Movado Caliber 138

Brand	Movado
Caliber Number	138
Base Caliber	Zenith 2552 PC
Movement Type	Automatic, self-winding mechanical
Lignes	11.5”’
Diameter	25.6mm
Height	5.73mm
Jewel Count	23
Beat Rate	21,600 vph, 3 Hz
Lift Angle	50 degrees (unconfirmed)
Power Reserve	~38 hours
Rotor Style	Ball-bearing
Hand-Windable?	Yes
Anti-Shock Device	Incabloc
Hand Count	3
Functions	Central hours; central minutes; central sweeping seconds; date at 3:00
Hacking Seconds?	Yes
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland, Swiss made
Known Models	Movado Super Sub-Sea 300, Movado Tempo-Matic (Add your watch to the comments below…)

Movado caliber 138 is a vintage automatic watch movement from the 1970s.

Technically “138” is more of a reference number than a caliber number, but sometimes it gets incorrectly listed as a caliber. Reference numbers (aka model numbers) of Movado watches with the 2552 PC will start with 138.

Therefore you may find listed as a Movado calibre 138 is actually a Zenith 2552PC. Look for the 2552 PC engraving under the balance wheel.

Quick History/Explainer:

This caliber was a product of MZM (Movado-Zenith-Mondia Holding Horloger SA), which merger that acted as a workaround for Zenith products to be sold in the United States – where at the time, an entirely different company (in an entirely different industry) existed by the name of Zenith Radio Company. Due to issues with the name, Zenith and Movado merged in 1968, producing watches like the Movado ref: 138 powered by the Zenith 2552 PC. In a strange plot twist, Zenith Radio Company acquired the MZM watchmakers around 1971~1972, and switched to an all quartz lineup. Ultimately, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), purchased Zenith for almost $50 million in 1999.

Movado 138 VS 292:

There is a similar Movado ref: 292 with a higher-beat 28,800 bph (4 Hz). The 292 is based on the Zenith 2562 PC.

Additional Resources:

• More Movado watch movements