Movado

The Esperanto name of this firm means "always in motion."

In 1881 Achille Ditesheim founded a watch factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which was given this name in 1906. The factory was already producing wristwatches shortly after the turn of the century.

The "banana-shaped" Polyplan, with its arched movement (prices start at $5,000) is especially desirable; it came onto the market in 1912.

Also sought after are the calendar watches (such as the "Calendo-Matic"; prices start at $600) and the chronographs (prices start at $1250). Design devotees swear by the mechanical "Museum watch" with the black dial, designed by Nathan Horwitz (prices start at $250). Prices tend to be stable or to rise slightly.