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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Movado Giant Ermeto Pullman Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Movado Giant Ermeto, identified as a Pullman model, is a rectangular desk clock with an alarm function, produced circa 1937 under movement number 711312. The clock features a protective sliding case cover finished in black lacquer, with an inlaid gold inscription on the exterior reading "Good Luck, 1er Janvier 1938". The design incorporates a hinged and sprung strut allowing for positioning as a desk timepiece. The internal dial is black with luminous Arabic numerals and a smaller inner alarm setting dial, complemented by luminous tapered steel baton hands. The rhodium-plated movement, which the auction description indicates is an 8-day-going type with 15 jewels, utilizes a straight-line lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet balance spring. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement. Its dimensions measure 102 by 71 mm when in the closed position.

The Movado Giant Ermeto Pullman desk clock shown in its partially opened position, revealing the dial and internal case mechanism.
The Movado Giant Ermeto Pullman desk clock shown in its partially opened position, revealing the dial and internal case mechanism. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Movado
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
514
Source-reported date
circa 1937
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
711312

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 External Features

The clock is housed in a rectangular casing featuring sliding covers that fully encase the movement when closed. These covers are finished in black lacquer. The exterior of the front cover displays a decorative gold inlay forming the inscription "Good Luck, 1er Janvier 1938," signifying the date of January 1, 1938.

A structural component of the casing includes a hinged and sprung strut. This mechanism allows the clock to be propped up for desk use. When closed, the object measures 102 by 71 mm. The auction description identifies this specifically as a Pullman model, which was produced by Movado as the largest size variation of the Ermeto series designed for use as a desk clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular, with sliding covers overlaid with black lacquer, the front inlaid with gold inscription "Good Luck, 1er Janvier 1938", hinged and sprung strut.”
  • “The Pullman referred to the largest of all models to be used as a desk clock.”

Dial and Hands

The internal dial is black and follows a square layout. It features luminous Arabic numerals for the main time indication. A smaller, secondary chapter ring is positioned in the center of the dial for the purpose of setting the alarm function.

The time is indicated by luminous steel tapered baton hands. The auction description notes the presence of hairlines on the dial surface, which is classified as having enamel and various types of decoration. The signature "Movado" is present on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black with luminous Arabic numerals, inner alarm setting dial. Luminous steel tapered baton hands.”
  • “Dial: 3-71-01 Good ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines”

Movement and Signatures

The internal movement is rhodium-plated and features fausses cotes decoration. It is a 15-jewel mechanism capable of an 8-day power reserve. The technical specifications of the escapement include a straight-line lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet balance spring.

The auction description confirms that the dial, case, and movement are all signed by the manufacturer. The case also bears an individual serial number, 711312.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Case numbered.”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material composition of the case base beneath the lacquer?
  • Does the serial number 711312 match factory records for a 1937 production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Movado Giant Ermeto Pullman Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMovado“Movado”
Serial number711312“Movado, No. 711312”
Datecirca 1937“Made circa 1937”
Dimensions102 x 71 mm (closed)“Dim. 102 x 71 mm. (closed)”
Movement descriptionRhodium-plated, 15 jewels“Rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 15 jewels”
Case typePullman“The Pullman referred to the largest of all models to be used as a desk clock.”
EscapementStraight-line lever“straight-line lever escapement”
InscriptionGood Luck, 1er Janvier 1938“front inlaid with gold inscription "Good Luck, 1er Janvier 1938”

Visible details

  • Sliding case cover
  • Inlaid gold inscription on lacquer
  • Luminous Arabic numerals
  • Hinged and sprung strut

Research qualifications

  • Requires mechanical overhaul per auction report
  • Possible hairlines on dial enamel

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

Consulted source

MOVADO GIANT ERMETO - PULLMAN Movado, No. 711312. Made circa 1937. Fine and rare, large rectangular, 8 day-going gold-inlaid black lacquered "Ermeto" desk clock with alarm. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c8fdea1b06

Terms in this record

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

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