Here we have an exceptional variation of 1930s Movado Novoplan rectangular, stainless steel tank style watch. It is the reference 12202 which has the angular top with the flat rectangular bezel and bevel to the lugs. From the top it has a stepped design with the sides standing out. It has the recess to the right-hand side for the thin crown. The dial is a silver satin tone with the applied indices in a rose gold tone. It has the dot minute track and arrow hour markers with Arabic 9,12,3. The sub-second register is an applied railroad. The hands are original, of a very unusual style with the thermally blued finish. The dial and hands are protected by the original glass. The case back snaps in place and has the star marking. Inside it is marked as steel with the case reference and serial number. Inside is the Movado calibre 440 which is manual wind, marked as adjusted to 4 positions. It has been recently serviced. 
 
This is one of nicest Art Deco tank watches we have had the pleasure of offering. It is easy to see why Movado watches have a cult following. The combination of form and function elevates their pieces above the competition in the era.
 
The dial is the epitome of elegance. The simple silver satin base tone has a subtle linear brushing. It paves the way for the applied tracks and hour markers in the copper tone. The minute markers are applied dot markers, with the hour markers being of arrow style. The dial is neatly balanced with the Arabic 9, 12, 3 and cut off 6. The rectangular railroad track for the sub-seconds is also applied and adds a pleasing depth. The dial is signed ‘Fab.Suisse’ above 12 o’lock, with the ‘Movado’ name below 12. Below 6 o’clock is the ‘Swiss Made’ signing. The hour and minute hand are of an excellent style, which we have not seen before. The hands expand outwards, before cutting in, having the diamond tip. It almost resembles the styling of an old-fashioned Olympic torch. The thermally blued tone of them is bright, which further compliments the design. The sub-second hand is also original with the sword shaping and thermally blued tone. 
 
The watch measures 18.25mm wide, with the length of 31.25mm. The lug-to-lug length measures 38.5mm adding presence. It has a slim depth of 7.25mm which combined with its curvature, makes it a very comfortable wear.
The case is formed of stainless steel and has the flat design to the top of the case. The rectangular plane surrounding the bezel comes to a sharp, flat edge, with the top of the lugs also flat, angling downwards. This bezel section holds the original glass, which is a joy to look at, rising proud above the case with the bevelled edges.
The flanks of the case are stepped which creates an intriguing mix of angles and facets. To the right there is a recess for the crown, which keeps the profile seamless in its flow. When viewed from the side it is noticeable that the case is curved to fit the wrist. Every aspect of this design is considered, creating a smooth and elegant watch. 
The case back snaps in place. It has the lightly brushed finish with the star marking to the bottom. Inside it is signed with the Movado logo and marked as Stainless Steel. It is signed with the model reference 12202. 
 
Inside is the Movado calibre 440. It is a 15 jewel manual wind movement, which is marked as being adjusted to 4 positions. It has a lovely layout with the typical Movado quality, with aspects such as chatons surrounding the jewels. It has been recently serviced and is running well, with a daily variation of 30 seconds per day.
 
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original with the silver satin finish. It is in good condition with only a light speckled patination. The signing is good and clear. The applied markers and tracks are a copper tone with light oxidisation. 
 
Hands:
The hands are original with the thermally blued tone. They are in good condition with the bright tone. 
 
Glass:
The glass is original and is in very good condition with no scratching, or chips to the bevelled edges. 
 
Case:
The case is formed of stainless steel and in good condition with the original polished finish. It has light scratching associated with age. There is a light notch to each side from opening.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed stainless steel and is original, snapping into place well. The brushed finish is good with only light marking. 
 
Crown:
The crown appears original with the thin profile and coin edge finish. Functions as it should.
 
Strap:
The watch is on a vintage style genuine leather strap, with is new. 
 
Movement:
Inside is the Movado calibre 440 manual wind movement. It has a jewel count of 15 and is marked as adjusted to 4 positions. The movement has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to within 30 seconds per day with a strong amplitude of 290 degrees.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 18.25mm
Case width with crown: 19mm
Case length: 31.25mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case Depth: 7.25mm
Lug width: 14mm