Quasar Quartz Gold-Tone Base Metal Watch with Stainless Steel Back
Watch (Dress Style) · Yellow Gold Tone (Electroplated color). Likely a brass or nickel alloy substrate with a gold-colored coating.
Purity: Non-solid; gold-toned plating/coating over base metal. There are no karat gold hallmarks (e.g., 14K, 18K), indicating the gold is a thin surface layer for aesthetic purposes only, containing negligible gold weight.
Type
Watch (Dress Style)
Purity
Non-solid; gold-toned plating/coating over base metal. There are no karat gold hallmarks (e.g., 14K, 18K), indicating the gold is a thin surface layer for aesthetic purposes only, containing negligible gold weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone (Electroplated color). Likely a brass or nickel alloy substrate with a gold-colored coating.
Weight
30-50 grams (Total weight including movement and strap). The gold content specifically is negligible, as this is a plated base-metal item.
Description
An affordable vintage Quasar dress watch featuring a rectangular/square gold-toned case. Designed for daily wear and formal aesthetics without the cost of precious metal, featuring a reliable quartz movement and a durable stainless steel back to prevent skin irritation common with base metals.
Key Features
Rectangular case geometry, 'Stainless Steel Back' stamp (indicating a plated front), and the 'AHA21N' model identifier.
Color & Finish
Medium yellow gold tone with a brushed linear finish on the stainless steel case back and a high-polish finish on the visible gold-tone bezel and crown.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'QUASAR', 'AHA21N', and 'STAINLESS STEEL BACK' on the case back. Note the absence of gold purity stamps (like 585 or 750), confirming the case is not solid gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Case width approx. 28-32mm (standard mid-size/unisex dress watch dimensions), thickness approx. 7-9mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the case back; typically these models feature a printed dial with simple baton or Roman numeral markers and no gemstones.
Clasp & Closure
Standard watch buckle or expansion band (not fully visible). The crown is a push-pull type for time setting located at the 3 o'clock position.
Chain & Links
Standard watch lug construction for a strap or metal link bracelet. The edge of the case back is snap-on style rather than screw-down.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial construction. Stamped case back and die-cast bezel. Functional but lacks the hand-finishing or high-tolerance machining found in luxury horology.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp 'Stainless Steel Back' is a classic indicator that the rest of the watch case is NOT solid gold or stainless steel, but rather a plated base metal. Genuine gold watches generally have a gold case back matched to the karat of the case.
Origin & Maker
Quasar (low-to-mid market consumer brand). Likely manufactured in Japan, Hong Kong, or China using a quartz movement.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (1980s-1990s). The typography and Quasar brand name are consistent with mass-market quartz watches of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985–1995 based on the case design and 'Stainless Steel Back' designation often used on gold-plated base metal watches from this period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quartz Revolution' era where accurate, stylish timepieces became mass-produced and accessible to the general public, moving away from luxury mechanical gold watches.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There are visible scratches on the stainless steel back. One significant red flag is the 'brassing' or wear-through on the gold-tone plating near the lugs and edges, revealing the base metal underneath.
Value Estimate
Primarily decorative/utilitarian value. Resale value: $10 - $30. Melt value: $0.00 (contains no recoverable precious metal weight).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals and abrasive polishing cloths which will strip the remaining thin gold plating. Use only a soft micro-fiber cloth. Replace battery promptly to avoid leakage damage to the movement.
Similar Items
Seiko, Casio, or Citizen gold-tone quartz watches from the same era; these offer similar aesthetics but often higher collectibility than the Quasar brand.
Interesting Facts
Quasar was a brand better known for electronics (TVs and radios) but licensed its name for various consumer goods in the late 20th century to capitalize on electronic-age branding.