the mechanism was probably fine-tuned to higher spec before being inserted in the precious case, I still think that using an ETA blank movement to power a luxury timekeeper in order to save a hundred bucks was not a very bright idea.
See also: Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT
* UPDATE ON PRICE: So, if you are not sure that this expensive iteration of the Datron family is definitely a keeper, you should probably think twice before opening your wallet. Movado plans to sell this Datron Automatic Chronograph for a street price of $9900. For a wristwatch that comes in a rose gold case, the price tag is not something outstanding. However, a thing that worries me a little is the brand’s, um, perceived resale value. Being not a very strong brand (at least, when you compare it with Omega or Zenith, a pair of watchmaking specialists that make timekeepers of similar design, but use a lot more advanced mechanisms to power them,) it holds its value well when it comes to models in stainless steel (after all, they are not very expensive to begin with usually retailing below $1000 mark after all discounts,) but getting rid of a version in rose gold that has an MSRP of a lot more impressive $9900 without losing a lot of cash in the process may be a lot more difficult.
Photos: Movado
Movado Datron automatic chronograph watch in rose gold specification
Price: $9900 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, ETA 2894-2, 37 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: No data
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Rose gold (61.35 grams)
Bezel material: Rose gold
Case shape: Tonneau
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 40.00 mm
Lug width: No data
Case height: No data
Dial: Two-tone (black or anthracite grey / silver soleil subdials; silver soleil dial / anthracite grey subdials)
Numerals: None
Hands: Rose gold-toned
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Black genuine alligator strap with a polished 18K rose gold buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, curved
Case back: Sapphire
Well, it is still a very nice-looking mens Movado copy watch and if the price will be right* it may be very popular among those interested in vintage design supported by an international warranty.