Vintage Mortima 15 Jewels Mechanical Wristwatch

This is a vintage manual-wind mechanical wristwatch produced by the French brand Mortima. The timepiece features a salmon-toned dial with a brushed sunburst finish, housed in a gold-plated or gold-toned brass case measuring approximately 30mm in diameter. The dial is characterized by applied gold-toned hour markers in a stylized baton and Roman numeral format, accompanied by luminous Dauphine hands. Notable dial markings include the Mortima logo, '15 Jewels,' 'Impermeable,' 'Anti-Dust,' and 'Antimagnetic.' The acrylic crystal shows a rounded profile common for mid-century production. Condition-wise, the case displays significant brassing and wear to the gold plating, particularly on the lugs and the large ribbed crown. The leather strap is a contemporary replacement showing moderate wear and creasing. Based on the typography and overall design language, this watch likely dates to the late 1940s or 1950s, representing a classic example of French mass-market horology from that era. While Mortima was known for using pin-lever movements, this specific model boasts a 15-jewel movement, indicating slightly higher quality than their entry-level offerings.

I have examined the visual details of this vintage Mortima manual-wind wristwatch. Authentic to the French mass-market horology of the mid-20th century, this piece demonstrates the classic mid-century aesthetic with a notable salmon sunburst dial. My condition assessment reveals significant 'brassing' and base-metal exposure on the lugs and crown, indicating heavy wear to the gold plating. The dial exhibits a charming patina, though the loss of luminous material in the Dauphine hands and the replacement strap suggest a life of active use. Market demand for Mortima is generally modest. While the 15-jewel movement is a step above their standard pin-lever 'Cattin' calibers, Mortima remains a tier below brands like Longines or Omega from the same era. Comparables for 15-jewel French mechanicals in this condition typically sell in the sub-$100 range. The 30mm diameter is small by modern standards, arguably classifying it as a unisex or 'boys' size' today, which limits its appeal to a niche group of collectors interested in French 'Impermeable' branding. Please note: This appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. A physical inspection is required to verify the movement's functionality and timekeeping accuracy, as a non-running movement would reduce value to 'parts only' ($15-20). Full authentication would require opening the case back to inspect the movement stamps and caliber number. I cannot definitively confirm the presence of original gaskets or the integrity of the 'Anti-Dust' claims without a hands-on technical assessment. No provenance was provided; documentation of its service history would be necessary for a premium valuation.