Meister-Anker Gold-Tone Quartz Dress Watch
Watch (Quartz Dress Watch) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (typically brass or stainless steel).
Purity: Gold-Plated/Electroplated (Likely 10K-14K plating over base metal). This is not solid gold, meaning it has a gold content of less than 0.1% of the total weight.
Type
Watch (Quartz Dress Watch)
Purity
Gold-Plated/Electroplated (Likely 10K-14K plating over base metal). This is not solid gold, meaning it has a gold content of less than 0.1% of the total weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy (typically brass or stainless steel).
Weight
30-45 grams including movement and strap. The gold weight is negligible (milligrams) due to being a plated item.
Description
A classic Meister-Anker quartz dress watch featuring a minimalist 'tuxedo' style aesthetic. The watch utilizes a stark black dial contrasted by thin gold-tone hands and a sleek gold-plated case. It represents the mass-market accessible luxury style of the late 20th century German retail market.
Key Features
Meister-Anker crown logo, ultra-slim profile for dress wear, minimalist index-free dial, and a reliable quartz battery-operated movement.
Color & Finish
Yellow gold finish with high-polish lugs and bezel. The dial is matte black with gold-tone printed accents and thin baton hands.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial features the 'Meister-Anker' logo and 'QUARTZ'. Case back (not visible) likely contains 'Stainless Steel Back' or 'Base Metal Bezel' stamps rather than purity hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter: approx. 32-34mm (unisex/mid-size); Lug width: 16-18mm; Thickness: 7-9mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones present. Decorative elements include a gold-tone inner track ring on a black dial.
Clasp & Closure
Standard tang buckle on a black leather-style strap, likely stainless steel with matching gold-tone plating.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The item uses a two-piece leather strap attached by spring bars to integrated lugs.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced stamped case with electroplated finish. Machine-printed dial. Simple snap-back case construction designed for easy manufacturing and low-cost maintenance.
Authentication Indicators
Correct Meister-Anker typeface and logo placement. Finish wear on the crown reveals a silver-colored base metal, confirming this is plated and not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Meister-Anker, a German retail brand historically associated with the Quelle mail-order company. Components often sourced from Japan or Hong Kong.
Era & Period
Modern/Late 20th Century (approx. 1980s-1990s). The minimalist dial and quartz movement are indicative of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985–1995 based on the logo style, flat crystal, and quartz technology popularity.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping where quartz technology allowed for thin, elegant gold-look watches to be affordable for the general public.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant scratching visible on the acrylic/mineral crystal. Wear on the leather strap and slight plating loss on the crown and lug edges. Surface grime present.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Value is based on functionality and 'retro' aesthetic rather than precious metal content. No significant melt value exists.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid water exposure as vintage quartz seals degrade. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Replace battery every 2 years to prevent acid leakage. Do not use gold polishing compounds as they will strip the thin plating.
Similar Items
Seiko Tank, Citizen Quartz Dress watches, or Dugena gold-tone watches. These vary by having higher-quality movements or better water resistance.
Interesting Facts
Meister-Anker was the house brand for Quelle, once Europe's largest mail-order house, making these watches ubiquitous in German households during the late 20th century.