Vintage Gold-Plated Quartz Dress Watch with France Ebauches Movement
Watch · Yellow Gold Plated
Purity: Gold-Plated / Base Metal with Gold Electroplate
Type
Watch
Purity
Gold-Plated / Base Metal with Gold Electroplate
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Plated
Weight
Estimated total watch weight approximately 30 to 45 grams, containing minimal actual gold weight due to plating layer.
Description
A vintage quartz dress watch featuring an open case back exposing its France Ebauches quartz movement. The watch utilizes a base metal housing finished with a yellow gold plating. Notable features include the stamped movement plate indicating 'France Ebauches', 'No Jewels', and caliber reference numbers, reflecting the mass-production era of European quartz watchmaking following the quartz crisis.
Key Features
Exposed France Ebauches 6820 B quartz movement, unadjusted pin-pallet or basic electronic movement architecture, no jewels construction, battery compartment with retaining spring.
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold tone with a high polish finish on the exterior bezel and casing, showing visible green corrosion and oxidation near the interior gasket areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed movement markings reading FRANCE EBAUCHES, NO JEWELS, 6820 B, and UNADJUSTED.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard vintage dress watch diameter approximately 32mm to 36mm with a slim profile.
Gemstones & Inlays
None present on the visible movement housing.
Clasp & Closure
Snap-on or pressure-fit case back with a side-mounted crown.
Chain & Links
Attaches to a standard metal link bracelet or leather strap; visible edge of an integrated mesh or link band at the bottom.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-market construction utilizing stamped metal plates, electronic circuit modules, and electroplated base metal cases standard for budget European quartz watches of the period.
Authentication Indicators
Clear factory stampings on the movement plate including France Ebauches maker marks and caliber numbers. Green verdigris buildup confirms gold plating over a copper-bearing base metal alloy rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
France (Movement by France Ebauches)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century Quartz Era
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to 1990s
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping through affordable quartz movements produced in Europe during the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. Noticeable green oxidation and verdigris build-up around the interior case sealing edges, indicating moisture intrusion and degradation of the base metal underneath the gold plating. Surface grime and wear are present.
Value Estimate
Low market value, primarily sentimental or nominal value as a vintage timepiece rather than precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires careful cleaning to remove active corrosion without stripping the delicate plating. Keep away from water and moisture to prevent further base metal oxidation.
Similar Items
Generic vintage quartz watches from the 1980s powered by French, Swiss, or Japanese ebauche movements.
Interesting Facts
France Ebauches was a major French consortium formed in the 1960s to consolidate French watch movement manufacturers and compete against the rising tide of Japanese and Swiss quartz technology.