Vintage Hanowa 17 Rubis Yellow Gold Plated Mechanical Dress Watch
Watch · Yellow Gold, classic warm tone finish achieved through gold plating over base metal.
Purity: Gold-Plated / Rolled Gold, typically equivalent to less than 10K gold content by weight, consisting of a thin gold layer over a base metal core such as brass or stainless steel.
Type
Watch
Purity
Gold-Plated / Rolled Gold, typically equivalent to less than 10K gold content by weight, consisting of a thin gold layer over a base metal core such as brass or stainless steel.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, classic warm tone finish achieved through gold plating over base metal.
Weight
Estimated total watch weight is approximately 25 to 35 grams, with the actual gold content being a negligible fraction of a gram due to the thin plating layer.
Description
An appealing vintage Hanowa mechanical dress watch featuring a classic round case profile, champagne-toned sunburst dial, and matching gold-tone baton markers and hands. Driven by a 17-jewel Swiss mechanical movement, this timepiece exemplifies the understated elegance of mid-century horology, offering a timeless aesthetic for vintage watch collectors.
Key Features
Signified by the Hanowa brand logo and '17 Rubis' text on the dial, a functional date window at 3 o'clock, and classic mid-century minimalist hour markers.
Color & Finish
Warm vintage yellow gold tone with a high polish finish showing minor surface wear, tarnish, and brassing on high-friction areas like the bezel and lugs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected case back hallmarks typically include base metal indicators or micrometer thickness stamps for gold plating, alongside the Hanowa brand logo.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter is approximately 33mm to 35mm excluding the crown, standard for a vintage men's or unisex mid-century dress watch.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features a clean minimalist dial with raised gold-tone hour markers and a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position.
Clasp & Closure
Watch head only shown; typically paired with a standard pin buckle if attached to a leather strap, or a deployant clasp on a metal bracelet.
Chain & Links
Not applicable as this is a standalone wristwatch head; structural construction features standard curved spring bar lugs.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mid-century Swiss watchmaking featuring a stamped or turned base metal case with gold plating, a fitted acrylic crystal, and a traditional jeweled mechanical lever movement.
Authentication Indicators
Authenticity is supported by the crisp dial printing of the Hanowa trademark and jewel count, standard Swiss movement characteristics, and typical period-correct case construction.
Origin & Maker
Hanowa (Hans Noll Watch), originating from Switzerland, a well-known maker of reliable Swiss mechanical and quartz timepieces.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960s to 1970s, indicated by the clean minimalist dial layout, baton hour markers, and mechanical 17-jewel movement design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the dial typography, logo design, and inclusion of a mechanical 17-rubis movement with a date complication.
Cultural Significance
Mid-century Swiss mechanical watches like this represent an era when reliable mechanical timekeeping became widely accessible, serving as essential daily accessories and status symbols before the quartz revolution.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The dial is well-preserved with minor patina, while the gold-plated case shows signs of wear, surface scratches, and slight brassing along the bezel and lug edges consistent with age and use.
Value Estimate
Modest collector and secondary market value ranging from $50 to $150, primarily driven by vintage horological appeal and aesthetic charm rather than precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to water and moisture due to vintage seals. Clean the crystal gently with a microfiber cloth and have the mechanical movement serviced periodically by a professional watchmaker.
Similar Items
Vintage mechanical dress watches from Swiss brands such as Tissot, Rotary, Enicar, and Nivada from the same era featuring gold-plated cases and sunburst dials.
Interesting Facts
The name Hanowa is a portmanteau derived from the founder's name, Hans Noll, who established the watch brand in Switzerland in 1963 before later expanding into the well-known Swiss Military Hanowa brand.