Vintage Flamor Ebauche Suisse 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Cocktail Watch
Watch (Cocktail Bracelet Style) · Yellow Gold (High-luster warm yellow alloy, likely containing copper and silver for durability).
Purity: Likely 18K (750) or 14K (585) solid gold case with gold-filled or solid gold bracelet. 18K represents 75% pure gold content, common for Swiss-associated mid-century luxury timepieces.
Type
Watch (Cocktail Bracelet Style)
Purity
Likely 18K (750) or 14K (585) solid gold case with gold-filled or solid gold bracelet. 18K represents 75% pure gold content, common for Swiss-associated mid-century luxury timepieces.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High-luster warm yellow alloy, likely containing copper and silver for durability).
Weight
25-35 grams total weight (including movement). The estimated gold weight (EGW) is likely 12-18 grams of pure gold content once the movement and crystal are removed.
Description
This elegant vintage ladies' cocktail watch by Flamor embodies Mid-Century glamour. Featuring a circular case framed by a distinctive scalloped bezel, the piece is further elevated by intricate open-work lugs that transition seamlessly into a textured gold bracelet. The dial shows a light champagne patina consistent with its age, marked with the 'Ebauche Suisse' designation, indicating a quality Swiss-made movement at its heart.
Key Features
Scalloped 'cloud-style' bezel; ornamental open-scroll lugs; textured 'bark' finish links; 'Ebauche Suisse' mechanical movement.
Color & Finish
Rich buttery yellow gold with a high-polish finish on the scalloped bezel and decorative lugs. The integrated bracelet links show a textured, bark-like or engine-turned finish to hide scratches.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial is marked 'Flamor' and 'Ebauche Suisse'. Expected stamps on the case back or inside cover include '18K' or '0.750' and a Swiss assay mark (Helvetia head). The clasp likely bears a '750' or 'GF' (Gold Filled) mark depending on the bracelet's composition.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter: approx. 18-20mm. Bracelet width: 6-8mm. Total length: standard 6 to 7 inches for ladies' wrist sizes.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The dial features applied gold-tone indices and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. The face is protected by a domed acrylic or mineral crystal.
Clasp & Closure
Likely a jewelry-style fold-over box clasp with a safety chain or secondary safety catch common for 1950s-60s cocktail watches.
Chain & Links
Decorative integrated link bracelet. The links appear to be articulated rectangular segments with a textured surface, designed to mimic the appearance of a continuous golden ribbon.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-cast decorative lugs and a manually wound Swiss movement. The bracelet shows high-quality articulation, providing a liquid-like drape on the wrist.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font and alignment for 'Flamor' branding; characteristic color of high-karat vintage Swiss gold; presence of a mechanical winding crown. Red flag: Verification is needed to ensure the bracelet is solid gold and not a gold-filled replacement.
Origin & Maker
Swiss movement (Ebauche Suisse) with assembly likely by Flamor, a brand known for mid-market French and Swiss jewelry-grade timepieces.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro period (1950s-1960s). The scalloped 'pie-crust' bezel and ornate, open-work decorative lugs are typical of post-war feminine luxury design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the dial typography, lug style, and small case size.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of watches from utilitarian tools to status-symbol jewelry for women in the post-WWII era.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The gold shows minor surface swirling and contact marks. The dial has developed significant spotting (foxing) and patina, which is common for watches of this age. Mechanical functionality is unknown.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,100 USD. Value is largely determined by the gold weight (melt value) plus a 20-30% premium for the vintage aesthetic and brand.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water (not water-resistant). Clean gold with a soft rouge cloth. Requires professional mechanical servicing every 5-7 years to maintain the movement.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Ladymatic, Longines 14K Cocktail Watch, or vintage Tissot jewelry watches. Differences lie in brand prestige and movement complication.
Interesting Facts
In the mid-20th century, cocktail watches were designed as 'jewelry that told time,' intended for formal social gatherings where checking a large wristwatch was considered impolite.