Pelex Swiss Movement 18K Gold Electroplated Wristwatch
Jewelry (Wristwatch) · Pelex; an entry-level fashion watch brand typically utilizing generic Swiss quartz movements, designed for the budget-conscious consumer market.
Pattern: Standard round dress watch case with integrated lugs; specific collection name is not typically assigned to these mass-produced fashion models.
Type
Jewelry (Wristwatch)
Maker
Pelex; an entry-level fashion watch brand typically utilizing generic Swiss quartz movements, designed for the budget-conscious consumer market.
Material
18K Gold Electroplated over a base metal (likely brass or stainless steel). The case back is stainless steel, and the strap is leather.
Dimensions
Estimated case diameter of 32mm to 36mm (mid-size/unisex). Weight is negligible, primarily consisting of the base metal case and movement.
Description
An entry-level gold-plated fashion watch by Pelex. The piece features a traditional round yellow-gold tone case that emphasizes the 'Swiss Movement' inside—a hallmark of mid-range marketing where the internal components provide more prestige than the exterior materials.
Key Features
Prominent ‘Swiss Movt’ stamping on the case back and the explicit 18K Gold Electroplated marking, which distinguishes it from solid gold or high-end 'Gold Filled' pieces.
Material & Composition
18K Gold Electroplated over a base metal (likely brass or stainless steel). The case back is stainless steel, and the strap is leather.
Finish & Decoration
Polished gold-tone finish with a brushed or satin-finished stainless steel case back. The design is a classic round dress watch style with a simple crown.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '18K GOLD ELECTROPLATED', 'PELEX', 'SWISS MOVT', 'WATER RESISTANT', and a stylised 'P' logo. Note: These are commercial stamps, not precious metal hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and mass-produced. The case is electroplated through an industrial chemical bath. The movement is likely a drop-in quartz module.
Functional Features
Timekeeping via a battery-powered quartz movement (Swiss Movt), water-resistant case backing, and a knurled crown for time adjustment.
Handle & Grip Details
Includes a textured green leather strap with a typical buckle attachment. The strap shows visible wear and cracking on the underside.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The stamping is clear but the electroplating is thin, as evidenced by the wear on the lugs where the base metal is beginning to show through.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Gold Electroplated' stamp is the primary indicator that this is not solid gold. The weight will be much lighter than an 18k solid gold piece of the same size.
Origin & Manufacturing
Branded as 'Swiss Movt' meaning the internal movement is Swiss-made, though the case and assembly likely occurred in East Asia (Hong Kong or China).
Era & Period
Modern/Post-Modern (Late 20th Century, likely 1980s or 1990s) based on the typography and 'Swiss Movement' branding commonly used in fashion watches.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'Swiss' watchmaking during the Quartz Crisis era, making the prestige of European movements accessible to the general public.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is visible wear/tarnish to the gold plating on the lugs and edges. The leather strap is deteriorating and shows significant cracking. Scratches are present on the case back.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $30.00 USD. Value is based on utility and style rather than metal content or horological rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid polishing with abrasive silver or gold creams as this will strip the thin 18K electroplating. Clean with a dry microfiber cloth only. Replace battery every 2 years.
Similar Pieces
Quartz watches by Seiko, Pulsar, or Citizen from the same era, which often utilize similar electroplating techniques but may have higher brand recognition.
Interesting Facts
Pelex is part of a category of watches often sold in department stores or as corporate gifts, utilizing Swiss quartz reliability at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands.