Vintage Tissot 18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch with Lapis Blue Dial
Watch (Cocktail Bracelet Watch) · White Gold, likely rhodium-plated to provide a mirror-like silver-white finish. The underlying alloy is 18K white gold.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness), consisting of 75% pure gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel. This is the standard for high-end European luxury jewelry and watches.
Type
Watch (Cocktail Bracelet Watch)
Purity
18K (750 fineness), consisting of 75% pure gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel. This is the standard for high-end European luxury jewelry and watches.
Gold Type
White Gold, likely rhodium-plated to provide a mirror-like silver-white finish. The underlying alloy is 18K white gold.
Weight
Estimated 35-45 grams total weight (including movement and stones). The gold content specifically is likely 25-30 grams of 18K.
Description
An exquisite example of mid-century Swiss glamour, this Tissot cocktail watch features a striking oval face surrounded by a brilliant diamond halo. The deep blue dial provides a royal contrast to the shimmering 18K white gold textured bracelet. It acts as both a precision timekeeper and an elegant piece of fine jewelry.
Key Features
Hand-textured white gold bracelet, genuine diamond-encrusted bezel, deep blue 'lapis' style dial, and integrated seamless construction.
Color & Finish
Brilliant cool white with a textured 'bark' or mesh-like finish on the integrated bracelet. The bezel features high-polish diamond settings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely '750' or '18K' stamped on the clasp and inside the case back. May feature Swiss Helvetia assay marks or the Tissot 'T' maker's mark.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 18mm x 22mm (oval); Bracelet length fits standard ladies' 6.5-7.0 inch wrist; approx. 8mm tapering bracelet width.
Gemstones & Inlays
A 'halo' of approximately 24-28 round brilliant cut diamonds, estimated total weight 0.50-0.75 carats. The dial is a deep lapis lazuli blue or high-quality lacquer inlay.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated fold-over jewelry clasp, likely with a safety chain or dual-locking mechanism for security, typical of luxury gold cocktail watches.
Chain & Links
Integrated mesh or Milanese-style woven gold bracelet, hand-assembled to taper seamlessly from the watch head to the clasp.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality Swiss assembly; the 'halo' setting is likely hand-crimped, and the bracelet shows sophisticated soldering where the mesh meets the case.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the diamond halo, crispness of the 'T' logo on the dial, and the weight/drape of the integrated 18K gold links. White gold should not show 'yellowing' if high-quality 18K.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; manufactured by Tissot, a renowned Swiss horological firm established in 1853, known for its expertise in luxury and technical watches.
Era & Period
Late mid-century/Retro (circa 1965-1975). The oval face, textured gold, and blue dial are classic 'bold gold' design cues of this glamorous era.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 1970 and 1975 based on the style of the Tissot logo and the textured bark-mesh bracelet design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of 1970s cocktail culture, where the 'jewelry-watch' was the essential accessory for formal evening wear and high-society gatherings.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The texture on the bracelet appears crisp. Watch face is clear. Diamonds appear well-set. Movement functionality would need to be verified (quartz or manual wind).
Value Estimate
Market value approx. $2,500 - $4,500 depending on diamond quality and movement condition. Melt value estimated around $1,500-$1,800 based on gold weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for the dial area. Clean bracelet with a soft brush and mild soap. Requires professional rhodium replating every few years to maintain the bright white finish.
Similar Items
Vintage Cartier Baignoire, Omega De Ville textured watches, or Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ladies' variants.
Interesting Facts
In the 1970s, Tissot and Omega were part of the same parent company (SSIH), leading to shared design languages across their high-end evening watch collections.