Vintage Vialux Super Automatic 25 Jewels Wristwatch with Gold-Plated Bezel and Dial Elements
Watch (Vintage Mechanical Wristwatch) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or steel alloy)
Purity: Likely 10K to 20 micron Gold Electroplate (not solid gold)
Type
Watch (Vintage Mechanical Wristwatch)
Purity
Likely 10K to 20 micron Gold Electroplate (not solid gold)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or steel alloy)
Weight
Estimated total weight 85-110 grams (mostly steel/mechanical components)
Description
An oversized vintage Vialux Super automatic wristwatch featuring a signature bark-textured gold-toned bezel and a unique Tiger's Eye style brown gradient dial. The watch includes an Arabic/English day-date complication at 3 o'clock, reflecting its popularity in the Middle Eastern market during the 1970s.
Key Features
Bark-textured bezel ring, Arabic day wheel, 25-jewel automatic movement, gradient sunburst dial design
Color & Finish
Yellow gold bezel with a sunburst/bark textured finish; polished steel case sides
Hallmarks & Stamps
Vialux Super logo; T-Swiss Made-T; 25 Jewels; Super Shock. Likely caseback stamps: Stainless Steel Back.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximate case diameter 38mm-40mm; Lug width 18mm-20mm
Gemstones & Inlays
None (25 functional synthetic rubies inside the movement for friction reduction)
Clasp & Closure
Stainless steel fold-over deployment clasp (integrated with the link bracelet)
Chain & Links
Three-row stainless steel link bracelet with integrated lug design
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced but high-quality Swiss mechanical movement; unique die-struck bark texture on the bezel; stainless steel case construction.
Authentication Indicators
Correct period-specific typography; Swiss Made stamp at 6 o'clock; appropriate wear patterns for gold-plated base metal.
Origin & Maker
Swiss movement; Vialux (Swiss watch brand focused on Middle Eastern and European markets)
Era & Period
Late 1960s to mid-1970s (Space Age/Retro design era)
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975
Cultural Significance
Represents the emergence of Swiss luxury aesthetics in the Middle Eastern wealth boom of the early 1970s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the acrylic crystal and metal casing. Significant wear to the gold plating on the crown. Dial and hands show some luminous material degradation.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 (Value is in horological collectibility, not gold melt content)
Care & Maintenance
Should not be worn in water; requires professional mechanical servicing every 5 years; use a microfiber cloth for the crystal.
Similar Items
Vintage Rado DiaStar, Seiko 5 Actus, or Mido Ocean Star from the same 1970s era.
Interesting Facts
Vialux was a prolific Swiss brand that specialized in bold designs for export; watches with Arabic day wheels are highly sought by niche collectors of regional variants.