Movado Ermetophon Travel Clock

Analog:Shift may be rooted in a love of watches—mostly mechanical ones—but at heart, it’s our appreciation for timekeeping in all its forms that shapes what we collect. That passion naturally extends to clocks of every variety: pocket pieces, travel companions, and the beautifully engineered objects that predate the modern wristwatch altogether.

For centuries leading up to the First World War, personal timekeeping revolved around the pocket watch; before that, larger domestic clocks kept the rhythms of daily life. We still believe a well-made clock—especially a classic mid-century travel model—deserves a place in any watch lover’s world.

This vintage example is a Movado Ermeto travel clock, produced in various sizes until 1985. Designed to slip easily into a pocket or bag, the Ermeto’s rectangular case slides open to reveal the dial, winding crown, and alarm adjustment. This piece features a stainless steel chassis wrapped in handsome black alligator leather. A small metal loop allows it to be attached to a lanyard or chain for travel.

More importantly, this isn’t a standard Ermeto—it’s the Ermetophon, the alarm-equipped variant. Its silvered dial features applied dart indices, an inner alarm scale, and an elegant alpha handset with a red-tipped indicator, all reflecting the refined industrial aesthetic of the 1950s. A hand-wound Movado movement powers the mechanism, set and wound from the 12 o’clock crown.

Charming, purposeful, and eminently collectible, the Ermetophon is a reminder of a more intentional era of travel and design. Set it on a desk or shelf—or let it be your companion on the road.

While Movado is now best known as a producer of fashion watches like the Museum Watch, Movado's roots go much deeper than that. The company’s history reaches all the way back to 1881, when watchmaker Achilles Ditesheim opened a workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds. His brothers Léopold and Isidore joined him in 1886.

Production from that point on proved how true the name brand was—it means "always in motion" in Esperanto. Throughout the 20th century Movado produced incredible mechanical timepieces. They gained notoriety for the sophistication of the equipment and technology they employed, including electric tools.

Unlike many of their counterparts, Movado's movements were designed and manufactured in-house.

In the late 1960s, they were acquired by Zenith, and enjoyed perhaps their greatest period of success as the subsidiary of that brand. Their chronographs (which used the famous Zenith El Primero movement), particularly, were successful sellers. But the extent of their offerings didn’t end there. They also made killer dress watches like the one we have here.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.