Vintage Elida Swiss Gold-Plated Cushion Case Watch with Integrated Bracelet
Watch (Mechanical/Automatic with Date function) · Yellow Gold tone alloy
Purity: Gold-Plated (likely 10K or 20 micron gold electroplate over base metal)
Type
Watch (Mechanical/Automatic with Date function)
Purity
Gold-Plated (likely 10K or 20 micron gold electroplate over base metal)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold tone alloy
Weight
65-85 grams (total weight including movement and base metal)
Description
This vintage Elida timepiece captures the bold aesthetic of early 1970s Swiss watchmaking. Featuring a classic 'Cushion' or 'TV-style' oversized yellow gold-plated case, the watch is anchored by a striking blue sunburst dial that shifts color with the light. The vibrant red second hand and date window at 3 o'clock provide a sporty contrast to the otherwise formal gold aesthetic. The integrated link bracelet creates a seamless transition from the case, a hallmark design trait of the luxury sport watch era.
Key Features
Integrated bracelet design; high-contrast blue sunburst dial; cushion-shaped 'oversized' vintage case; Swiss mechanical movement.
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold hue with a high-polish finish that has developed significant micro-scratching and dullness due to age; visible brassing on edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'SWISS' or 'SWISS MADE' visible at the bottom of the dial; likely 'Stainless Steel Back' and gold plating thickness (e.g., '20M' or 'G10') stamped on the case back or between lugs.
Dimensions Estimate
36mm-38mm case diameter; 18mmnd-20mm bracelet width; standard men's vintage length.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features applied gold-tone baton hour markers and a red-tipped sweep second hand.
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over deployment clasp (integrated with the link bracelet).
Chain & Links
Three-row integrated link bracelet with polished center links and brushed/satin outer links; oyster-style influence.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped case and bracelet; applied dial indices; Swiss mechanical movement assembly; typical industrial quality of the 1970s mass-market Swiss industry.
Authentication Indicators
Period-correct font for 'ELIDA' branding; Swiss-made labeling; authentic wear patterns on plating (gold-filled or plated items wear through to base metal unlike solid gold); aged luminescence on hands.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland (Elida); Elida was a mid-tier Swiss brand known for accessible mechanical timepieces during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Modernist/Space Age Era (Late 1960s to Mid-1970s) indicated by the cushion-shaped case and sunburst dial.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the bold 'TV-screen' case geometry and dial typography.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Swiss luxury style in the 1970s, making the 'solid gold look' accessible to the middle class through high-quality electroplating.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. The gold plating shows significant wear (brassing) particularly on the lower bezel and bracelet edges. The acrylic crystal has moderate surface scratches. Structural integrity appears intact.
Value Estimate
$100.00 - $250.00. Value is primarily in its vintage collectible appeal rather than gold content; melt value is negligible due to being plated.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners as it may damage the vintage movement or plating; wipe with a soft dry cloth; avoid water exposure as vintage seals are likely degraded; store in a dry place to prevent further oxidation of base metals.
Similar Items
Omega Constellation (Integrated), Tissot PR 516, or vintage Seiko 'TV Screen' models; these often differ by being solid gold or stainless steel.
Interesting Facts
During the 1970s, many Swiss brands like Elida struggled during the 'Quartz Crisis,' leading them to produce bold, fashion-forward designs to compete with emerging digital technologies.