In collaboration with Berry Harleman - Watches Expert
Although Marvin may not be in your top 10 most recognisable watch brands, the company dates back to 1850 and has a very interesting story. They gained their reputation through the exceptional movement in their watches, but their success came in part from knowing how to adapt to changing trends. Their 170 plus years of experience in watchmaking means that they have perfected their technology and style and know how to produce top-quality luxury Swiss watches. Keep reading to find out why Marvin is worth investing in according to our experts.
History
Brothers Marc and Emmanuel Didisheim founded their company in 1850 and it grew rapidly. The name ‘Marvin’ didn’t come along until the start of the 20th century however. When they realised that ‘Albert Didisheim et Freres’ wouldn’t catch on in the American market; they adopted the name of one of their partners. They chose a 3-pointed crown as their logo, representing an inverted initial, ‘M’ for Marvin. In 1912 they became a manufacturer in their own right by producing all components in-house.
Image Source: sometimeago.com
Making a Name for Themselves
Their initial fame came from their movements which were sought after by other watchmakers for use in their own products, but it didn’t stop there. Marvin quickly realised the value of marketing. After the second world war, they started to make use of sponsorships. Their enthusiasm for auto racing led them to sponsor many road and circuit races where they began to accumulate celebrity endorsements for their product as well. Marvin also has a unique signature on their watches: they use the colour red at 8 o’clock. Whether that means that the number 8 is red or that there is simply a red stripe at the 8 o’clock mark depends on the model.
Innovations
In the 1930s, Marvin created two special watches specifically designed for motorists. The first was the Tyre Watch. As the name indicates, the watch was housed in a rubber tire. With an added strap this watch makes the perfect keychain for a motor enthusiast. The second brilliant creation during this decade was the motorist watch. It was designed to be worn on the inside of the wrist so one could comfortably read the time while driving. Marvin eventually went on to produce watches for Ferrari, Jaguar and KLM. Anyone who could all appreciate their attention to quality.
Image Source: uhrforum.de
KLM & Marvin
Marvin partnered with KLM in 1955 and produced a watch they referred to as ‘The Flying Dutchman’ in honour of the long distance planes used by their new partnering airline. In addition to a name that evokes a sense of adventure, the official watch line itself boasts sleek and graceful lines. The wristwatch was designed for the pilots and a clip version, similar to the tyre watch in fact, was designed for stewardesses as both functional accessory and a conversation piece.
If you’re looking for a lesser known brand without compromising quality, we recommend adding a Marvin to your watch collection. There are over 100 models produced by Marvin, for both men and women, and the best place to find one is at Catawiki’s weekly Watches auctions. Alternatively, if you already own a Marvin, or another exceptional watch, and want to sell it, you can register as Catawiki selller here.