Vintage Ladies' Wristwatch with Flexible Bracelet Appraisal
Category: Jewelry
Description
The item pictured is a vintage ladies' wristwatch attached to a flexible metal bracelet. The watch head has a small, tonneau-shaped case made of a silver-toned metal, possibly white gold based on the context provided indicating "14k". The dial is dark, appearing black or very dark grey, with visible hours marked by Arabic numerals that are worn and difficult to read clearly. There is a central, lighter-colored square on the dial, possibly indicating a brand logo or design element, significantly faded. Two hands are visible, likely hour and minute hands, appearing thin and dark. The crystal covering the dial is likely glass or plastic and shows some haziness or wear. A small crown for setting the time is located on the right side of the case. The watch head is connected to a thin, flexible bracelet composed of numerous interlocking links, forming a serpentine or snake-like chain design. The metal of the bracelet is also silver-toned and appears to be the same material as the watch case, potentially 14k white gold. There are visible signs of age and wear, including significant darkening and possible corrosion or patina on both the watch case and the dial. The bracelet shows some minor bending or deformation near where it connects to the watch head. The overall condition suggests significant age and use. There are no legible maker's marks or signatures visible in the image, hindering precise identification of the manufacturer or model. The styling of the watch head and bracelet suggests a likely age from the early to mid-20th century, perhaps the 1920s to 1940s, consistent with the Art Deco or Retro era.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of this vintage ladies' wristwatch with a flexible bracelet, I can offer the following appraisal. The watch appears to feature a small tonneau-shaped case and a serpentine-link bracelet, both described as 14k white gold. The styling is consistent with pieces from the Art Deco or Retro periods, likely between the 1920s and 1940s. The dial is quite worn, with Arabic numerals that are difficult to discern, and a faded central design element. The case and bracelet show significant signs of age, including darkening and wear appropriate for a piece of this vintage. The bracelet exhibits minor deformation near the lugs. Authenticity of the 14k gold content can only be definitively confirmed through testing, which is not possible from an image. Similarly, the operational condition of the movement cannot be assessed visually. The value is primarily driven by the scrap value of the 14k gold content of both the case and bracelet, given the significant wear on the watch head and its uncertain functionality or brand. Vintage ladies' watches, especially those without significant provenance or from non-premier manufacturers, typically hold value based on their precious metal content. Market demand for such pieces is moderate, often linked to the prevailing gold prices. Without in-person examination to test the gold, assess the movement, and search for hidden maker's marks or serial numbers (which aids in positive identification and authentication), this appraisal is based solely on the potential gold weight and the visual condition. Full authentication would require a physical inspection by a certified gemologist or watchmaker, potential acid testing or XRF analysis for gold purity, and a movement inspection.
Appraisal Value
$250-400