18K Yellow Gold French Vintage Ladies Watch Case with Articulated Bracelet
Watch (Case and Bracelet) · Yellow Gold; deep warm tone typical of French 18K alloys, likely containing silver and copper.
Purity: 18K / 750 Fineness; 75% pure gold content mixed with copper and silver alloys for structural durability.
Type
Watch (Case and Bracelet)
Purity
18K / 750 Fineness; 75% pure gold content mixed with copper and silver alloys for structural durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; deep warm tone typical of French 18K alloys, likely containing silver and copper.
Weight
12-18 grams (estimated total for small case and bracelet), excluding the movement if present.
Description
A classic mid-century French ladies cocktail watch, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. The piece features a small circular case with a hand-engraved serial number and official French assay marks. The bracelet is an elegant multi-link construction that offers a fluid drape against the wrist, transitioning into integrated lugs that define the era's minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic.
Key Features
Official French Tête d'Aigle hallmark; unique geometric link construction; original knurled crown; serialized case back.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow gold with a circular brushed finish on the case back and a high-polish finish on the bracelet links; heavy patina and superficial scratches suggesting genuine age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
French 'Eagle Head' (Tête d'Aigle) hallmark for 18K gold; a lozenge-shaped maker's mark; '33762' serial number engraved in a serif font; located on the lower case back.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 18-20mm (petite/cocktail size); bracelet width approx. 6mm; lug-to-lug approx. 28mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the reverse; likely a plain gold dial or small indices on the face. No enamel or stones on the case back.
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over snap clasp with safety latch (inferred from bracelet style), integrated smoothly with the T-bar lugs.
Chain & Links
Articulated geometric brick-style links with central H-shaped connector pieces; hand-assembled with pin joints for flexibility.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-stamped links with hand-finished pin hinges; high-quality circular graining on the case back designed to hide wear from the wrist.
Authentication Indicators
The Eagle Head hallmark is the primary diagnostic for French 18K gold. The serif style of the numbers '33762' is consistent with vintage stamping tools. Color uniformity across joints suggests solid gold rather than plating.
Origin & Maker
France (determined by Eagle Head hallmark); maker is unidentified but likely an independent Parisian atelier represented by the lozenge stamp.
Era & Period
Retro / Mid-Century Modern (circa 1945-1955); characterized by the round case and the specific industrial-chic link structure common in post-WWII European fashion.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s production based on serial font, hallmark style, and the mechanical wind crown design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war resurgence of luxury jewelry in Europe, where gold watches became the standard gift for milestones such as graduations or weddings.
Condition Notes
Good condition; structural integrity remains high, though significant surface scratches (swirls) are present on the case back. Slight stretching in bracelet links. Movement functionality unknown from image.
Value Estimate
Resale value primarily driven by gold weight (~$700-$1,000 for gold content) plus a 20-30% premium for vintage French craftsmanship and hallmarking.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle polishing with a microfiber cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the movement is still inside; professional servicing suggested for the pin-joints in the bracelet.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega or Cartier cocktail watches from the 1950s; however, those usually feature branded dials and signed case backs.
Interesting Facts
In France, the Eagle Head hallmark has been used to signify 18K gold since 1838. Small 'cocktail' watches like this were often considered jewelry first and timepieces second.