Vintage Gold-Plated Quartz Watch Movement with France Ebauches Caliber
Watch · Yellow Gold (Electroplated coating over base metal)
Purity: Gold-Plated (Base metal core with a thin gold electroplate layer, less than 10K equivalent gold content)
Type
Watch
Purity
Gold-Plated (Base metal core with a thin gold electroplate layer, less than 10K equivalent gold content)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Electroplated coating over base metal)
Weight
Estimated total watch weight around 30 to 50 grams including internal components and movement; negligible actual gold weight
Description
An exposed interior view of a vintage quartz wristwatch revealing its France Ebauches movement caliber 6820 B. The round case features a yellow gold-plated finish that shows signs of age, oxidation, and oxidation residue around the rim. The grey plastic movement block houses the electronic quartz components, battery compartment with battery in place, and metallic contact strap. It is an interesting horological piece showcasing standard affordable European watchmaking from the quartz revolution era.
Key Features
France Ebauches 6820 B quartz movement, pin-lever/unadjusted construction, no-jewel economical layout, battery-powered quartz oscillation
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold tone with noticeable surface wear, oxidation, and verdigris build-up around the caseback seal
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text markings visible on the movement plate include FRANCE EBAUCHES, 6820 B, NO JEWELS, and UNADJUSTED
Dimensions Estimate
Standard vintage dress watch case diameter approximately 33mm to 38mm
Gemstones & Inlays
None (Movement is marked as having no jewels)
Clasp & Closure
Press-fit or snap-on caseback closure mechanism
Chain & Links
N/A (Watch movement and inner case interior shown)
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial watchmaking utilizing stamped metallic plates, injection-molded plastic movement blocks, and standard quartz electronic circuitry
Authentication Indicators
Genuine France Ebauches factory stamp on the movement module; flaking and greenish corrosion confirm base metal plating rather than solid gold construction
Origin & Maker
France (France Ebauches movement manufacturer)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Vintage Quartz Era, circa 1970s-1990s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to 1990s based on the France Ebauches 6820 quartz caliber design
Cultural Significance
Represents the mass-market democratization of timekeeping during the quartz crisis era, when traditional mechanical movements were rapidly replaced by affordable electronic quartz calibers
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor vintage condition; visible corrosion, verdigris, and green oxidation around the caseback seating area indicating moisture exposure and degrading base metal
Value Estimate
Nominal or scrap value only, primarily driven by horological interest or component harvesting rather than precious metal value, as gold plating is extremely thin
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional cleaning to remove harmful battery acid leaks or corrosion, movement servicing, and replacement of degraded gaskets
Similar Items
Standard vintage quartz watches utilizing Ronda, FE (France Ebauches), or Timex movements from the same era
Interesting Facts
France Ebauches was a major consortium of French watch movement manufacturers formed in the 1960s to compete with Swiss and Japanese quartz dominance by producing economical mechanical and quartz calibers