Vintage Junghans 17 Jewels Gold-Plated Dress Watch
Watch (Mechanical Wristwatch) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or steel alloy).
Purity: Gold-Plated / Plaque Or (Estimated 10-20 microns). Sub-layer is base metal. Non-solid gold.
Type
Watch (Mechanical Wristwatch)
Purity
Gold-Plated / Plaque Or (Estimated 10-20 microns). Sub-layer is base metal. Non-solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or steel alloy).
Weight
35-45 grams total weight (inclusive of movement and strap); gold content is negligible for melt value.
Description
A classic German-made mechanical dress watch featuring a champagne sunburst dial, gold-toned dauphine hands, and applied faceted hour markers. The 17-jewel manual-wind movement represents the reliable workhorse engineering of postwar Germany.
Key Features
Bauhaus-style minimalism, '17 Jewels' shock-resistant movement, applied gold-tone dagger indices, and a domed acrylic crystal.
Color & Finish
Yellow gold finish on hands and indices; silver-toned (steel or chrome) case showing significant surface wear and 'brassing'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'JUNGHANS 17 JEWELS' on dial; likely 'Plaque' or 'Goldbelegt' stamps on the inner case back or between lugs.
Dimensions Estimate
33mm to 35mm case diameter (excluding crown); 18mm lug width.
Gemstones & Inlays
No external gemstones; 17 synthetic ruby jewels for the internal mechanical movement pivot points.
Clasp & Closure
Standard tang-style buckle on a black textured leather strap.
Chain & Links
D-shape domed bezel with tapered lugs; leather strap replaces original metal bracelet or leather cord.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision mechanical calibre with hand-set applied dial markers and a polished finish that has worn over decades of use.
Authentication Indicators
Correct logo font for the period; consistent aging patterns; mechanical ticking or smooth hand sweep (if functional).
Origin & Maker
Germany; Junghans (Schramberg). Renowned for precision engineering and Bauhaus-influenced design.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - Early 1960s). Characterized by the minimalist dial and arrow-head indices.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the dial typography and movement type.
Cultural Significance
Represents the postwar 'Economic Miracle' (Wirtschaftswunder) in Germany, making high-quality timepieces accessible to the middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair/Good. Significant plating loss on the lugs and case edges; spotting/patina on the dial; scratches on the acrylic crystal.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD. Value is based on horological collectibility rather than gold content, as the item is not solid gold.
Care & Maintenance
Mechanical service every 5 years; avoid all water exposure (non-waterproof); polish crystal with Polywatch; do not overwind.
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Seamaster (Solid Gold), Timex Mercury (Base Metal), Vintage Glashütte Spezimatic.
Interesting Facts
Junghans was once the largest clock and watch manufacturer in the world and is famous for its collaboration with Max Bill.