Vintage Nivada Antichoc Swiss Watch Dial with Gilded Indices
Watch (Component: Dial Only) · Yellow Gold plating on applied hour indices and numerals; silver/white-toned base plate.
Purity: Non-solid; gold-plated/gilded markers only. The base dial is likely silver-plated brass or zinc alloy. The indices appear to be roughly 5-10 microns of gold plating (approx. 14K-18K equivalent in color).
Type
Watch (Component: Dial Only)
Purity
Non-solid; gold-plated/gilded markers only. The base dial is likely silver-plated brass or zinc alloy. The indices appear to be roughly 5-10 microns of gold plating (approx. 14K-18K equivalent in color).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating on applied hour indices and numerals; silver/white-toned base plate.
Weight
1.0 - 2.0 grams (total component weight). Gold content is negligible/trace (under 0.01g).
Description
A vintage Nivada 'Antichoc' watch dial featuring a sunburst silvered finish and applied yellow-gold tone hour markers. The dial exhibits a crosshair design at the sub-seconds position or center axis and includes the classic 1960s Nivada shield emblem. This is a loose component typically salvaged for restoration or horological study.
Key Features
Applied '12' Arabic numeral, crosshair alignment markings, 'Antichoc' nomenclature denoting Incabloc or similar shock-resistant technology, and Swiss-made pedigree.
Color & Finish
Sunburst silver-tone base with champagne patina; yellow gold applied markers. The finish is a radial brushed metallic with significant surface oxidation and spotting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Brand stamp: 'Nivada' with shield logo. Text: 'ANTICHOC', 'SWISS MADE'. There are no purity hallmarks because the item is not solid gold.
Dimensions Estimate
28mm - 32mm in diameter (standard vintage men's dress watch size).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Applied metal hour markers (baton style) and an Arabic '12' numeral.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (internal watch component). Two feet on the reverse side (not visible) would secure it to the movement.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular watch dial form.
Craftsmanship Details
Applied indices are machine-stamped and gilded; dial face is engine-turned with a fine sunburst pattern; text is applied via galvanic printing.
Authentication Indicators
Dial printing depth and alignment consistent with 1960s pads-printing; authentic Nivada logo; correct 'Swiss Made' placement. Lack of '750' or '585' marks confirms markers are plated/gilded, not solid cast gold.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Nivada (Nivada Grenchen). A respected mid-tier Swiss manufacturer known for durability.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - early 1960s). Indicated by the 'Antichoc' branding (shock protection) and minimalist baton indices.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the logo style and use of the 'Antichoc' term.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in Swiss precision horology where shock protection (Antichoc) became a primary selling point for the emerging middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant tropicalization/patina, visible surface corrosion on the perimeter, light scratching, and spotting across the face. Lume plots (if formerly present) are missing or degraded.
Value Estimate
$20.00 - $50.00 USD. Value is purely as a salvage part for restoration; there is no significant precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with fluids or polishing cloths, as old dial paint is extremely fragile and prone to flaking. Store in a moisture-controlled environment (silica gel) to prevent further oxidation of the base metal.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Seamaster dials, Longines Conquest dials, or Tissot Visodate dials of the same era, which often featured similar gilded baton indices.
Interesting Facts
Nivada was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1926. They were among the first to offer automatic water-resistant watches and were famously worn by U.S. Navy personnel during the 'Deep Freeze' Antarctic expeditions.