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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Movado Yaacov Agam Limited Edition Wristwatch

Partially verified

This wristwatch is an example of a limited edition piece designed by artist Yaacov Agam (born 1928) and manufactured by Movado around 1989. The watch features a distinctive steel construction. The dial design is particularly notable for its use of two thin glass discs layered over a black background. These discs are decorated with lines of colored dots, which serve as indicators for the hours and minutes. The overall length of the watch is 20.4 cm, with a case diameter of 3 cm and a depth of 0.4 cm. It bears engravings on the case back detailing the collaboration and edition information, including the specific artist signature and serial identification.

Front view of the Yaacov Agam for Movado wristwatch showing the multi-colored dot display.
Front view of the Yaacov Agam for Movado wristwatch showing the multi-colored dot display. — V&A Collections. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Yaacov Agam (designer); Movado (maker)
Reference
84-40-886
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.2:1-4-1991
Source-reported date
ca.1989
Source-reported place
France and Switzerland
Source-reported serial
HC 8/9

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

Design and Construction

The watch is constructed from steel and features a integrated link bracelet design. The aesthetic is defined by the dial composition, which utilizes two thin, transparent discs. These discs rotate to display the time through lines of coloured dots set against a stark black background.

The piece measures 20.4 cm in total length with a relatively slim profile of 0.4 cm in depth. The diameter of the watch head is 3 cm, maintaining a balanced scale between the casing and the bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “the dial has a blackground beneath two thin discs of glass, each of which is decorated with a line of coloured dots to indicate either the hours or the minutes.”

Signatures and Identifiers

The rear of the watch case serves as the primary location for identification and authentication. It features the artist's signature alongside the manufacturer's name. The engraving confirms the year of production as 1989 and includes the specific reference number for the model.

A unique serial number, HC 8/9, is also present on the case back. This indicates the watch belongs to a limited production run designed by Yaacov Agam.

Evidence for this section
  • “Agam's signature on back of watch case”
  • “Engraved MOVADO WATCH CO. c 1989 Agam 84-40-886, HC 8/9”

Provenance and Accession

This wristwatch was acquired by the museum and assigned the accession number M.2:1-4-1991. It is formally recorded as a design collaboration between Yaacov Agam and the watchmaker Movado.

The object is classified simply as a wristwatch in the museum records, with its origins attributed to both France and Switzerland, reflecting the manufacturing processes involved in its creation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accession number: M.2:1-4-1991”
  • “designed by Yaacov Agam (born 1928) for a limited edition by Movado”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type utilized within this design?
  • Are there variations in the color patterns of the dot indicators across the limited edition series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Movado Yaacov Agam Limited Edition Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerYaacov Agam (designer); Movado (maker)“Yaacov Agam (designer); Movado (maker)”
Dateca.1989“ca.1989”
Place of originFrance and Switzerland“France (made); Switzerland (made)”
Dimensions20.4 cm long, 3 cm diameter, 0.4 cm deep“Length: 20.4 cm; Diameter: 3 cm; Depth: .4 cm”
InscriptionsEngraved Movado reference and serial“Engraved MOVADO WATCH CO. c 1989 Agam 84-40-886, HC 8/9”

Visible details

  • Multi-colored dot indicators on the dial
  • Black metal link bracelet
  • Engraved signature on case back
  • Black background beneath dial glass

Research qualifications

  • Limited edition production number significance
  • Specific technical escapement mechanism details not provided

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

Consulted source

Wristwatch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 53ad5cbed9

Terms in this record

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

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