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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Travel watch

Movado Ermeto Travel Watch

Partially verified

This Movado Ermeto travel watch, originating from Switzerland and attributed to the 1930s, is a portable timepiece housed within a sliding 18kt yellow gold case. The case exterior features a geometric hobnail (clous de Paris) pattern, which serves as both a protective covering when closed and a decorative housing. Measuring 66 by 30 mm, the object includes a hinged stand on the rear, allowing it to function as a desk clock. The champagne-toned dial incorporates a central hobnail texture, a polished outer ring, and linear hour markers. A notable mechanical feature is the winding system, which powers the movement through the physical action of opening and closing the sliding case covers. The watch is accompanied by a handmade leather case, and the auction description reports that the movement has been serviced by the collection's watchmaker.

Front view of the Movado Ermeto in an open position showing the dial and hobnail case finish.
Front view of the Movado Ermeto in an open position showing the dial and hobnail case finish. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Travel watch
Maker / attribution
Movado
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1930s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Movado Ermeto is defined by its specialized sliding case construction. The external shell, crafted from 18kt yellow gold, is embossed with a uniform hobnail pattern, providing texture and protection for the dial when the object is fully retracted. This design enables the piece to transition between a compact travel state and an open, functional watch.

The dial reflects the aesthetic of the case, featuring a champagne-gold coloration. Its composition consists of a central hobnail-textured zone surrounded by a smooth, polished border. Linear markers and hands indicate the time, with the word 'Switzerland' positioned at the bottom edge of the dial, confirming its place of manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساختار این قطعه شامل یک قاب کشویی دو تکه است”
  • “سطح این قاب کشویی از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار ساخته شده و تماماً با الگوی برجسته و هندسی هاب‌نیل (Hobnail) تزئین گردیده”
  • “صفحه ساعت درون قاب دارای رنگ شامپاینی متمایل به طلایی بوده و مرکز آن با بافت ظریف هاب‌نیل”

Mechanical and Functional Features

A central feature of the Ermeto system is the interaction between the sliding covers and the movement. The winding mechanism is engineered to store energy during the manual sliding movement of the case, effectively using the action of opening or closing the watch as a winding method. This allows the watch to function without a traditional crown winding process, reflecting the design innovation of the period.

Beyond its primary function as a pocket or travel watch, the object incorporates a hinged stand on the back panel. This component allows the watch to be propped open on flat surfaces, such as a bedside table or desk, facilitating use as a stationary timekeeper.

Evidence for this section
  • “سیستم مکانیکی موتور ساخت Movado به گونه‌ای طراحی شده که با هر بار باز و بسته شدن کشویی قاب، مکانیزم داخلی کوک می‌شود”
  • “در بخش پشتی قاب، پایه‌ای تاشو تعبیه شده است که به کاربر امکان می‌دهد از این قطعه علاوه بر حمل جیبی، به عنوان یک ساعت رومیزی”

Provenance and Condition

The auction description reports that the movement underwent a full inspection and evaluation by the collection’s watchmaker to confirm operational status.

There is no documented evidence regarding the prior maintenance history or potential replacement of components for this specific watch. The provided information is based solely on vendor claims rather than independent certification or expert verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت توسط ساعت‌ساز مجموعه به‌طور کامل بازبینی و بررسی شده”
  • “همراه این قطعه یک کیف چرمی دست‌ساز و ضمانت یک‌ساله فروشنده ارائه می‌شود”
  • “تمامی مشخصات و توصیفات ذکرشده در این شناسنامه، صرفاً بازتابی از ادعاها و اطلاعات منتشرشده توسط فروشنده اولیه کالا است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized in this iteration of the Ermeto?
  • Does the serial number on the case back or movement provide a more precise date of manufacture within the 1930s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Movado Ermeto Travel Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMovado“سازنده: Movado”
Case material18kt yellow gold“جنس قاب: طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار”
ModelErmeto“مدل: Ermeto”
Dimensions66 x 30 mm“ابعاد قاب: ۶۶ در ۳۰ میلی‌متر”
Winding mechanismAutomatic via sliding case“مکانیزم کوک: کوک خودکار از طریق باز و بسته شدن قاب کشویی”
Date1930s“دوره ساخت: دهه ۱۹۳۰”
Dial finishChampagne with hobnail center“رنگ صفحه: شامپاینی / طلایی”

Visible details

  • Case decorated with geometric hobnail pattern
  • Integrated sliding mechanism for self-winding
  • Hinged rear stand for upright display
  • Switzerland signed on dial

Research qualifications

  • No documentation regarding movement caliber or jewel count
  • History of previous repairs or part replacements remains unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی و مسافرتی Movado Ermeto از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 127d8dfbed

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.