Lafayette Watch Appraisal

Lafayette Ladies' Wristwatch

This item is a vintage ladies' wristwatch, likely dating from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1950s or 1960s, given its style. The watch features a small, oval-shaped case made of what appears to be a silver-toned metal, possibly white gold, silver, or chrome-plated base metal. The bezel surrounding the watch crystal is heavily textured with a 'bark' or 'florentine' finish, adding a decorative element. The dial is light-colored, possibly cream or off-white, with raised Arabic numerals for hour markers, although some are obscured or missing due to wear or manufacturing anomalies (e.g., '3', '6', '9'). The brand name 'Lafayette' is prominently displayed in a cursive script at the 12 o'clock position. Below the center hands, the word 'ANTIMAGNETIC' is printed, indicating a practical feature of the movement. The hour and minute hands are simple, baton-style, and appear to be gold-toned. A small seconds hand would typically be present on a watch like this, but is not clearly visible. The crystal covering the dial is faceted or domed, giving it a somewhat distorted but elegant appearance. The watch is attached to a flexible, expansion-style metal band, also silver-toned, composed of small, rectangular links. The overall condition shows signs of use commensurate with its age, including potential discoloration or dirt on the dial, and some wear to the metal finishes. The legibility of some numerals is compromised, which could affect functionality and aesthetic value. The craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced timepiece, typical of the era, focusing on fashionable design and reliable, though not necessarily high-end, movement.