Vintage Ladies' Silver-Tone Base Metal Watch with Stainless Steel Back and Expansion Band
Watch · None. This item is a silver-tone metal alloy, likely rhodium or chrome-plated over a base metal like brass or steel.
Purity: 0% / Non-Gold. The item lacks gold purity hallmarks and is explicitly stamped STAINLESS STEEL BACK, a common hallmark for base metal (chrome or nickel plated) watches.
Type
Watch
Purity
0% / Non-Gold. The item lacks gold purity hallmarks and is explicitly stamped STAINLESS STEEL BACK, a common hallmark for base metal (chrome or nickel plated) watches.
Gold Type
None. This item is a silver-tone metal alloy, likely rhodium or chrome-plated over a base metal like brass or steel.
Weight
35-50 grams including movement and band.
Description
A classic utilitarian ladies' wristwatch featuring a small circular case and a functional expansion band. This piece represents the affordable accessory market of the mid-to-late 20th century, prioritizing comfort and ease of wear over luxury materials. The stainless steel back was a design choice to prevent skin irritation common with base metal alloys.
Key Features
Expansion band for tool-free sizing; Stainless steel case back for durability; Low-profile winding crown.
Color & Finish
Silver-tone with a polished finish; significant scuffing and micro-scratches on the case back and lugs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STAINLESS STEEL BACK' on the case back in a curved sans-serif font.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approximately 22-24mm (excluding crown); Band width approximately 10-12mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the reverse; the dial (unseen) may contain crystal or painted indices.
Clasp & Closure
None; utilize a spring-loaded expansion/telescopic link mechanism.
Chain & Links
Speidel-style expansion band with curved, interlocking metal links designed to stretch over the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped components with a snap-back case construction. The expansion band links are mechanically crimped.
Authentication Indicators
The 'STAINLESS STEEL BACK' stamp is a primary indicator that the rest of the case is NOT solid steel or gold, but a cheaper plated base metal.
Origin & Maker
Likely Japan or Hong Kong; mass-produced consumer grade watch movement.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to late 20th Century (circa 1960s-1980s) based on the expansion band style and case geometry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping, where watches became affordable fashion accessories for the average consumer rather than heirloom investments.
Condition Notes
Good / Fair. Heavy surface wear on the stainless steel back indicating long-term use. Metal plating on the lugs appears slightly worn.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $20.00. This item has negligible precious metal value (melt value is $0) and carries primarily sentimental or decorative value.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid water exposure as 'stainless steel back' usually implies the watch is not water-resistant. Do not use chemical cleaners on plated surfaces.
Similar Items
Timex Mercury series, vintage Seiko ladies' casual watches, or Caravelle by Bulova models from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Stainless steel case backs were a major innovation to prevent 'green wrist' syndrome caused by perspiration reacting with brass and nickel watch cases.