Vintage Women's Octagonal Wristwatch Appraisal
Category: Jewelry/Watch
Description
This is a vintage women's wristwatch with an octagonal-shaped case. The case and bracelet appear to be made from a yellow-toned metal, possibly gold-filled or plated, exhibiting a warm patina that suggests age. The dial is square with rounded corners and a textured finish in a light color, possibly beige or off-white, with small, possibly applied, hour markers that appear dark in color. The minute and hour hands are visible and are dark in color; there doesn't appear to be a second hand. The winding crown is small and located on the right side of the case. The bracelet is a link design, with one segment being a flexible snake chain-like structure, and the other segment being a more rigid, textured link. One of the rigid links shows what appears to be engraved text, possibly a maker's mark or material indication, which is illegible in the image. The overall style suggests an age likely from the early to mid-20th century, perhaps 1920s to 1940s. The condition shows wear commensurate with age, including potential scratches and surface wear on the metal components. The crystal covering the dial is visible and may have some minor surface scratches. The watch mechanism's condition is unknown as the dial hands are static in the image. The clasp mechanism is not fully visible, but it appears to be a fold-over style.
Appraisal Report
Based on images, this vintage women's wristwatch features an octagonal yellow-toned metal case and a unique bracelet combining flexible snake chain and rigid textured links. The style, including the square dial with rounded corners and textured finish, suggests a likely production timeframe between the 1920s and 1940s. The patina on the case and bracelet aligns with this age. The overall condition appears consistent with typical wear for an item of this age, showing surface wear and potential scratches, which is expected considering its vintage nature. The clarity of any maker's marks or material indications engraved on the bracelet is not sufficient in the image to definitively identify the manufacturer or metal content (e.g., gold-filled, plated, or solid gold). Without a clear maker's mark and confirmation of the metal composition, determining authenticity regarding origin or precise material value is limited to visual cues. Market conditions for vintage women's wristwatches from this era vary significantly based on brand recognition, metal content, and working condition. Generally, unbranded or lesser-known examples in non-precious metals (or plating) tend to occupy the lower end of the vintage watch market. Demand for such pieces is moderate and often driven by condition and aesthetic appeal rather than rarity, unless a notable maker is identified. The unknown working condition of the movement is a significant factor impacting value, as repairing or servicing vintage movements can be costly. For full authentication of material content and maker, and to assess the mechanical state, an in-person examination by a watchmaker/jeweler, potential scientific testing (such as XRF for metal composition), and possibly provenance documentation would be essential.
Appraisal Value
$75 - $150