Meister-Anker Gold-Plated Quartz Dress Watch with Onyx-Style Dial
Watch (Dress/Analog) · Yellow Gold finish; classic 14K-18K yellow tone achieved through electroplating.
Purity: Gold Plated (approx. 5-20 microns). This is not solid gold; it is a base metal (likely brass or steel) coated in a thin layer of gold, which constitutes less than 0.05% of the total weight.
Type
Watch (Dress/Analog)
Purity
Gold Plated (approx. 5-20 microns). This is not solid gold; it is a base metal (likely brass or steel) coated in a thin layer of gold, which constitutes less than 0.05% of the total weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; classic 14K-18K yellow tone achieved through electroplating.
Weight
35-45 grams (total watch weight including movement and strap). The gold content itself is negligible (less than 0.1g).
Description
A vintage Meister-Anker quartz wristwatch featuring a minimalist black dial with gold-tone hands. The design mimics the high-end aesthetic of the Movado Museum watch, prioritizing sleekness and formality over technical legibility. It serves as a classic examples of mass-market accessible luxury from the late 20th century.
Key Features
Minimalist 'sterile' dial design, ultra-thin quartz profile, and the distinctive Meister-Anker 'MA' crown logo at the 12 o'clock position.
Color & Finish
Mid-tone yellow gold with a high-polish finish on the bezel and lugs. Significant surface scratching and 'brassing' (wear-through to base metal) visible on high points.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The dial is stamped 'Meister-Anker' and 'Quartz'. Caseback likely contains 'Stainless Steel Back' or 'Base Metal Bezel' stamps common to this brand.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter: 32-34mm (mid-size/unisex); Lug width: 16-18mm; Thickness: 7-9mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The dial features a black matte/onyx-style finish with a printed gold-tone circular minute track.
Clasp & Closure
Standard tang-style buckle on a black leather strap (likely non-original or heavily worn).
Chain & Links
Plain leather strap; non-metallic construction. The case utilizes standard spring bars for strap attachment.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced cast base metal case with electroplated finish; machine-printed dial; standard entry-level quartz movement assembly.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Quartz' label and 'Meister-Anker' branding are consistent with mid-tier consumer grade timepieces. Lack of '750' or '585' on the case indicates it is plated, not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Germany/Japan. Meister-Anker was a private label brand for the German mail-order company Quelle, typically using Japanese or Swiss quartz movements.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (1980s-1990s). The minimalist 'no-index' dial is indicative of the post-Quartz Crisis fashion trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995 based on the logo style and quartz technology.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of the 'gold watch' look, allowing the working class to own fashion-forward designs at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands like Piaget.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant scratching on the acrylic crystal, visible plating wear (pitting) on the lugs, and a worn leather strap. Functionality is unknown (likely requires battery).
Value Estimate
$10 - $30 USD. The value is strictly as a vintage fashion accessory; it has no significant scrap gold value and limited horological collectibility.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth only. Avoid jewelry cleaners or polishing compounds as they will strip the thin gold plating. Do not submerge in water (seal integrity is likely compromised).
Similar Items
Movado Museum Watch (the luxury alternative), vintage Seiko Quartz dress watches, or Citizen Elegance series.
Interesting Facts
Meister-Anker was one of the most prolific brands in East and West Germany, known for providing reliable timekeeping to the general public via catalog sales.