Vintage 20 Micron Walzgolddouble Gold-Plated Dress Watch with Black Cord Strap
Watch (Vintage Dress Watch with Rectangular Case) · Yellow Gold plating over base metal with a steel back
Purity: Gold-plated (Walzgolddouble / Rolled Gold Plate), 20 Mikron (20 microns thick), with a stainless steel case back (Stahlboden)
Type
Watch (Vintage Dress Watch with Rectangular Case)
Purity
Gold-plated (Walzgolddouble / Rolled Gold Plate), 20 Mikron (20 microns thick), with a stainless steel case back (Stahlboden)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over base metal with a steel back
Weight
Estimated total weight 12-18 grams (majority being base metal, movement, and cord, with minimal gold content)
Description
An appealing vintage ladies' cocktail or dress watch featuring a distinctive geometric rectangular stepped case. The case back is clearly stamped with traditional German watch terminology indicating heavy rolled gold plating of 20 microns over a base metal core, complemented by a stainless steel back for skin comfort. The integrated black cord strap gives it a classic mid-century feminine aesthetic, perfect for collectors of vintage European timepieces.
Key Features
Stepped rectangular case design, heavy 20-micron gold plating indication, clear German hallmarks (Walzgolddouble and Stahlboden), and EBE maker mark
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold tone with a brushed vertical satin finish on the case back
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped WALZGOLDDOUBLE, 20 MIKRON, STAHLBODEN, and maker's monogram logo featuring initials EBE inside an oval
Dimensions Estimate
Case dimensions approximately 15mm width by 20mm length, petite ladies' dress watch format
Gemstones & Inlays
None present on the visible case back; crystal and dial face are on the opposite side
Clasp & Closure
Fitted with a textile cord strap and gold-tone metal sliding or hook adjuster clasp
Chain & Links
Black braided fabric cord strap attached via integrated gold-plated folding loop lugs
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-stamped metal case with tight tolerances, mechanical coin-edge winding crown, and securely soldered lug loops designed for textile strap integration
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period stamping using standard German terminology (Walzgolddouble for rolled gold, Stahlboden for steel back), consistent font styling and crisp indentation
Origin & Maker
Likely German or Central European origin, featuring the EBE maker's mark
Era & Period
Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern transition era, typical of European (likely German) watch manufacturing
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s to 1960s
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th century European watchmaking tradition where reliable mechanical movements were housed in accessible precious-metal-plated cases, allowing everyday elegance for women during the post-war era
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; light surface scratches on the brushed case back consistent with age and gentle wear, plating remains intact with minor edge thinning
Value Estimate
Modest collector and scrap value, estimated between $30 to $80 USD depending on the working condition of the mechanical movement inside
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to water, harsh chemicals, perfumes, and ultrasonic cleaners which can degrade the vintage cord strap and wear down the 20-micron gold plating; store in a dry, padded watch box
Similar Items
Vintage German and Swiss ladies' cocktail watches from brands like Junghans, Kienzle, and Duve, often featuring gold-plated cases and cord straps
Interesting Facts
The term 'Walzgolddouble' is a German designation for rolled gold plate or heavy gold-filled items, where a layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal core under high heat and pressure, often yielding much thicker layers than modern electroplating