Japona Gold-Plated Quartz Wristwatch with Two-Tone Dial
Watch · Yellow Gold Plating with Silver-Tone Base Metal Components
Purity: Gold-Plated / Base Metal (Not Solid Gold)
Type
Watch
Purity
Gold-Plated / Base Metal (Not Solid Gold)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Plating with Silver-Tone Base Metal Components
Weight
Estimated 30 to 50 grams total watch weight (primarily base metal like brass or stainless steel with minimal gold content)
Description
This vintage Japona quartz wristwatch features a classic round case design with a distinctive horizontal two-tone dial configuration. The watch combines a yellow gold-plated bezel and stick indices with a contrasting brushed silver-tone center stripe on the dial. Powered by a Japanese quartz movement, it represents an affordable, mass-market fashion timepiece popular during the late 20th century. Visible wear reveals the underlying base metal beneath the thin gold plating.
Key Features
Japanese quartz movement, two-tone striped dial layout, applied baton hour markers, Japona brand signature with registered trademark.
Color & Finish
Yellow gold-plated bezel and dial accents with a polished and brushed two-tone horizontal stripe dial finish. Noticeable wear, fading, and flaking of the gold plating revealing the base metal underneath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'JAPONA' with a registered trademark symbol on the upper dial, 'QUARTZ' in the lower center, and 'JAPAN MOVT' at the bottom edge of the dial.
Dimensions Estimate
Estimated case diameter of 34mm to 38mm standard men's or unisex sizing, with a thickness of approximately 8mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features a stylized two-tone metallic dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers.
Clasp & Closure
Standard pin buckle closure on a textured brown leather or faux-leather strap.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; paired with a two-piece leather strap attached via standard spring bars between the case lugs.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-market production featuring base metal stamping, electroplated gold finishing, applied metallic markers, and a standard Japanese quartz caliber movement.
Authentication Indicators
Dial markings clearly indicate 'JAPAN MOVT' and brand nomenclature. Plating wear reveals typical base-metal characteristics (brassing) associated with electroplated fashion watches rather than solid gold construction.
Origin & Maker
Japan (indicated by 'JAPAN MOVT' on the dial, manufactured for the Japona brand)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Likely 1980s-1990s Quartz Era)
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s to 1990s
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of horology in the late 20th century, where stylish wristwatches became accessible everyday fashion accessories rather than luxury investments.
Condition Notes
Fair to poor condition. Heavy signs of wear include significant brassing and loss of gold plating around the bezel and lugs, surface scratches on the crystal and case, and wear on the attached leather strap.
Value Estimate
Minimal monetary value (primarily sentimental or nostalgic), as the item contains negligible precious metal content and has heavy cosmetic wear. Valued under $20 on the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid contact with water, moisture, and harsh chemicals due to compromised plating and lack of water resistance. Clean gently with a dry microfiber cloth.
Similar Items
Vintage quartz dress watches from brands like Seiko, Citizen, Pulsar, and various department store fashion watch brands from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The quartz revolution of the 1970s and 1980s flooded the global market with affordable, highly accurate battery-powered watches from Japanese manufacturers, shifting the industry away from traditional mechanical timepieces.