This week we’re talking watches with in-house movements. Not sure what that means? You’re not alone, give this article a read for a better idea of what it is, and why it matters (to enthusiasts and collectors, at least). If you’re worried about nabbing one these watches on a realistic budget, prepare to be surprised. We’ve got options for everyone in this week’s edition of The Cultivated Wrist.
Alright, this isn’t the first time we’ve talked about this watch. It’s even been in The Cultivated Wrist in weeks past. But, when it comes to entry-level watches with in-house movements, this is a watch that has to be on the list. You may think of Tudor as a baby brother to Rolex, but they’ve grown way the hell up in recent years, and this watch shows it. Inside this Black Bay beats Tudor’s own caliber MT5612, and you’ll appreciate it the first time you wind it. There’s currently an Ask listed at just $2,800 on this example.
There can’t be a list of watches with in-house movements to buy without mention of Nomos. This German brand known for their minimal design language is also highly respected by watch enthusiasts of all stripes thanks to their ability to manufacture their own movements all while keeping the price in attainable territory. How do they do it? Don’t ask us, but you can find this example on StockX right here.
The Zenith El Primero is perhaps the most well known in-house movement. It was first released in 1969 as the first automatic chronograph (alongside two other watches with the same claim to fame) and has been used in a bevy of other famous watches through the years, including within the venerable Rolex Daytona for 12 years. Zentih makes broad use of the movement these days within everything from sport watches to dress watches (sometimes both?). This Captain is a watch that features the El Primero, which is visible through the exhibition caseback, is listed with an Ask of $7,697.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date
The Jaeger-LeCoultre has also been discussed around these parts. It’s a new watch from JLC that has a pretty compelling value proposition, and a big part of that is the in-house movement within. Jaeger has famously been producing movements for both themselves and for other brands for many decades, and an entry level with such as the Master Control Date takes full advantage of that history. Oh yeah, the value proposition – this watch is currently listed with an Ask of $4,500. Really.
