Vintage Lip Ladies Cocktail Watch in 18K Yellow Gold with Bark-Finish Bracelet
Watch (Cocktail / Dress Watch) · Yellow Gold (High copper-to-silver ratio typical of mid-century European alloys, resulting in a rich, warm saturation).
Purity: 18K (750 fineness) consisting of 75% pure gold. Common for high-end European vintage timepieces of this era.
Type
Watch (Cocktail / Dress Watch)
Purity
18K (750 fineness) consisting of 75% pure gold. Common for high-end European vintage timepieces of this era.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High copper-to-silver ratio typical of mid-century European alloys, resulting in a rich, warm saturation).
Weight
Total weight approx. 20-30 grams including movement; estimated net gold weight 12-18 grams.
Description
An elegant example of mid-century French watchmaking, this Lip cocktail watch blurs the line between timepiece and fine jewelry. The small round dial is encased in solid gold with a matching integrated bracelet featuring a meticulous bark-like texture that catches the light from every angle.
Key Features
Integrated textured bracelet, mechanical manual-wind movement, French provenance, and petite cocktail proportions.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow gold hue; features a textured bark-effect or Florentine finish on the bracelet links and high-polish lugs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely Eagle Head (French 18K) or 750 stamp on case back and clasp; 'Lip' logo on dial.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 15-18mm; bracelet width 6mm; total length approx. 6.5 - 7 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
No external gemstones; dial features applied gold markers; movement contains synthetic rubies (jewels).
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over jewelry clasp with possible safety chain; integrated design to match the bracelet texture.
Chain & Links
Articulated 'Tank' or brick-style links with a textured surface finish for a jewelry-like appearance.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished bracelet textures; precision-stamped links; manual-wind mechanical movement requiring high-level miniaturization.
Authentication Indicators
Lip branding on dial, consistent gold color across case and band, high-quality articulation of links, and crisp case edges.
Origin & Maker
France; manufactured by Lip (Besançon), a historically significant French horological brand.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro Transition (circa 1950-1965); characterized by the small 'cocktail' face and textured gold work.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960 based on case geometry and brand marking style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war era of luxury where functional watches were redesigned as evening accessories for social gatherings.
Condition Notes
Very Good; minor surface scratches on crystal and lugs. Bracelet appears straight with minimal link stretch. Dial shows slight oxidation consistent with age.
Value Estimate
Gold melt value base approx. $800-1100; retail/collector value approx. $1,400-$1,800 depending on mechanical functionality.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from water (vintage seals are likely non-functional); professional movement service every 5 years; clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega or Longines cocktail watches in 14K/18K; often compared to Cartier Baignoire miniature styles.
Interesting Facts
Lip was once the premier French watchmaker and famously gifted watches to figures like Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.