Vintage Omikron 17 Rubis Swiss Incabloc Gold-Plated Watch Case
Watch (Case only, missing hands/strap) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (typically brass or bronze).
Purity: Gold-plated (Likely 10-20 microns of 14K or 18K yellow gold over brass). This is not solid gold; it contains less than 1% gold by weight.
Type
Watch (Case only, missing hands/strap)
Purity
Gold-plated (Likely 10-20 microns of 14K or 18K yellow gold over brass). This is not solid gold; it contains less than 1% gold by weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (typically brass or bronze).
Weight
25-35 grams (Total case weight including movement and crystal; gold content is negligible/less than 0.1g).
Description
A well-worn vintage Omikron mechanical watch head featuring a distinctive burgundy sunburst dial and a gold-plated cushion-shaped case. The piece shows significant history with heavy patina and loss of plating.
Key Features
Incabloc shock protection system; burgundy 'bullseye' style dial; 17-jewel Swiss mechanical movement; 'Cushion' or 'Tonneau' case geometry.
Color & Finish
Worn yellow gold finish with significant oxidation and 'brassing' where the gold layer has rubbed off to reveal the dull greenish-brown base metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial is marked 'Omikron', '17 Rubis', 'Incabloc', and 'Swiss Made'. Plating marks (e.g., 'G10' or 'PLAQUE G20') are likely hidden between the lugs or on the case back.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 34mm - 36mm case diameter excluding crown; 18mm lug width.
Gemstones & Inlays
17 functional synthetic ruby bearings (movement jewels) inside; rectangular metallic hour markers on a textured burgundy/red dial.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (strap and buckle are missing).
Chain & Links
Standard curved lugs for spring bar attachment; integrated tonneau-style case construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced Swiss assembly; features a stamped case and printed dial with applied indices typical of mid-tier consumer grade watches of the 1970s.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag for gold value: The visible silver-colored and dull brown metal exposed through scratches confirms it is plated base metal, not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Omikron was a Swiss brand popular in Eastern Europe and the Balkans during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro (Late 1960s to early 1970s) based on the tonneau shape and dial typography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1975.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of affordable Swiss mechanical watches before the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s disrupted the industry.
Condition Notes
Poor/Fair condition. Significant plating loss (brassing), missing hands, scratched acrylic crystal, and dial deterioration with visible corrosion/peeling.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. The value is strictly in the movement parts or as a restoration project; there is zero scrap gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from moisture as seals have likely failed; do not polish aggressively as remaining gold plating is thin; professional movement service required for functionality.
Similar Items
Vintage Tissot, Atlantic, or Jovial watches from the same era; these offer similar aesthetic value but vary in movement quality.
Interesting Facts
Omikron was known for supplying watches to various state rail and military organizations in the mid-century era, making them historically significant in European horology.