Swiss watch manufacturer, today watch and lifestyle group
In 1881 Achille Ditesheim, together with six watchmakers, founded a workshop for the production of pocket watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1886 the brothers Léopold and Isidore Ditesheim joined the firm. The company was now called L.A.I. Ditesheim. L.A.I. Ditesheim began with the development of wristwatches at about 1900.
In 1905 a new production facility was built and “Movado” (Esperanto always in motion) was registered as a company name. In 1912 Movado brought the Polyplan to market; in 1926 followed the case watch Ermeto. In 1924 the first U.S. agency of Movado was opened in New York. Movado made a large number of different calendar watches, mostly with gold casing.
In 1960, the Museum Watch debuted in limited production. It was a standard model in 1965 and soon became a lasting symbol of the company. Today, the distinctive dial of the Museum Watch is the symbol of the company.
Due to the cooperation with Zenith the head office was moved to Le Locle in 1971.
In 1983 Movado came to the american Movado Group, Inc., with headquarters in Paramus, USA. End of 2003 it also took over the renowned manufacturers Ebel. The brand Concord became also part of this group.