Vintage Stainless Steel and Chrome-Plated Wristwatch Case
Jewelry/Timepiece (Watch Head Only) · Unbranded/Generic European (Likely French or Swiss ebauche origin)
Pattern: Standard Mid-Century Divers/Sport Case Style
Type
Jewelry/Timepiece (Watch Head Only)
Maker
Unbranded/Generic European (Likely French or Swiss ebauche origin)
Material
Chrome-plated base metal bezel and case body with a stainless steel screw-down case back. Not solid silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 34mm to 36mm diameter (excluding crown), 18mm lug width, approximately 45-55 grams total mass.
Description
A well-worn vintage wristwatch head featuring a silver-tone sunburst dial and a date aperture. This piece exhibits the utilitarian 'skindiver' aesthetic popular in the late 60s, designed for everyday wear and durability.
Key Features
Red-tipped or red-accented applied indices, red sweeping seconds hand, and a faceted acrylic crystal.
Material & Composition
Chrome-plated base metal bezel and case body with a stainless steel screw-down case back. Not solid silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished chrome finish with a brushed or matte dial. Features applied baton hour markers with aged tritium/lume inserts and a date window at 3 o'clock.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible silver hallmarks. Likely stamped on the case back with 'Stainless Steel Back' and 'Water Resistant'.
Construction Details
Mass-produced die-struck case with integrated lugs; screw-down case back and an acrylic crystal (plexiglass).
Functional Features
Date complication at 3 o'clock, center seconds hand, and a knurled winding crown at 3 o'clock.
Handle & Grip Details
Standard knurled metal crown for winding and time setting. Straps/bracelet pins are missing.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial grade; machine-finished with minimal hand-detailing. Practical but not artisanal.
Authentication Indicators
Typical construction for mid-tier vintage watches; wear patterns show base metal showing through chrome, confirming it is not solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely France or Switzerland; common for the 'Leboncoin' marketplace region to feature French brands like Lip or Mortima.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Late Vintage (c. 1960s-1970s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1975 based on the case shape and baton-style indices.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping in the post-WWII era when mechanical watches became accessible to the general public.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. The crystal is heavily scratched and possibly cracked. Significant pitting and plating loss (brassing) visible on the lugs and bezel. Movement functionality unknown.
Value Estimate
Low market value ($10 - $40 USD) due to condition, brand anonymity, and plating wear-down.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid water as seals are likely perished. Crystal can be improved with Polywatch polishing compound.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with early Seiko 5s or Swiss Tissot models; however, the lack of branding suggests a private label or 'supermarket' brand watch.
Interesting Facts
The 'red seconds hand' was a common design trope in the 1960s to improve legibility and provide a sporty, 'racing' appearance to affordable watches.