Gold-Finished Quartz Watch Movement with Cabochon Crown
Watch Component (Movement and Stem) · Yellow Gold finish; industrial electrolytic plating over base metal (copper/brass alloy).
Purity: Likely Gold-Plated (Flash/Gilt); Gold content is negligible (<1%). Component is likely brass base with a micron-thin gold wash.
Type
Watch Component (Movement and Stem)
Purity
Likely Gold-Plated (Flash/Gilt); Gold content is negligible (<1%). Component is likely brass base with a micron-thin gold wash.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; industrial electrolytic plating over base metal (copper/brass alloy).
Weight
The total movement likely weighs less than 2-3 grams; gold weight is immeasurable (less than 0.01g).
Description
An exposed quartz watch movement featuring a gold-toned baseplate. This internal engine includes the stepper motor coil, battery compartment, and the winding stem topped with a decorative cabochon crown. Designed for low-cost luxury aesthetics.
Key Features
Gilt-finished plate to resist corrosion and improve visual appeal; black cabochon crown; characteristic copper coil and quartz oscillator cylinder.
Color & Finish
Grainy, industrial yellow gold-tone finish on the main plate; high-polish gold-tone crown with a dark synthetic black cabochon.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible purity hallmarks. Some markings appear embossed on the circuitry (partially obscured), common for mass-produced movements like Miyota or Seiko/Epson calibers.
Dimensions Estimate
Petite ladies' movement, approximately 10mm x 15mm; crown diameter roughly 3mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
A black synthetic spinel or plastic cabochon inset into the crown; likely imitation of Cartier-style sapphire/spinel crowns.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable as this is a movement; it features a threaded winding stem for case mounting.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; features a copper wire coil for the electromagnetic pulse of the quartz motor.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-stamped plates; basic soldering on circuitry; standard commercial grade finishing for hidden internal components.
Authentication Indicators
Color hue is characteristic of industrial gilding rather than solid gold; presence of plastic stabilizers; absence of karat stamps; base metal visible on stem threads.
Origin & Maker
Likely Japanese or Chinese manufacture (Miyota, Hattori/Seiko, or generic equivalent); often found in fashion jewelry watches.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (late 20th to early 21st century); utilizes standard quartz surface-mount technology.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present; common mass-market horological component.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quartz Revolution' which democratized accurate timekeeping, moving luxury aesthetics into the mass-produced fashion market.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition; visible corrosion/oxidation near the battery contact and leaking electrolyte residue on the lower coil section.
Value Estimate
Intrinsically $0 in gold value. Replacement cost for a new movement is typically $5-$25 depending on the caliber.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from moisture; the corrosion indicates battery leakage. Professional cleaning required to restore electrical connectivity.
Similar Items
ETA 901.001 (high-end Swiss equivalent), Miyota 5R21, or standard plastic-cased modules.
Interesting Facts
The 'gold' color in quartz movements is often a marketing tool or a way to prevent brass oxidation, though high-end movements like those from ETA or Piaget may use genuine high-karat plating.