Vintage Citizen Quartz Square Gold-Tone Dress Watch Case
Watch Case/Movement (missing strap) · Yellow Gold Tone (plated or electroplated over base metal alloy like brass or stainless steel).
Purity: Base metal with gold-colored plating; unlikely to be solid gold. Likely 1-2 microns of gold plating (unmarked).
Type
Watch Case/Movement (missing strap)
Purity
Base metal with gold-colored plating; unlikely to be solid gold. Likely 1-2 microns of gold plating (unmarked).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone (plated or electroplated over base metal alloy like brass or stainless steel).
Weight
15-25 grams including movement and crystal; gold content is negligible (less than 0.1g in plating).
Description
A square-cased vintage Citizen Quartz watch movement. It features a decorative black textured dial with gold-tone dauphine hands and dot indices. The case shows heavy wear consistent with frequent use and environmental exposure.
Key Features
Textured basketweave dial motif, square minimalist aesthetic, and original knurled crown at the 12 o'clock or side position (orientation suggests a pendant or specific strap mount).
Color & Finish
Worn yellow gold finish with significant oxidation, pitting, and 'brassing' where base metal shows through on edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dial marked 'CITIZEN QUARTZ' and small movement caliber numbers 'JAPAN 6011-G10398 KA' at bottom edge.
Dimensions Estimate
Case size approximately 24mm x 24mm (square); petite/ladies' standard dress size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features 12 raised gold-tone dot hour markers on a textured black basketweave dial.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; strap/bracelet is missing from the lug interfaces.
Chain & Links
Standard integrated lug design for a leather strap or thin metal jewelry-style band.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced stamped metal case with electroplated finish; machine-printed dial with applied indices.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Citizen dial printing and caliber markings are consistent with genuine Japanese production of that era; lack of '14K' or '18K' stamps indicates plated base metal.
Origin & Maker
Japan; manufactured by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., known for reliable mass-market quartz movements.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s); Japanese Quartz boom era.
Age Estimate
Approximately 30-40 years old (circa 1985-1995 production range).
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury styling in the late 20th century where quartz technology replaced mechanical movements in everyday fashion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant surface corrosion on the case edges, scratching on the mineral crystal, and missing the original band.
Value Estimate
Minimal market value ($5-$15 USD). Primarily for parts or sentimental value; gold 'melt' value is zero.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid moisture due to compromised seals; clean with a soft dry cloth only; do not use jewelry dips as they will strip the remaining thin plating.
Similar Items
Seiko Tank-style plated watches, vintage Bulova quartz dress watches, or gold-tone Casio analog models.
Interesting Facts
The 'Quartz Crisis' of the 1970s and 80s, led by brands like Citizen, made accurate timekeeping affordable for the masses, often using gold-plating to mimic luxury styles.