Meister-Anker Gold-Plated Vintage Quartz Dress Watch
Watch (Quartz Dress Wristwatch) · Yellow Gold plating over base alloy
Purity: Gold-Plated / Vermeil (Estimated 14K-18K plating over base metal or sterling silver)
Type
Watch (Quartz Dress Wristwatch)
Purity
Gold-Plated / Vermeil (Estimated 14K-18K plating over base metal or sterling silver)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over base alloy
Weight
25-30 grams (Total weight including movement and leather strap)
Description
An elegant vintage Meister-Anker dress watch featuring a minimalist black dial with gold-tone accents. The thin profile is typical of high-fashion quartz movements of the 1980s, designed to slip easily under a shirt cuff. The contrast between the deep black dial and the yellow gold plating offers a timeless aesthetic suitable for formal occasions.
Key Features
Minimalist 'Explorer' style concentric ring dial; low-profile case design; original era-specific Meister-Anker branding logo at 12 o'clock.
Color & Finish
Classic warm yellow gold shade; high-polish finish on the bezel and crown with significant surface micro-scratching and patina from age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial features the 'Meister-Anker' logo and 'QUARTZ'. The case back (not visible) likely contains 'Stainless Steel Back' or 'Base Metal Bezel' stamps common for this era.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approximately 32-34mm; Lug width 16-18mm (Small/Standard Men's or Unisex size).
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The dial features a black matte inlay with printed gold-tone concentric ring and dot markers.
Clasp & Closure
Standard pin buckle on a textured black leather strap; buckle likely matches the case plating.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; fitted with a two-piece black stitched leather strap showing light wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced factory construction using a cast case and stamped dial components. The movement is likely a reliable Japanese or German quartz caliber of the period.
Authentication Indicators
Correct logo typeface for Meister-Anker; age-appropriate crystal wear; case-material color showing through plating wear on the crown suggests a base-metal core rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Germany; Meister-Anker (a brand traditionally distributed by the German mail-order company Quelle).
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s), characterized by the minimalist dial design and thin quartz profile.
Age Estimate
Estimated 30-40 years old (produced between 1980 and 1995).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quartz Revolution' era where affordable, precise timekeeping became accessible to the general public, moving away from expensive mechanical movements.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the acrylic/mineral crystal; gold plating shows thinning on high-attrition areas like the lugs and crown. The leather strap is used but intact.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Value is based on its status as a vintage fashion accessory rather than precious metal content, as it is gold-plated rather than solid gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid water exposure as vintage seals may be degraded. Clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Battery should be replaced every 2 years to prevent acid leakage. Do not use chemical jewelry cleaners on the plating.
Similar Items
Vintage Seiko Quartz dress watches, Citizen Tank models, or Longines Presence models from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Meister-Anker was a staple of German consumer horology, known for offering reliable Japanese or Swiss-influenced designs to the mass market through catalog sales.