Movado Luno Review

Alright Movado, It’s Time for You and I To Get Acquainted

Review watch supplied by Certified Watch Store, who generously loaned us this watch for nearly three weeks.

When I first started WYCA I gravitated towards watches like the Timex Weekender (and Expedition, for that matter) and the Seiko 5. I still get excited when I find a bargain-priced underdog that over-delivers. What does this have to do with Movado? Well, I generally avoided Movado’s because:

1. They were expensive
2. I struggled with the value proposition

But, things change. In the nearly four years since WYCA first launched I’ve personally reviewed nearly 100 watches; my collection has climbed north of 38 pieces (I’m reducing count, I swear), and I’ve had the luxury of wearing watches with price tags ranging from $5 to $50,000. Perspective matters.

The Luno I have here is the first Movado I’ve actually reviewed and worn hands-on. It’s funny how 100+ watches have come across my desk, and yet none from Movado. As one of the few Swiss watchmakers that is known and appreciated by “non watch people”, it’s about time I wore one and checked them out.

Where to Buy

We worked closely with Certified Watch Store to make this review happen. They offer:

• Great Prices & Free Shipping
• 100% Authentic
• 2 Year Warranty
• From $367

Movado Luno Technical Specifications

• Model Number: 0607041
• MSRP: $895 (found discounted)
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Alternate Models: Several color options available.
• Movement: Swiss quartz
• Complications: None
• Battery Life: Estimated 3-5 years
• Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
• Crystal Material: Sapphire

Brief Introduction to Movado Watches

Brand Information

Best known as the makers of the Museum watch, Movado enjoys a rich history and many notable accomplishments. Movado’s primary focus is indeed the Museum watch, which was designed in 1947 (Movado’s version was released in 1948).

Movado has revenues in the $500 million/year range and employs just over 1,300 people worldwide.

Comparison

Other options you might consider with similar complications and grey-market affordability:

Movements

Other watches that use upper-end quartz movements:

• Hamilton Valiant
• Tissot PR100 Quartz
• Raymond Weil Toccata
• Seiko Premier SKP395P1
• Citizen Eco-Drive AS7060-51E
• Longines La Grande

Price

Price comparable:

• Frederqiue Constant Horological Smart
• Hamilton Jazzmaster
• Victorinox Alliance

Movado Says the Luno is Inspired by Luna (the Moon)

I can’t say I see a resemblance to the moon, but I’m not sure I’m bothered by it. Yes, I’ve seen the Mueseum a million times before in a million different places (Movado heavily markets themselves), but that doesn’t matter. The Luno’s a good looking piece, like most of the Museum-inspired pieces are.

One excellent design choice that I quite like is the “deep dish” inner bezel, which is highly polished and reflective. This one detail enhances the Luno considerably, empowering the dial to really stand on its own. The case is highly polished as well, and when viewed head on, the Luno presents a beautiful, refined, and timeless portrait. This version of the Museum-design has printed minute markers and polished indices on the hour; busier than some Museums, but done tastefully and with care.

One thing I noticed while processing the photos is the reflection of the camera in the dial – right in the marker at 12 o’clock. What has been seen cannot be unseen (ha); that marker is finely polished and can double as a mirror.

Something else that popped up? The rainbow effect – likely a result of the polarizing filter I used – that jazzes up the otherwise monochrome Luno. Unfortunately (fortunately?), the rainbow can only be seen through a lens. To the naked eye, the dial and hands are black and steel.

Still, a fine looking watch, indeed. There’s a reason the Museum design is so popular.

The Luno is 40mm, But It’s Heftier Than it Looks

The two-tone steel bracelet adds its own considerable contribution not just to the look, but to the weight of the Luno as well. It wears big, in no small part due to the bracelet. I don’t mind, though, and I don’t think most will either.

The bracelet has an integrated deployant clasp, and I have to say, it feels very well engineered. The design adds a sporty twist to the Luno, but if I’m honest, I’m not sure I’m sold on the look. I’d probably swap the bracelet for a nice leather. However, the bracelet and clasp are both high quality, with tight tolerances and no signs of flimsiness.

Powered by a “Swiss Quartz Movement”

This is where I run into challenges with the value proposition. I know that Movado uses Selitta SW200 automatic movements in some of their other watches, but in the Luno they list a generic “Swiss quartz”.

There’s nothing wrong with a quartz movement, but when the MSRP is just under $1,000, and the street price is in the $400 range, an auto wouldn’t hurt.

But, that’s me. The more involved in the watch community I become, the more I prefer either a real knock-out quartz movement (like the hyper-accurate quartz in the Accutron II Alpha) or an automatic. At this price, a generic quartz paired with a nice design and sapphire glass is right on the edge of what I’d consider “worth it”.

If You Like the Style, You’re Sure to Love the Luno

Movado sells the Luno on their website, right now, for $895. For that price you’re getting a good-looking timepiece, a sapphire crystal, and a nice steel bracelet. Everything is made with care and quality.

Honestly, there is no way I could recommend the Luno for $900. It’s simply not worth such a premium. But sub-$450? I can get behind that. Probably not a purchase I’d make, but also not one I’d try to dissuade you from making, either.

By the way, Don reviewed the Movado M125 a while back. He has a different appreciation for the brand; I’d read his review if you’re on the fence.

Movado Luno Photo Gallery

Affiliate Relationship Disclosure

The folks at CertifiedWatchStore.com sent us this Movado to review. They also have an affiliate program that we participate in, where we receive a portion of the revenue of each watch that one of our reader’s purchases.

We only recommend watches that we would personally wear, and as you can see, we get hands-on experience with each one. We purchase most of the watches we review and recommend, as well as all camera equipment (over $3,500 so far), software licenses, and so on.

We are thrilled to work with Certified Watch Store, who are excellent partners that offer a great selection of watches at great prices (and 2 year warranties).

If you are interested in the Luno and want to purchase, we’d love it if you did so at Certified Watch Store. Thank you for supporting us!