Safe and sound within the Horwitt family
It’s been quite a week. After completing a 4,000-word article on the history of the Museum Watch, I reverted to covering the latest news and thinking about my next vintage story. However, little by little, the comments have trickled in on our site and over messages on Instagram. A noteworthy comment came in from a family member of Nathan George Horwitt who mentioned information on the third Museum Watch prototype. We’re excited to share what we believe are the first public photos of the watch.
But while that story was unfolding, another piece of horological history crossed my desk—one that connects the past with the present in a way only true watch enthusiasts can appreciate. It’s about a watch that doesn’t come from a museum vault but from the hands of a collector who understands the value of perfect replication. I’m talking about the Discount Replica Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720VTNR 40mm with Jubilee bracelet.
This is not just another replica. It’s a tribute to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II, the Sprite reference that turned heads with its left-handed crown and black-and-green bezel. But here’s the twist: the original museum prototypes I wrote about were unique, irreplaceable artifacts. The replica we’re discussing today, on the other hand, offers something the originals never could—accessibility.
Let me take you back. Last week, I penned an article on the history of the vintage Movado Museum Watch. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope it helped shed light on designer Nathan George Horwitt and the stories surrounding the watch’s early production. I know it also brought back some memories for folks in my age group who grew up seeing the watch everywhere. I spent time early in the article on the Museum Watch prototype models. Horwitt made three and gifted two to New York City museums. I’ll recount those briefly and move on to the big news.
The 1947 Museum Watch Prototype by Nathan George Horwitt in the MoMA, New York City — Image: http://www.moma.org
Museum Watch prototype 1 — The MoMA
The first Museum Watch prototype resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. This watch is listed with a creation date of 1947. It was accepted by the museum in 1960 as a gift from Nathan George Horwitt. Sadly, the watch is not currently on display, and we are left with one photo on the MoMA website. It is listed as white gold with an enameled dial. The manufacturer is Vacheron & Constantin-Le Coultre Watches, Inc., Switzerland. While the movement was certainly made in Switzerland, Vacheron & Constantin-Le Coultre Watches, Inc. was actually the US distribution name. This semantic point will become relevant shortly.
The 1955 Museum Watch Prototype by Nathan George Horwitt in the Brooklyn Museum — Image: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org
Museum Watch prototype 2 — The Brooklyn Museum
On December 18th, 1985, Horwitt donated the second Museum Watch prototype to the Brooklyn Museum. Interestingly, this watch is dated 1955. Are there differences between this watch and the MoMA piece? Indeed, the hands look much longer on this watch. We also do not know the diameters of either one.
The Brooklyn Museum’s description tells us that the large 2 refers to the second piece. It’s also possible to see the US Design Patent number inscribed on the back. Clearly, this was added later because the patent was only issued in 1958. Finally, the case back also states 14K Gold D&A and Vacheron & Constantin-Le Coultre Watches, Inc. In my original article, I stated that the prototypes were 18K white gold. I’ve updated the article with the correct information. What is D&A? This stands for DiVincenzo & Arienti, which was a Brooklyn, New York-based maker of watch cases. The company produced cases for Omega, LeCoultre, Longines, Vacheron, and more.
A side shot of the second Museum Watch prototype shows something peculiar. The watch, despite its Vacheron roots, carries a later Movado crown with the Fedora logo. Perhaps Movado used the watch in ’60s promotional displays and decided to add its logo. Or maybe the crown required replacement at some point.
Now, let’s draw a parallel. The Museum Watch prototypes are celebrated for their minimalist design and historical significance. But what if you could own a watch that captures the same spirit of innovation, but with the rugged functionality of a modern tool watch? That’s where the Discount Replica Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720VTNR 40mm Jubilee comes in.
When we compare a genuine Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite to this replica, the differences are fascinating. An authentic Rolex Sprite, ref. 126720VTNR, retails for over $10,000 and often requires months on a waiting list. The case is 40mm in Oystersteel, with a Cerachrom bezel in black and green, and a caliber 3285 movement. The Jubilee bracelet adds to its elegance. But here’s the secret that many collectors are discovering: a high-quality replica like the Discount Replica offers the same visual presence, the same weight, the same 904L steel feel, and a reliable automatic movement that keeps time within acceptable tolerances. The bezel action is crisp, the crown operation is smooth, and the lume on the hands and indices is bright.
Why choose a replica over the genuine? First, price. The Discount Replica costs only a fraction of the genuine—often less than 10% of retail. Second, availability. You don’t have to beg an authorized dealer or pay inflated grey-market prices. Third, peace of mind. You can wear a replica daily without worrying about scratches, theft, or service costs that run into the thousands.
But let’s be honest: the replica movement is not a Rolex in-house caliber. Yet for 99% of people, including watch enthusiasts who don’t use a loupe, the replica is indistinguishable from the real thing at arm’s length. répliques de montres pas cher The bezel colors perfectly replicate the Sprite green and black. The Jubilee bracelet has the same feel as the original, with solid end links and a comfortable clasp. Even the cyclops date magnification is spot on.
In the world of watches, authenticity is often overrated. What truly matters is the joy of wearing a beautiful timepiece. The Discount Replica Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720VTNR delivers that joy at a price anyone can afford. Like the Museum Watch prototypes that are hidden away in museums, this replica might be hidden on your wrist, but its impact is undeniable.
Final thoughts
Does news of the third Museum Watch prototype have the same impact as finding John Lennon’s Patek? Maybe not, but it’s nice to know that the watch still exists and is owned by the Horwitt family. hamilton jazzmaster thinline As I said in my original article, this was an impactful watch. It’s a design that Movado still produces today and is among the most recognizable modern watch designs in history. Hopefully, you enjoyed this unveiling!
Thank you again to the Horwitt family member who contacted me and graciously sent the photos of the original prototype watch. And thank you to the modern replica makers who allow us to wear history without breaking the bank. The Discount Replica Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720VTNR is a testament to how far replication has come—offering the same aesthetic pleasure as the original, with the advantage of practicality and affordability. Whether you’re a collector on a budget or an enthusiast who simply loves the design, this replica is a smart choice.