Astina 'Cyber Design' Quartz Wristwatch with Stainless Steel Back
Jewelry (Watch) · Astina; a lower-tier consumer watch brand typically producing affordable quartz timepieces for the mass market.
Pattern: 'French Cyber Design' / Cyber Quartz series; model reference WT-2004.
Type
Jewelry (Watch)
Maker
Astina; a lower-tier consumer watch brand typically producing affordable quartz timepieces for the mass market.
Material
Base metal case (likely brass or zinc alloy) with a black PVD/IP coating. The case back is explicitly marked 'Stainless Steel'. This item contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Standard men's/unisex size; approximately 38mm-42mm case diameter. Weight is negligible in terms of precious metal value as it is composed of steel and base alloys.
Description
This is a mass-market fashion watch featuring a quartz movement and a black-coated metal finish. While the item has a 'silver' appearance on the exposed steel parts, it is a functional timepiece rather than a work of silversmithing. It represents the 'tech-forward' design trends of the turn of the millennium.
Key Features
The distinctive 'Cyber' winged shield logo and the explicit 'Stainless Steel Case Back' designation which confirms the rest of the watch is not steel or silver.
Material & Composition
Base metal case (likely brass or zinc alloy) with a black PVD/IP coating. The case back is explicitly marked 'Stainless Steel'. This item contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Black matte or satin-coated finish; currently showing significant surface wear and 'pitting' common in plated base metals. Decorative 'Cyber' logo with wings and three stars on the case back.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'FRENCH CYBER DESIGN', 'ASTINA', 'CYBER QUARTZ', 'Professional quality', 'WT-2004', and 'STAINLESS STEEL CASE BACK'. No precious metal hallmarks (like .925 or a Lion Passant) are present.
Construction Details
Mass-produced industrial construction. Die-cast base metal case with a friction-fit or screw-down stainless steel plate. Folded link metal bracelet.
Functional Features
Battery-powered quartz movement (indicated by 'QUARTZ' stamp), water-resistant case back design, and adjustable link bracelet.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated metal link bracelet with a fold-over clasp. Bracelet links show significant finish loss and exposure of the base metal underneath the black coating.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured. The 'pitting' on the links indicates a cast base metal rather than the high-grade hand-finishing found in genuine silver or luxury steel items.
Authentication Indicators
The case back marking 'STAINLESS STEEL CASE BACK' is a primary indicator that the main body is not steel or silver. The absence of fineness marks (.925) confirms it is not a silver item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in East Asia (China or Hong Kong) for the international mass market, despite the 'French' marketing nomenclature on the back.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern era (Late 20th to early 21st century). The 'Cyber' branding and quartz technology suggest a production date between 1995 and 2010.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-2005 based on the 'Cyber' aesthetic and the specific 'WT-2004' model number.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of quartz watch technology, where watches became affordable fashion accessories rather than heirloom jewelry pieces.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. There is extensive 'pitting' and corrosion on the bracelet and case where the black plating has worn away, revealing a white or grey base metal. Heavily soiled with surface debris.
Value Estimate
Negligible ($5 - $15 USD). The value is purely functional/utilitarian; it carries no value as a precious metal or a sought-after vintage timepiece.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid silver polish, as abrasive cleaners will strip the remaining black coating. Battery replacement is required for function.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to budget brands like Casio, Q&Q, or generic department store fashion watches. Unlike silver luxury watches (e.g., Cartier), this piece has no scrap metal value.
Interesting Facts
The 'Cyber' branding was a popular marketing trope in the late 1990s following the rise of the internet and digital tech, often used to make budget electronics appear more advanced.