***EDIT*** Didn't see LouS's post, as I started queuing this one up and then had to step away for a while, but here's my take, and pardon the redundancy. The Movado Astronic is the 17J version of the 31J Zenith Espada, the El Primero with addition of day, month and moon phase, predecessor to the Zenith Chronomaster. Same 3019 PHF movement as the Espada, with jewel count reduced (I believe through de-jeweling of the chronograph), likely to avoid excessive duties in the US on watches with more than 17 jewels, and branded Movado, likely due to trademark disputes with Zenith Radio Corporation in the US; same thing with the Datrons. So basically the American market version of the Zenith Espada. I believe "Super Sub Sea" means depth rating to 10 ATM; you'll note it was called "Chronodiver" in this brochure from around 1974:
The hour markers differ from the Espada's. The case and dial are otherwise basically the same. As with the Espada, there were two series of Astronics, produced probably between 1972-74, in low numbers. A production number of 100 steel Astronics has been quoted, but I suspect it was a little higher, as they are rare but not vanishingly rare on the market. Like the Espada, the second series has the new 70's Movado/Zenith star logo on the dial instead of the Movado one.
The price for the one you show might be a little on the high side, but around $5k would not be outrageous as it looks pretty good. This seller has listed an Astronic at this price for quite some time now... I believe the same watch... though it looks like he has found a correct screw-down crown; there was a generic replacement crown on the Astronic previously listed by him at this price. One thing to look closely at is the internal tachometer bezel, as the blue tends to oxidize into little gold patches; this one looks pretty good. The clasp is a replacement - it should be signed Movado; this switch is very common, and replacement Movado clasps are
introvabili.
I think the Astronic is among the most collectible Movados, up there with the Polyplan and M90/M95 chrono. Here's mine, purchased by the original owner in 1974 for $360 (sticker price was $425).
It was probably the most advanced mechanical watch available in the US at that time (I don't know what's more awesome than an automatic, high-beat, triple-calendar-moon-phase-chronograph-diver), sold at a fairly steep discount off the MSRP. I consider that moment in 1974 to be the end of the pre-quartz era.
. I have never let a member's not having money stop me from finding watches for them to buy.
