Raymond Weil 18K Gold Electroplated Quartz Dress Watch Model 5507
Watch · Yellow Gold (electroplated finish over base metal, typically stainless steel or brass)
Purity: Gold-plated (18K gold electroplate, 10 microns thickness), meaning the exterior has a microscopic layer of 18K gold over a base metal core containing negligible actual gold content by weight.
Type
Watch
Purity
Gold-plated (18K gold electroplate, 10 microns thickness), meaning the exterior has a microscopic layer of 18K gold over a base metal core containing negligible actual gold content by weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (electroplated finish over base metal, typically stainless steel or brass)
Weight
Estimated total watch weight is approximately 30 to 40 grams, though the actual gold content weight is a fraction of a gram due to the electroplated nature of the case.
Description
A classic vintage Raymond Weil dress watch featuring a round yellow gold electroplated case. The caseback displays clear stamped nomenclature detailing its 18K gold electroplate, water resistance, 10-micron thickness, and model number 5507. Attached to a black leather strap, this timepiece represents the accessible luxury and elegant minimalist aesthetic that Swiss manufacturers produced during the late 20th century quartz boom.
Key Features
Prominent embossed caseback engravings, 10-micron 18K gold electroplating designation, slim dress watch profile, and recognizable Raymond Weil branding from the vintage era.
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold tone with a polished surface finish showing visible hairline scratches and signs of surface wear, along with localized tarnish and green oxidation near the edges where the plating has worn down to the base metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved text on the caseback reading RAYMOND WEIL, 18K GOLD ELECTROPLATED, WATER-RESISTANT, 10 M (indicating 10 microns of plating thickness), and reference/serial number 5507, alongside the brand logo and manufacturer stamp.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter is approximately 33mm to 35mm, standard men's or unisex vintage dress watch size, with a slim profile of roughly 6mm to 8mm thickness and standard 18mm leather strap width.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones or inlays present on the caseback; dial and crystal features are not visible from this angle.
Clasp & Closure
Standard pin buckle closure attached to a black leather strap (visible at top and bottom lugs).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; paired with a black leather two-piece strap featuring fitted spring bars attached to traditional straight lugs.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced Swiss quartz watch construction featuring stamped caseback components, electroplated finishing over a base metal stamping, and standard press-fit caseback design.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic manufacturer stampings and correct font typography for Raymond Weil vintage models. The presence of green corrosion around the edges is a classic indicator of gold-plated base metal (brass/copper alloy) reacting to moisture, confirming it is plated rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland, manufactured by Raymond Weil, a well-known independent luxury watchmaker based in Geneva founded in 1976.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Retro/Quartz Crisis Era, circa 1980s to 1990s), indicated by the quartz-era styling, slim profile, and standard electroplating nomenclature.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s to 1990s based on the typography, model numbering style, and prevalence of 10-micron electroplated quartz dress watches from this maker during that era.
Cultural Significance
Gold-plated dress watches served as essential status symbols for white-collar professionals in the late 20th century, bridging the gap between high-end Swiss horology and everyday affordability.
Condition Notes
Fair condition with noticeable surface scratching, minor pitting, and visible green verdigris/oxidation around the case edge where the base metal has been exposed due to wear through the gold plating. The gold layer remains mostly intact on the flat caseback but shows significant age and handling marks.
Value Estimate
Low resale or melt value due to the electroplated construction (virtually negligible precious metal content). Value is strictly horological and decorative, typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the working condition of the internal quartz movement and overall cosmetic state.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid contact with water, sweat, perfumes, and harsh chemicals to prevent further wear of the gold plating and green oxidation. Clean gently with a dry microfiber cloth and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Similar Items
Similar vintage dress watches from brands like Tissot, Omega (De Ville electroplated lines), Longines, and Movado from the same era, which also utilized gold electroplating over base metals.
Interesting Facts
Raymond Weil is one of the last independent family-owned Swiss watch brands. During the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, many traditional Swiss houses turned to slim, gold-electroplated quartz watches to offer luxury aesthetics at more accessible price points.