Gold-Tone Quartz Pendant or Pocket Watch Insert by HES
Watch (Pendant or Insert) · Yellow Gold Finish (Electroplated or PVD)
Purity: Gold-Tone/Plated. This item does not appear to be solid gold; it likely contains less than 0.1% gold content as a surface plating over a base metal like brass or stainless steel.
Type
Watch (Pendant or Insert)
Purity
Gold-Tone/Plated. This item does not appear to be solid gold; it likely contains less than 0.1% gold content as a surface plating over a base metal like brass or stainless steel.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Finish (Electroplated or PVD)
Weight
15-25 grams including the movement and crystal. The weight is primarily from base metals and components rather than gold content.
Description
This is a circular quartz watch module featuring a white dial with classic blue-black Roman numeral indices and a thin bezel finished in a yellow-gold tone. It is a functional accessory designed for insertion into a necklace or keepsake holder. The heavy surface oxidation suggests it has been exposed to environmental moisture, typical of base metal alloys with thin decorative plating.
Key Features
Roman numeral dial, HES branding, quartz battery-powered movement, and notched bezel for mounting.
Color & Finish
The bezel shows a polished yellow gold-tone finish that is heavily tarnished or oxidized, resulting in a dark, mottled olive-green and brown patina. The dial is a flat white.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'HES' brand logo in an oval on the dial; 'QUARTZ' designation at the 3 o'clock position. No visible gold purity hallmarks (like 14K or 585) are present on the face.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 30-35mm; Thickness: 6-8mm; Standard insert size for a larger locket or desk clock housing.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The center of the hands features a polished steel pin; the 'crystal' is likely acrylic or mineral glass.
Clasp & Closure
Not visible; likely a friction-fit design meant to be pressed into a larger decorative housing or attached to a jump ring as a pendant.
Chain & Links
None. Item is an isolated watch head/module.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced stamped metal bezel with a printed dial. The construction is focused on cost-efficiency rather than luxury horology.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of purity hallmarks and the greenish oxidation are strong red flags indicating this is not solid gold. Real high-karat gold does not corrode in this mottled green fashion.
Origin & Maker
Likely China or Japan for the movement; HES is a generic or promotional brand often used for giftware and lower-tier accessories.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Late 20th Century (1980s-2000s). The use of 'Quartz' and the specific HES branding indicates modern mass production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The style of the Roman numerals and the quartz movement type are consistent with this range.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'fashion watch' movement where timepieces became affordable accessories rather than lifetime investments.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The gold-tone finish is severely degraded with significant oxidation/corrosion (green/dark spotting). The crystal appears to have minor surface scratches. Functionality is unknown (likely requires a battery).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00. The value is purely ornamental or functional; there is no significant 'melt' value as the item is not made of precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Avoid water or jewelry cleaners, as they will further strip the thin gold plating. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners due to the watch movement.
Similar Items
Seiko Quartz pendants, generic promotional pocket watches, and gold-filled vintage locket watches. Key difference is the use of high-volume quartz movements vs. jeweled mechanical movements.
Interesting Facts
Quartz movements revolutionized the watch industry in the 1970s by providing far greater accuracy than mechanical watches at a fraction of the cost. Generic modules like this made 'gold-look' fashion accessible to the mass market.