Few collectors will recognize the name ‘Marvin’ from their vintage time pieces, but most of you readers probably don’t. Although this brand dates back to 1850, it is only since recently that Marvin Watch is back on the horological map again. Due to their strong on-line presence on Facebook, Twitter and on various blogs (including their own corporate blog) Marvin Watch is becoming rapidly known by watch aficionados.
We at MotoringExposure had the pleasure to fiddle around with a few of their watches (as can be seen in the photos below) during BaselWorld 2010. The Marvin Watch designs are ranging from modern time pieces with a quartz movement till classic looking time pieces with a mechanical complication such as a power reserve. What impressed us most, were the price tags on these watches. Of course, we only are interested in mechanical time pieces, so we stick to that category.
A quick search on the internet learns us that Marvin created terrific looking chronograph watches in the past (1940s/1950s) with Valjoux (a.o. caliber 22) movements. However, those vintage watches are not for everyone, since the diameter size of these watches are a bit odd looking in 2010 and remember that these vintage beauties will need excellent and – often – expensive care. The cool thing is that Marvin Watch has a number of classic looking time pieces in their collection, with a very reasonable price tag and up to modern standards when it comes to size and used materials. All these mechanical watches are powered by ETA, Sellita or Soprod movements (depending on functionality and complications) and priced between 900 and 2500 USD.
Our personal favorite Marvin Watch is the simple but yet classy looking M112 with its classic 1950s looking sun ray dial and ETA 2701 mechanical movement. We found this 44mm diameter sized watch to be very comfortable on the wrist, despite the size. Perhaps because the round case and conservative lugs, it was certainly more wearable than a similar sized Officina Panerai watch.
Second best from the mechanical collection is in our opinion the M104 in stainless steel with white dial. This 41mm time piece features a power reserve on 7 o’clock, powered by this ETA 2897 mechanical movement.
So, if you are looking for an affordable time piece with 150 years of experience in watch making and that is developing a strong number of followers, consider looking at one of the time pieces of Marvin Watch. Below you’ll see a mix of Marvin watches available, the rectangular being the only quartz model. The round models are all mechanical watches. As you can see, the level of detail on the dial and case is just stunning.
Marvin Watch Gallery
