SPEZIFIKATIONEN
Rare Marvin Hermetic with a square steel case, “harpoon” lugs, Marvin 310 manual-winding movement inside, from 1940.
Steel case measuring 28mm x 42.3mm
Original Kristall
Original Krone
Marvin 310 manual-winding movement inside
ANALYSE
Marvin is certainly one of the most underrated watchmakers among vintage collectors. This is truly shocking. There are few Swiss manufacturers with the history, the ability to innovate, and the technological advances that Marvin has. This brand has a long history that dates back to 1850, when Marc and Emmanuel Didisheim—heirs to one of the most prolific dynasties in the watchmaking industry—began producing pocket watches of incredible craftsmanship. Marc’s sons, Henry-Albert, Edgar, and Hyppolite Didisheim, continued the family business, and on May 6, 1893, they registered the Marvin name with catalog number 6404. In reality, the correct name for the registration was “The Marvin Watch,” referring to a wealthy American watch enthusiast, a certain Mr. Marvin, who appreciated and purchased many of the Didisheim products. To honor this valued customer, the name “The Marvin Watch” was initially born, and later simply “Marvin.” As previously mentioned, Marvin provided a huge boost to wristwatch innovation in the early 1920s when he pioneered the development of a waterproof watch with a circular case. On June 7, 1923, Marvin registered the name “Hermetic” (no. 54335), which was subsequently renewed in 1941 (no. 100 504). The term “Hermetic” refers to a patent (no. 89276) by manufacturer Jean Finger (“JF”) for a watertight case composed of two hinged sections, which allowed one section to be encapsulated within the other, thus sealing the movement and dial away from the elements and water. The enamel and radium dials of these early attempts at waterproof wristwatches already bore the “Marvin Hermetic” signature, thus foreshadowing the future of what would become the great epic of waterproof watches of the 1930s and 1940s.
This Marvin Hermetic, dating back to the mid-1940s, is very rare, as it features a square-shaped case. Waterproofing a case like this required enormous technical and technological efforts. Many attempted it, including the major case manufacturer Taubert/Borgel, with a system so complex, expensive, and laborious that it ultimately failed commercially. But Marvin already had extensive experience in this field, and his waterproof watches bearing the “Hermetic” signature (later also with a screw-down crown system) were a great success, especially in the USA.
The dial of this rarity is a beautiful two-tone design created by a frame inscribing the Arabic numerals in radium, which adapt their shape by alternately elongating and contracting depending on their position on the dial. At the center, at 12 o’clock, is the signature “Marvin Hermetic”; above the seconds subdial, the words “Shock Absorber” and “Non-Magnetic” are inscribed, referring to two other unique features designed to protect the movement from shocks and magnetic effects. The hands are shaped like large pencils and contain the original luminescent paste. Covering the entire composition is a very thick, square crystal with a pronounced curvature, which was intended to keep the dial watertight.
The square steel case is structured to protect the movement and dial from water, but Marvin’s designers still wanted to characterize it with beautiful flared side profiles and fancy harpoon-shaped lugs. These two purely aesthetic features make this watch avant-garde in every way for its time. The square caseback attaches to the main body with strong pressure and features a circular rubber gasket that adheres to the movement retaining ring, isolating the caliber from the outside.
It houses the in-house Marvin caliber 310. This 19.3mm movement with 15 jewels runs at 18,000 A/h. It features a Glycidur screw balance, a screwed bezel protecting the escapement wheel axle, and the early use of Incabloc.
