The SE Extreme has hands that are wider than those on the standard Museum Watch and includes a red imprint on the dial. This new, more dynamic interpretation of the historic design also resulted in changes to the case. The bezel of the SE Extreme is considerably wider than that of the standard Museum Watch. The inlay work almost seems to mimic the tracks found on rotating bezels of sport watches. Its stainless-steel surfaces give the watch a dashing style and set it apart from the more delicate look of the Museum Watch.
Is the Movado SE Extreme a worthy successor to the original Museum Watch? The name itself hints at a conscious move to distance it from the standard model in favor of more sporty design features. And yet, the design strikes a harmonious balance between the two extremes of classic and modern aesthetic styles. Both influences are apparent, and neither one overshadows the other.
The movement inside the SE Extreme, an ETA 2824-2, is showcased through a screwed sapphire caseback. Compared with the bezel, the steel border on the caseback appears quite wide, with enough space for engraved information about the watch. The good construction and fine finishing on the ETA 2824-2 are well known among aficionados of mechanical watches. The lack of a date display on the dial may bother some wearers, but should not be missed by most.
Unfortunately, the Movado SE Extreme needs improvement in its regulation: on the timing machine it showed an average rate that runs into the positive range of 18 seconds per day. It was impossible to measure the rate results to the second when wearing the watch, but we did observe it running about two minutes ahead per week, which was confirmed by the timing machine report. Within this deviation, however, our test watch remained quite constant in the different positions.
The bracelet mirrors the case in its material, execution and finishes. The screwed connections between the links allow the bracelet to be nicely flexible and also to fit securely on the wrist. Thanks to this construction, the heaviness of this model (weighing in at 193 grams) is less noticeable on the wrist than you’d expect. The screws are a disadvantage only when adjusting the bracelet, because the connections are tight, requiring extra effort even from an expert watch repairer.
The clasp is hidden beneath the bracelet, its position marked by an end link bearing a Movado logo and a pair of slightly extended buttons that release the folding mechanism. The alternating surface design of the case and bracelet are continued here. The narrow clasp can pinch, however, when putting on the watch.
The Movado SE Extreme is a gentle giant, one that is much less daunting up close. The varying surface finishes and design, the high degree of comfort and the fascinating simplicity of the dial combine to create a very satisfying modern version of this watch icon.
SPECS:
Manufacturer: MGI Luxury Group SA, Division Movado, Bienne, Switzerland
Reference number: 606290
Functions: Hours, minutes
Movement: ETA 2824-2, automatic; 28,800 vph; 25 jewels; Incabloc shock absorption; Glucydur balance; Nivarox hairspring; 39-hour power reserve; Etachron fine regulation; diameter = 25.6 mm; height = 4.6 mm; blued screws; satin and sunburst finishing; skeletonized rotor
Bracelet and clasp: Stainless-steel bracelet with double-folding clasp
Case: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal in front and back; water-resistant to 30 m
Dimensions: Diameter = 44.5 mm; height = 10.4 mm; weight = 193 g
Price: $2,495
Question: What was the all time most popular Womens Movado Museum watch?