Candino Swiss Made Automatic Watch with Gilt Movement
Watch (Automatic Mechanical) · Yellow Gold (Gilt Finish)
Purity: Gilt/Gold-Plated (Movement Components only). The gold content is minimal, appearing as a chemical or galvanic coating over brass or steel base metals.
Type
Watch (Automatic Mechanical)
Purity
Gilt/Gold-Plated (Movement Components only). The gold content is minimal, appearing as a chemical or galvanic coating over brass or steel base metals.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Gilt Finish)
Weight
The total watch weight is approximately 120-150 grams; however, the gold weight is negligible (less than 0.1g) as it is a thin plating on the movement.
Description
This is a Swiss-made mechanical timepiece by Candino featuring an exhibition case back that reveals a gold-finished automatic movement. The centerpiece is the oscillating weight (rotor) decorated with a sunburst texture and gilt finish, providing a luxury aesthetic to a mid-tier tool watch. The watch utilizes a robust 25-jewel Swiss caliber, housed in a durable stainless steel chassis.
Key Features
Exhibition case back, gold-tone rotor decoration, 25-jewel Swiss automatic movement, and integrated stainless steel bracelet.
Color & Finish
The movement features a bright, sunburst-brushed yellow gold-tone rotor and polished gilt plates. The external case is polished and brushed stainless steel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
CANDINO, 25 JEWELS SWISS MADE (on rotor); 1.159.1.1.83 (Model number on case back); 682 (End link stamps); WATER RESISTANT (Case back).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximate case diameter 38-40mm; Lug width 20mm; Thickness 10-12mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
25 Functional synthetic rubies (jewels) used as bearings within the mechanical movement to reduce friction.
Clasp & Closure
Deployment style watch clasp on a stainless steel link bracelet.
Chain & Links
Oyster-style three-link stainless steel bracelet with '682' stamped end pieces.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-quality Swiss assembly. The movement features machine-applied perlage and sunburst finishing on the rotor, with precisely set synthetic jewel bearings.
Authentication Indicators
Correct Swiss-made movement markings, crisp engraving on the rotor, and consistent model number stamping for the Candino brand.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Candino (part of the Festina Group).
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century (circa 1990s-2010s).
Age Estimate
Produced likely between 1995 and 2010 based on the movement decoration and model number format.
Cultural Significance
Candino represents the 'accessible luxury' segment of the Swiss watch industry, emphasizing the post-Quartz Crisis return to pride in mechanical watchmaking.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The movement appears clean with no signs of oxidation; the stainless steel case back shows minor surface scratches consistent with regular wear.
Value Estimate
Retail replacement approximately $400-$600 USD; Secondary market resale value approximately $150-$250 USD. Gold value is 'scrap zero' as it is decorative plating.
Care & Maintenance
Service the mechanical movement every 5-7 years; avoid strong magnetic fields; rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt; use a soft microfiber cloth for polishing the steel.
Similar Items
Tissot Le Locle Automatic, Hamilton Jazzmaster, or Certina DS Action. These brands offer similar Swiss mechanical movements with comparable levels of finish.
Interesting Facts
Gilding movement parts in gold not only adds aesthetic value but historically served as a protective measure against corrosion of the brass plates.