Vintage Vialux Super Automatic Wristwatch with Gold-Tone Accents
Watch (Wristwatch) · Yellow gold-tone plating and gilding on hands, indices, and logo; no solid gold components visible
Purity: None (Stainless Steel/Base Metal/Gold-Tone Plating)
Type
Watch (Wristwatch)
Purity
None (Stainless Steel/Base Metal/Gold-Tone Plating)
Gold Type
Yellow gold-tone plating and gilding on hands, indices, and logo; no solid gold components visible
Weight
80-100 grams including movements and steel bracelet
Description
A classic example of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, this Vialux Super features a robust stainless steel tonneau-shaped case. The brown sunburst dial is accented with gold-plated hands and applied indices. It includes a rare Arabic-English day-date wheel, suggesting it was originally produced for the Middle Eastern market. The automatic 25-jewel movement and 'Super Shock' protection highlight the durability standards of the time.
Key Features
Oversized barrel case; Arabic day-date wheel; 25-jewel automatic movement; sunburst gradient dial; gold-toned decorative handset
Color & Finish
Silver-colored brushed and polished stainless steel case; yellow gold-tone applied dial markers and hands; sunburst brown dial
Hallmarks & Stamps
Vialux Super logo, Automatic, 25 Jewels, Super Shock, Swiss Made - T on dial; no gold purity hallmarks visible
Dimensions Estimate
38mm - 40mm case diameter excluding crown; 18mm - 20mm lug width; approximately 12mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; applied faceted gold-tone hour markers with aged tritium/lume paint inlays
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over deployment clasp on steel link bracelet
Chain & Links
Integrated-style steel multi-link bracelet with brushed finish
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-finished stainless steel case; mass-produced Swiss automatic movement (likely ETA or AS base); hand-applied dial furniture with gold-colored gilding
Authentication Indicators
Correct period-specific typography; Swiss Made stamp at 6 o'clock; high-quality applied markers; era-appropriate case finishing techniques
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Vialux (Swiss watch brand prominent in the mid-20th century)
Era & Period
Late 1960s to Mid-1970s (Space Age/Mod design era)
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the UFO/Barrel case shape and day-date complication with Arabic script
Cultural Significance
Represents the historical trade relationship between Swiss watchmakers and the Middle East, evidenced by the dual-language calendar wheel.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant scratching on the acrylic crystal and steel bezel; dirt accumulation near the lugs; lume aging/discoloration; movement functionality unknown
Value Estimate
$100 - $250 USD; value is in vintage collectible merit and movement parts, not in precious metal content
Care & Maintenance
Avoid water exposure as vintage gaskets likely failed; professional movement service recommended; light polywatch polishing for the acrylic crystal
Similar Items
Seiko 5 Vintage models, Ricoh Automatic watches, Rado Voyager, and Mido Ocean Star models from the same era
Interesting Facts
Vialux was part of the broad landscape of Swiss brands that specialized in high-beat or high-jewel count automatic watches before the 'Quartz Crisis' altered the industry in the late 70s.