Lincoln Quartz Gold-Tone Open-Face Pocket Watch
Watch (Pocket Watch, Open-Face) · Yellow Gold finish. The color is a saturated, brassy yellow typical of gold-plated base metals containing copper and zinc alloys.
Purity: Likely Base Metal or Gold-Plated. Visual assessment suggests a thin gold electroplate or gold-toned finish rather than solid gold, given the significant surface oxidation and color variation at wear points.
Type
Watch (Pocket Watch, Open-Face)
Purity
Likely Base Metal or Gold-Plated. Visual assessment suggests a thin gold electroplate or gold-toned finish rather than solid gold, given the significant surface oxidation and color variation at wear points.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish. The color is a saturated, brassy yellow typical of gold-plated base metals containing copper and zinc alloys.
Weight
40-60 grams. Note: This weight largely consists of the internal quartz movement, steel/brass casing, and glass crystal, rather than precious metal content.
Description
This is a classic-style open-face pocket watch by Lincoln, featuring a champagne-textured dial with traditional black Roman numerals. While designed to evoke the elegance of 19th-century horology, it utilizes a modern battery-powered quartz movement for accuracy. The gold-toned finish provides a luxury aesthetic suitable for formal wear or as a commemorative gift, though it is intended as a functional accessory rather than an investment-grade bullion piece.
Key Features
Open-face design (no cover), date complication at 6 o'clock, champagne textured dial, and contrast-colored bow (attachment ring).
Color & Finish
Yellow gold tone with a high-polish finish on the bezel and a textured, matte champagne dial. Significant patina and tarnishing are visible on the outer casing, indicating oxidation of the underlying metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No precious metal hallmarks are visible on the exterior. The dial is stamped "LINCOLN" and "QUARTZ" with a date window. Internal case back would likely be stamped "Base Metal Bezel" or "Stainless Steel Back".
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter: 42mm - 45mm (Standard pocket watch size). Thickness: approx 10mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The dial features printed Roman numeral hour markers and a synthetic crystal (likely mineral glass or acrylic).
Clasp & Closure
Bow and Crown assembly. The bow (the ring at the top) is a silver-toned metal, suggesting the gold plating has worn off completely or it was a replacement part.
Chain & Links
N/A. Missing associated watch chain. The bow is an oval-style loop for attachment to a fob or chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced stamped case with a drop-in quartz movement. The dial printing is crisp, but the case finishing shows the limitations of commercial electroplating over time.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: The bowing/ring is vertical and showing base metal; the case shows 'brassing' or brownish oxidation not found on high-karat gold; lack of 14K/18K/585 stamps on the exterior stem or case edge.
Origin & Maker
Likely Hong Kong or Japanese movement with assembly in a commercial facility. Lincoln was a common brand name for mid-range promotional or department store timepieces.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Modern Retro (1980s-1990s). The use of a quartz movement and the specific typography of the "Lincoln" brand indicate a mass-produced modern piece.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995. The quartz technology and date-window style are consistent with late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury styling, where the appearance of a gold pocket watch—historically a symbol of the elite—became accessible to the general public through quartz technology.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible oxidation/tarnishing on the gold-toned case. The bow shows significant loss of plating (silver-colored). The crystal appears to have minor surface scratches.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Value is based on utility and aesthetic as a vintage accessory. It has negligible gold melt value as it is likely gold-plated base metal.
Care & Maintenance
Gently wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use gold polishing dips as they may strip the thin plating. Keep away from moisture as these cases are rarely water-resistant; replace the battery every 2 years to prevent leakage.
Similar Items
Colibri Quartz pocket watches, Majestic or Elgin (modern) quartz watches. These differ from vintage 14K Gold Waltham or Elgin watches which weigh significantly more and contain mechanical movements.
Interesting Facts
Pocket watches saw a resurgence in the 1980s as popular gifts for retirements and graduations, leading to an influx of affordable quartz versions that didn't require daily winding like their mechanical ancestors.