VINTAGE MOVADO AUTOMATIC 1957 – CAL 115 BUMPER – AE & CI PRESENTATION – 35MM

A beautifully preserved 1957 Movado automatic wristwatch, presented to A.E. Heard during his time at African Explosives & Chemical Industries (AE & CI), one of the key industrial organisations supporting South Africa’s mining industry, and a company that remains in operation to this day.

This watch was sourced from a single-owner lifetime collection assembled by a South African collector, comprising over 200 watches. The collection was notable for its quality and careful curation, with many pieces reflecting South Africa’s industrial and mining heritage.

AE & CI formed part of the wider Oppenheimer business empire, which controlled much of the country’s diamond and gold mining interests through companies such as De Beers and Anglo American. In 1957, this industrial network was led by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, who served as chairman of Anglo American from 1931 to 1957 and was one of the most influential figures in twentieth century mining and finance.

This watch was presented in May 1957, just months before his death in November of that year, placing it within the final phase of his leadership. As such, it represents not only a personal presentation piece, but also a tangible link to a defining period in South Africa’s industrial history.

The watch is housed in a high quality gold capped case manufactured by Huguenin Frères, confirmed by the HF hallmark stamped inside the caseback. The caseback also features the original Movado Factories hand holding a watch trademark, a recognised symbol of authenticity on mid century Movado timepieces.

The watch retains its original signed crown, also featuring the Movado hand holding a watch logo.

Powering the watch is the Movado calibre 115 bumper automatic movement, a classic mid century design where the rotor “bumps” against springs rather than rotating freely. These movements are highly regarded for their robust construction and distinctive feel on the wrist.

The dial is entirely original and untouched, displaying a warm, even patina that gives the watch real character while remaining highly legible.

It is fitted to a quality brown leather strap and presented with a handmade leather pouch, making it an ideal wearable vintage piece or thoughtful gift.


Key Details

Brand: Movado
Model: Automatic
Year: 1957
Movement: Movado calibre 115 bumper automatic, 17 jewels
Case: Gold capped, Huguenin Frères manufacture
Case Size: 35mm excluding crown
Lug Width: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic, clear with light marks consistent with age
Dial: Original champagne dial with natural ageing
Crown: Original signed crown with Movado logo
Caseback: Stainless steel, presentation engraved with HF hallmark and Movado trademark
Strap: New brown leather strap
Accessories: Handmade leather watch pouch


Performance

Timegrapher results:
+5 seconds per day
Amplitude: 267 degrees
Beat error: 2.4 ms

The watch is running strongly and consistently.

Power reserve tested at approximately 46 hours on a full wind, indicating a healthy and reliable movement.


Provenance

The caseback is engraved:

“Presented to A.E. Heard by his colleagues on the staff of AE & CI, Modderfontein, 31.5.1957”

AE & CI played a central role in South Africa’s mining industry during the twentieth century. This presentation piece represents a genuine link to that industrial history.


Condition

The watch is in very good vintage condition.

The case remains strong with light signs of wear appropriate for its age. The gold cap presents well with a clean, polished finish. The dial is original with attractive, even patina.

The movement is clean and running well with strong performance figures as shown.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.


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A classic and honest 1950s Movado featuring the desirable calibre 115 bumper movement, genuine provenance, and excellent overall presentation.