Vintage Filaor Fab Suisse Yellow Gold Plated Ladies Cocktail Watch
Watch (Cocktail/Jewelry) · Yellow Gold (2N/3N shade), copper-stabilized brass or bronze alloy base under heavy plating.
Purity: Gold Plated (likely 10-20 microns). Base metal core, not solid gold. Fineness is not marked as a karat stamp usually found on solid gold.
Type
Watch (Cocktail/Jewelry)
Purity
Gold Plated (likely 10-20 microns). Base metal core, not solid gold. Fineness is not marked as a karat stamp usually found on solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (2N/3N shade), copper-stabilized brass or bronze alloy base under heavy plating.
Weight
15-22 grams total weight (including movement, crystal, and base metal bracelet)
Description
A charming mid-century Swiss ladies cocktail watch featuring a classic round case framed by ornate, scalloped decorative lugs. The cream-toned dial has developed a light stippled patina, highlighting the applied gold-tone indices. The integrated bracelet features elegant textured links that catch the light, making it as much a piece of jewelry as a timepiece.
Key Features
Fab. Suisse dial designation; high-domed 'bubble' acrylic crystal; ornate filigree-style lugs; textured Florentine-style bracelet links.
Color & Finish
Rich brassy yellow gold; high polish finish on bezel and lugs with textured/engraved patterning on the integrated bracelet links.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dial marked 'Filaor' and 'Fab. Suisse' (Manufactured in Switzerland). Lugs or case back likely bear 'Plaqué Or G' or 'Plaqué Or 20' stamps.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx 16-18mm; bracelet width approx 6mm; total length approx 6.5-7 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features decorative openwork 'butterfly' or filigree-style lugs in yellow metal.
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over jewelry clasp, likely with a safety chain and multiple adjustment notches.
Chain & Links
S-link or textured semi-rigid bracelet construction; hand-assembled links with friction pins.
Craftsmanship Details
Swiss manual-wind movement; die-struck case; machine-finished links with manual plating application; acrylic crystal press-fit into bezel.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for period 'Fab. Suisse' markings; consistent wear patterns showing base metal where gold has rubbed thin; age-appropriate patination on the dial face.
Origin & Maker
Swiss Made ('Fab. Suisse'). Filaor was a mid-tier Swiss watchmaker focused on decorative jewelry-style timepieces.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s to 1960s). High-domed acrylic crystal and small case size are characteristic of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on movement type (likely manual wind) and aesthetic design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of 'Cocktail Jewelry' where personal timekeeping for women was disguised as elegant evening wear accessories.
Condition Notes
Good; visible plating wear on the crown and edges of the lugs (brassing). The dial shows aging/toning ('stardust' patina). Acrylic crystal shows minor surface scuffing. Condition Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120. Value is primarily in the movement and vintage aesthetic; negligible melt value as the item is gold-plated rather than solid.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all water exposure; no ultrasonic cleaning as it can damage the movement; wipe with a soft dry cloth only; store in a dry environment to prevent further dial oxidation.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Ladymatic (Solid Gold version), Longines cocktail watches, or Tissot jewelry watches from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The 'Fab. Suisse' mark was specifically used for watches intended for the French market to comply with strict 19th-century import laws regarding gold and origin.