18K White Gold Vintage Tissot Diamond Cocktail Watch with Integrated Bark-Textured Bracelet
Watch (Cocktail) · White Gold (likely alloyed with palladium or nickel and rhodium plated for a bright silvery-white finish).
Purity: 18K/750 (75% pure gold, 25% allow metals). Significant as premium jewelry standard for stability and durability.
Type
Watch (Cocktail)
Purity
18K/750 (75% pure gold, 25% allow metals). Significant as premium jewelry standard for stability and durability.
Gold Type
White Gold (likely alloyed with palladium or nickel and rhodium plated for a bright silvery-white finish).
Weight
Estimated at 35 to 45 grams total (including movement), with approximately 25 to 30 grams of 18K gold content.
Description
This exquisite Tissot cocktail watch serves as both a high-precision timepiece and a statement of luxury jewelry. Crafted in 18K white gold, the piece features a deep cobalt blue dial that contrasts beautifully against the sparkling diamond halo. The masterfully textured integrated bracelet creates a seamless flow of light, making it a quintessential example of mid-century Swiss luxury design.
Key Features
Integrated bracelet design where gold flow is uninterrupted by lugs; hand-finished bark texture; diamond-set bezel; sunburst blue dial.
Color & Finish
Bright silvery-white with a signature 'bark' textured finish on the mesh-style integrated bracelet; mirror polish on the inner bezel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected '750' or '18K' mark on the case back and clasp, often accompanied by the Tissot 'T' logo and Swiss assay office Helvetia head.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 18mm x 22mm (oval); band width tapers from 12mm to 8mm; standard ladies length of 6.5 to 7 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
Single halo of approximately 24-28 round brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated at 0.50 - 0.75 total carat weight. G-H color, VS-SI clarity.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated fold-over ladder clasp with safety catch, featuring embossed brand logo, allowing for minor size adjustments.
Chain & Links
Integrated mesh bracelet with hand-engraved bark texture; solid construction providing a fabric-like drape on the wrist.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-assembled in Switzerland; features high-grade soldering where the bracelet meets the case; precise diamond setting; mechanical or early quartz movement.
Authentication Indicators
Weight-to-density ratio consistent with solid 18K; high-quality diamond setting with symmetrical prongs; crisp Tissot branding on the dial.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; manufactured by Tissot. Tissot is a renowned Swiss horologist established in 1853, known for high-quality jewelry timepieces.
Era & Period
Modern Vintage / Retro-Contemporary transition (likely 1970s). Hallmarked by the heavy use of textured white gold and integrated bracelets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1979 based on the oval case shape, blue sunburst dial, and the specific bark-style texture of the white gold.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 1970s shift toward glamorous, bold evening wear for women, where white gold was preferred over yellow gold for formal galas.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Very Good. Minimal visible scratching on the sapphire/mineral crystal; gold texture remains crisp; diamonds are secure in prongs.
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $3,500 USD based on gold melt value, diamond weight, and vintage Tissot collector premium. Melt value is approximately $1,600-$1,800.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft dry cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaning for the watch head due to movement; professional rhodium replating every 5-10 years.
Similar Items
Omega De Ville cocktail watches, vintage Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ladies models, or Piaget textured gold cuff watches.
Interesting Facts
During the 1970s, watches were frequently merged with jewelry design, leading to the 'Cocktail' era where gold texture was as important as the movement.