Gold-Tone 'HES' Quartz Round Pendant Watch Insert
Pendant/Pocket Watch Insert · Yellow Gold Tone plating. The alloy is likely a base metal like brass or stainless steel with a thin electroplated gold-colored finish.
Purity: Likely base metal with gold-colored plating (Gold-Tone); approximately 0% solid gold content. No karat markings like 10K, 14K, or 18K are visible on the face, which is standard for fashion-grade quartz timepieces.
Type
Pendant/Pocket Watch Insert
Purity
Likely base metal with gold-colored plating (Gold-Tone); approximately 0% solid gold content. No karat markings like 10K, 14K, or 18K are visible on the face, which is standard for fashion-grade quartz timepieces.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone plating. The alloy is likely a base metal like brass or stainless steel with a thin electroplated gold-colored finish.
Weight
25-30 grams including the quartz movement and crystal. The gold value contribution is negligible as the piece appears to be plated fashion jewelry.
Description
A classic round pendant watch head featuring a white dial with printed blue or black Roman numeral hour markers. The perimeter is encased in a gold-tone frame with a distinctive rough-textured finish, often designed to mimic the look of a gold nugget or rustic cast gold. The center dial bears the 'HES' logo and 'QUARTZ' branding, indicating battery-powered precision. This type of piece was popular as a versatile accessory, often worn on a long chain or tucked into a specialized locket necklace.
Key Features
Textured outer bezel for light diffusion, Roman numeral dial for a classic aesthetic, and a replaceable quartz module. The specific 'HES' logo is a primary identifier for this fashion brand.
Color & Finish
Vivid yellow gold-tone bezel with a high-polish finish on the interior rim and a heavily textured, possibly 'nugget' or 'bark' style finish on the outer casing. Visible oxidation and darkening (patina) suggest the plating is wearing or reacting to moisture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial is marked 'HES' in an oval and 'QUARTZ'. No precious metal hallmarks (like 750, 585, or 14K) are visible in the provided image; such marks would typically be on the case back or the interior of the case.
Dimensions Estimate
Outer diameter approximately 35mm to 40mm; Dial diameter approximately 25mm. Standard 'pendant-size' watch head.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The dial features printed Roman numerals and a central rhinestone or polished metal centerpiece where the hands meet.
Clasp & Closure
Not visible. This appears to be a watch head/insert that would typically be held in a circular locket or a pendant frame.
Chain & Links
N/A; only the watch head is pictured. The edge is smooth to facilitate fitting into a larger medallion or pendant housing.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-production assembly. The textured bezel is likely cast or stamped from a mold. The dial is printed via silk-screening. This is a functional utility item rather than a fine jewelry piece.
Authentication Indicators
The 'QUARTZ' marking is a red flag that this is most likely not a high-value solid gold investment piece, as solid gold watches from luxury makers usually feature mechanical movements. The lack of purity stamps on the face and the visible darkening of the metal suggest a non-precious base metal construction.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced in East Asia (China or Hong Kong) under the brand 'HES'. These brands typically used standard Miyota or similar quartz movements for the promotional and fashion jewelry market.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Late 20th Century (1980s–2000s). The use of 'QUARTZ' technology and the specific font for the Roman numerals are indicative of mass-produced fashion watches of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The texture and movement type are consistent with giftware and department store accessory trends of the late 90s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timepieces in the late 20th century where watches transitioned from expensive inheritance items to interchangeable fashion accessories reflecting the owner's outfit or mood.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface debris and possible corrosion/pitting on the textured bezel suggest environmental exposure. The crystal appears to have minor surface scratches. The dial remains clean and legible. Functional status of the battery/movement is unknown.
Value Estimate
Primarily aesthetic/sentimental value. Resale value typically ranges from $5 to $20 USD. It has almost zero 'melt value' as it is likely gold-plated base metal rather than solid gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid immersion in water as these fashion inserts rarely have significant water resistance. Clean the crystal with a microfiber cloth. Replace the battery (typically a 377 or SR626SW) immediately if it stops to prevent acid leakage into the movement.
Similar Items
Mechanical pocket watches (solid gold/silver), vintage Seiko or Timex pendant watches, or contemporary luxury watch pendants from brands like Bucherer or Tissot.
Interesting Facts
Pendant watches became vastly more accessible in the late 1970s with the 'Quartz Revolution,' which allowed for smaller, cheaper, and more accurate movements than the historical mechanical pocket watches of the 19th century.