Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Flamor Suisse Ladies Cocktail Watch
Jewelry Watch / Cocktail Watch · Yellow Gold; featuring a rich, deep hue characteristic of high-karat French or Swiss vintage gold alloys.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness); containing 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, likely copper and silver. The item may also be heavy gold electroplate (Plaqué Or G) common for this brand, requiring hallmark verification.
Type
Jewelry Watch / Cocktail Watch
Purity
18K (750 fineness); containing 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, likely copper and silver. The item may also be heavy gold electroplate (Plaqué Or G) common for this brand, requiring hallmark verification.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; featuring a rich, deep hue characteristic of high-karat French or Swiss vintage gold alloys.
Weight
25 - 35 grams (Total weight including movement). The estimated gold weight (EGW) is likely 12-18 grams.
Description
A stunning example of mid-century feminine luxury, this Flamor cocktail watch bridges the gap between timepiece and fine jewelry. Featuring an ornate openwork lug design and a distinctively fluted bezel, the piece captures the elegance of the 1960s French jet-set era. The Swiss movement ensures reliability, while the richly textured gold bracelet provides a bold, light-catching presence on the wrist.
Key Features
Scalloped 'pie-pan' style bezel, stylized openwork butterfly/scroll lugs, and an integrated textured link bracelet.
Color & Finish
High-polish yellow gold with a decorative scalloped bezel. The dial shows a naturally aged champagne patina with stippling, and the bracelet links feature a bark-textured or faceted finish for light refraction.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dial marked 'Flamor' and 'Ebauche Suisse'. Case back likely contains the '750' or French 'Eagle Head' hallmark for 18K gold. Bracelet clasp may have maker's marks or 'Plated' stamps if not solid.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter: 18-20mm (petite); Bracelet length: 6.5 - 7.0 inches; Band width: approx 6-8mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible; the design relies on openwork gold filigree/scrollwork lugs and a fluted bezel for aesthetic appeal.
Clasp & Closure
Likely a fold-over jewelry clasp with a safety chain, common for mid-century European cocktail watches.
Chain & Links
Articulated fancy links with a structural 'H' or 'Brick' pattern, offering high flexibility and a fabric-like drape on the wrist.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished assembly; the openwork lugs show evidence of precision casting and hand-polishing in the recesses. The movement is a mechanical wind-up type.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for Flamor branding; 'Ebauche Suisse' indicating Swiss components; high-quality casting in the ornate lugs; deep color saturation consistent with 18K yellow gold.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland (Movement/Ebauche) / France (Case/Flamor). Flamor was a significant French jewelry and watch house known for high-quality gold work.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Retro (circa 1950s-1960s); identified by the petite round case, ornate scroll lugs, and textured gold bracelet popular in post-war European fashion.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the Arabic numerals (12, 3, 6, 9) and the scalloped case design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war transition of watches from functional tools to high-fashion cocktail accessories for women.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; visible dial oxidation (spotting), surface micro-scratches on the gold, and slight wear on the winding crown. Crystal appears intact but may have light scuffing.
Value Estimate
$700 - $1,200 USD (If solid 18K gold). If gold-plated, value drops to $100 - $250 USD primarily for the brand and vintage appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid ultrasonic cleaning due to the mechanical movement. Clean gold with a soft cloth. Keep away from water as vintage seals are likely degraded.
Similar Items
Vintage Cartier Baignoire, Omega Ladymatic (Gold), and vintage Longines cocktail watches with integrated bracelets.
Interesting Facts
Flamor was often associated with high-end French jewelry retail; Swiss 'Ebauche' movements were unfinished movements sold to various jewelers to be finished and cased under their own brand names.