Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Back Ladies Quartz Fashion Watch
Watch · Yellow gold-tone plating over base metal (likely brass or zinc alloy).
Purity: Non-solid; Base metal with gold-colored electroplating or PVD coating. No gold fineness hallmarks are present.
Type
Watch
Purity
Non-solid; Base metal with gold-colored electroplating or PVD coating. No gold fineness hallmarks are present.
Gold Type
Yellow gold-tone plating over base metal (likely brass or zinc alloy).
Weight
Estimated total weight of 15-25 grams, including movement and strap. Negligible gold weight (less than 0.01g of plating).
Description
A dainty ladies' fashion watch featuring an elongated tonneau-shaped case with a yellow gold finish. This piece utilizes a reliable Japanese quartz movement and features a contrasting stainless steel back for hypoallergenic wear. The design is intended to mimic high-end luxury cocktail watches but is constructed from affordable industrial materials.
Key Features
Tonneau (barrel) shaped case, cabochon-set crown, Japanese quartz movement, and a stainless steel pressure-fit case back.
Color & Finish
Polished yellow gold-colored finish on the bezel and lugs; brushed/satin finish on the stainless steel case back.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on case back: 'STAINLESS STEEL BACK', 'WATER RESISTANT', 'JAPAN MOVT' (Japan Movement), and a stylized 'VB' or 'BB' crowned logo.
Dimensions Estimate
Case length: approx 28-32mm; Case width: approx 18-22mm; Strap width: 10-12mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the reverse; crown appears to have a small cabochon inlay, likely blue plastic or glass (sapphire-style).
Clasp & Closure
Standard pin-buckle (tang) closure on a black stitched leather-imitation strap.
Chain & Links
Leather strap construction with integrated T-bar style lug pins; no metal chain links.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced die-cast case; machine-stamped case back; entry-level quartz assembly. Functional and aesthetically pleasing for daily wear but not artisanal.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Stainless Steel Back' stamp is a primary indicator that the rest of the case is NOT solid gold. Lack of '750' or '14K' hallmarks confirms it is a fashion item.
Origin & Maker
Likely manufactured in China or Hong Kong using a Japanese quartz movement; the 'Crowned VB' logo is typical of promotional or department store fashion brands.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern fashion period (late 1990s to present).
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 2000 and 2015 based on the case design and strap wear.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mass-market democratization of the 'luxury look,' allowing consumers to wear high-fashion styles without the investment of precious metals.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant peeling/delamination on the inner leather strap; light scratching on the metal case back and bezel plating.
Value Estimate
Nominal market value ($5 - $20 USD). Value is based on utility as a timepiece rather than gold content or collectibility.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all chemical exposure and water (despite 'Water Resistant' stamp, seals may be dry). Clean only with a soft, dry cloth to preserve thin plating. Replace battery every 18-24 months.
Similar Items
Seiko, Anne Klein, or Bulova gold-plated fashion watches. These brands offer similar aesthetic but often with higher quality plating (micron plating).
Interesting Facts
The phrase 'Stainless Steel Back' is legally required in many jurisdictions for base-metal watches to prevent consumers from assuming the entire case is corrosion-resistant or precious metal.