Vintage Gold-Plated Dress Watch with Stainless Steel Back
Watch · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (appears to be brass or steel)
Purity: Non-solid gold; likely 10K-20 micron gold plating or Gold Electroplate over base metal
Type
Watch
Purity
Non-solid gold; likely 10K-20 micron gold plating or Gold Electroplate over base metal
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (appears to be brass or steel)
Weight
35-45 grams total weight (including movement and strap)
Description
A classic mid-century men's dress watch featuring a gold-toned bezel and lugs paired with a functional stainless steel screw-down back. The piece displays a utilitarian aesthetic common for reachable luxury of the era.
Key Features
Screw-down case back for water resistance, notched back for a case wrench, and stylized downturned lugs
Color & Finish
Yellow gold tone on lugs/bezel with significant wear; circular brushed finish on the stainless steel case back
Hallmarks & Stamps
STAINLESS STEEL BACK, SHOCK & WATERPROOF, and a star-like maker's logo in the center
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approximately 33-35mm (excluding crown); 18mm lug width
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible; standard acrylic or mineral glass crystal on the front
Clasp & Closure
Standard tang buckle (not pictured) on a black leather strap
Chain & Links
N/A; fitted with a black genuine or synthetic leather strap
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped case back with etched lettering; traditional pressure-fit bezel construction
Authentication Indicators
The 'Stainless Steel Back' stamp is a primary indicator that the case itself is NOT solid gold. If it were solid gold, the entire case would be marked with 14K or 18K.
Origin & Maker
Swiss or Asian movements commonly used this case style; maker's logo identifies it as a generic or mid-tier vintage manufacturer
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950s-1960s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the 'Shock & Waterproof' labeling and lug design
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom of entry-level Swiss and automatic timepieces that brought 'gold' style to the working middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant plating loss (brassing) on the lugs where the base metal is exposed; scratches on the steel back; strap shows wear
Value Estimate
$20 - $75 USD market value; negligible gold melt value as the item is not solid gold
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all water exposure despite the 'waterproof' stamp as gaskets likely failed decades ago; do not polish excessively as it will remove remaining gold plating
Similar Items
Solid gold versions (Patek Philippe, Omega) would have hallmark stamps on the lugs; this is an affordable alternative
Interesting Facts
In the mid-20th century, 'Waterproof' was a common term until the FTC restricted its use in the 1960s, favoring 'Water Resistant' unless strict standards were met.