Emerald Brand Silver-Tone Base Metal Quartz Pocket Watch
Jewelry / Timepiece (Pocket Watch) · Emerald; this is a contemporary, mass-market brand typically specializing in affordable, decorative battery-operated timepieces rather than luxury silversmithing.
Pattern: Generic Victorian-Revival Hunter Case pattern; still in production by various manufacturers globally.
Type
Jewelry / Timepiece (Pocket Watch)
Maker
Emerald; this is a contemporary, mass-market brand typically specializing in affordable, decorative battery-operated timepieces rather than luxury silversmithing.
Material
Nickel-plated or Chrome-plated base metal (likely brass or zinc alloy); despite the silver color, there is no evidence of sterling silver (.925) or silver hallmarks. The face is plastic/acrylic and the movement is electronic quartz.
Dimensions
Standard size 16 or 18 pocket watch approximate (approx. 45-50mm diameter). Weight is approximately 60-80 grams, primarily from the battery and brass casing.
Description
This is a decorative hunter-case pocket watch featuring a bright silver-tone finish. While aesthetically inspired by the grandeur of late Victorian era horology, it is a contemporary utilitarian timepiece. The interior lid is finished with a perlage pattern to catch the light, and the white dial features bold Arabic numerals for easy legibility, catering to those who appreciate the 'vintage look' without the maintenance of a mechanical antique.
Key Features
Quartz battery-operated movement, engine-turned interior lid finish, decorative cast bow, and 24-hour military time markings on the outer dial track.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated or Chrome-plated base metal (likely brass or zinc alloy); despite the silver color, there is no evidence of sterling silver (.925) or silver hallmarks. The face is plastic/acrylic and the movement is electronic quartz.
Finish & Decoration
Silver-tone plating with cast scrollwork on the bezel and 'Perlage' (engine-turned/swirled) machine finishing on the interior of the hunter case lid. Stylized Art Nouveau floral relief on the exterior crown/bow.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks (such as 925, Lion Passant, or Assay marks) are present. The dial is stamped 'EMERALD' and 'QUARTZ'. The case back likely contains 'Base Metal' or 'Stainless Steel Back' stamps typical of mass-produced watches.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via die-casting and machine stamping. The hinges and bow are cast alloy. The engine-turning inside the lid is a machine-applied decorative pattern rather than hand-guilloché.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded hunter case with push-button release (integrated into the crown), quartz battery movement, three-hand analog display (hours, minutes, seconds), and 24-hour inner track.
Handle & Grip Details
Ornate cast bow (the loop at the top) designed to resemble late 19th-century styles; attached via a swivel pin to the crown/stem assembly.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with die-cast components. The decorative elements are part of the mold rather than being hand-chased or engraved. Functional but not representative of fine silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Indicator of 'Quartz' on the dial immediately identifies it as a modern battery-powered item rather than an antique. Lack of silver hallmarks and the presence of casting lines in the scrollwork confirm it is plated base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in China or East Asia, common for the 'Emerald' brand and similar retail-grade quartz watches found in department stores.
Era & Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Modern); designed in a 'Victorian Revival' or 'Neo-Victorian' aesthetic to mimic 1890s style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–2010. The 'Quartz' designation and modern dial typography are primary indicators of recent manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'giftware' market of the late 20th century where pocket watches transitioned from essential tools of timekeeping to nostalgic fashion accessories and retirement gifts.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Slight surface oxidation or 'pitting' visible on the cast bow and edges of the case, typical of plated base metals. The dial is clean and the crystal appears intact. Condition Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$15 – $35 USD. Value is based on utility and decorative appeal rather than precious metal content or horological rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid silver dips or harsh chemicals which will strip the thin plating. Clean with a dry microfiber cloth. Replace the 377/SR626SW battery every 1-2 years to prevent leakage and movement damage.
Similar Pieces
Colibri Quartz Pocket Watches, Elgin (Modern Quartz line), or Majestron; these differ from antique Sterling Silver Waltham or Elgin watches which would feature mechanical escapements and genuine hallmarks.
Interesting Facts
The 'Perlage' pattern inside the lid was originally used in high-end watchmaking to hide scratches and trap dust; here it is used as a decorative machine-stamped homage to that tradition.