Rectangular Travelling Purse Watch -MOVADO ERMETO 1950 circa

MOVADO ERMETO metal purse watch signed "Hausmann & Co. Ermeto" Manual winding starts by closing and opening the two sliding parts characterised by a special thousand-stripe design. Dial, case and movement signed. Width 48 mm - 73 mm open. In working order. This is an innovative watch model which, while still having the characteristics of a pocket watch, can be used as a travel watch. Indeed, towards the 1950s, larger models were to be made to be placed on a desk or on a bedside table next to the bed. Announced in 1926 they spread all over the world. A new term was coined for it: 'purse watch', i.e. a watch that, unlike the 'pocket watch' (a man's watch), could also be a woman's watch and carried in a handbag.
There will be various models covered not only in leather, but also in metal, gold, silver and enamel. Just as there will be ones with different functions: time only, alarm clock, calendar and moon phases.
Item condition grading: **** good.
Although it seems in working order, it could need a minor overhauling and/or control before use.