Tiffany & Co Kingmatic by Movado

Timepieces manufactured for and signed by a luxury retailer are actually somewhat common on the vintage marketplace, but here's one we've yet to see before - and its story doesn't end with the name on the dial! What you're looking at is a Movado Kingmatic gentleman's watch, finished in 14kt Yellow Gold and built around 1960.  Sharing a number of design cues with well-known automatic dress watches of the era from brands such as Longines & Omega, the Kingmatic is a svelte piece featuring a round case, short, simple lugs, and a spartan silver sunburst dial with gold stick markers and central seconds.  Just about as simple and elegant as they come. What makes this piece considerably more special than the garden-variety Kingmatic, however, is twofold: Firstly, this watch was retailed by Tiffany & Co, as evidenced by the logo printing on the upper half of the dial, directly beneath the stylized and applied Movado "M" logo at 12:00.  Tiffany & Co, the well-known luxury jeweler based in New York, has been retailing timepieces for generations, and while Rolexes bearing the name may get all the attention, we can't help but swoon over any interesting vintage piece featuring the iconic script! Secondly, this watch was a presentation piece for 25 Years Of Service to an "MB" of the Horn & Hardart Company of Philadelphia.  Horn & Hardart were pioneers of the "Automat" automated restaurants in the 1920s, offering pre-cooked and packaged meals at sit-down establishments in Pennsylvania and New York City until the early 1950s.  "MB" (whoever that was), gave at least 25 years of his life in service of the company from 1936-1961, and was gifted this beautiful gold wristwatch in appreciation.  We know collectors who seek Tiffany dials, and we know those who seek engraved case backs, but seeing them both together (and on such a lovely piece to start with!) is a wonderful treat.  So if you're seeking an absolutely stunning vintage dress watch with an interesting story, look no further, this is about as perfect as they come!