Dufonte by Lucien Piccard Quartz 'Nugget' Watch
Fashion Dress Watch · Dufonte by Lucien Piccard. Lucien Piccard was historically a Swiss luxury brand, but the 'Dufonte' line was positioned as a more affordable, mass-market sub-brand during the 20th century.
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (Late 1970s - 1980s). Characterized by the organic 'nugget' texture popular in gold jewelry during the disco and post-disco eras.
Type
Fashion Dress Watch
Brand
Dufonte by Lucien Piccard. Lucien Piccard was historically a Swiss luxury brand, but the 'Dufonte' line was positioned as a more affordable, mass-market sub-brand during the 20th century.
Movement
Japanese Quartz movement, battery-powered (3-hand). Caliber is likely a standard Miyota or Seiko-produced workhorse module.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 22-24mm (excluding crown); thickness: 8mm; lug-to-lug: N/A (integrated bracelet); lug width: N/A.
Description
This Dufonte by Lucien Piccard is a quintessential example of 1980s jewelry-watch design. It features a square face nestled within a heavy, 'nugget' textured case and integrated bracelet designed to mimic solid gold geology. The dial is minimalist, focusing on the luxury aesthetic of the era with its champagne sunburst finish and a single sparkling accent at 12 o'clock.
Key Features
High-relief nugget texture throughout the case and bracelet; Dufonte script logo; 'Japan Movt' designation; single stone accent at 12.
Dial Description
Champagne/Gold-tone dial with a sunburst effect. Applied gold-tone baton indices. Single decorative crystal or diamond chip at the 12 o'clock position in a square setting. Gold-tone pencil hands.
Case Material
Gold-plated base metal (typically brass) with a high-relief 'nugget' textured finish.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass or acrylic, flat, showing significant surface scratching and edge wear.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed bezel, stepped design, gold-plated with high-polish inner rim.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled gold-plated push-pull crown at 3 o'clock; no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated jewelry-style bracelet featuring a continuous 'nugget' texture; likely utilizes a fold-over jewelry clasp.
Caseback Details
Stainless steel snap-on caseback, likely inscribed with 'Stainless Steel Back', 'Japan Movt', and brand logo.
Movement Type
Japanese Quartz movement, battery-powered (3-hand). Caliber is likely a standard Miyota or Seiko-produced workhorse module.
Water Resistance
Not water-resistant; splash-resistant only. Avoid immersion entirely.
Origin & Provenance
Japan movement (stated on dial); case and final assembly likely performed in Hong Kong or the USA during the brand's mid-market expansion phase.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1990, based on the font styling, 'Japan Movt' dial marking, and nugget jewelry trend.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury styles during the quartz crisis, where Swiss-named brands used Japanese tech to provide 'the look' of solid gold jewelry at accessible price points.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Visible scratches on the crystal; plating wear/rub-off on high points of the nugget texture; buildup of dirt/patina in the textured crevices.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. Value is mostly sentimental or decorative; these are common on the secondary market and lack precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Requires regular battery changes (every 2 years); avoid water contact as gaskets are likely perished; clean crevices with a soft dry toothbrush to remove skin oils.
Similar Watches
Seiko 'Nugget' watches from the same era, Bulova Caravelle nugget models, and contemporary Geneve gold nugget watches.
Interesting Facts
The 'nugget' style was heavily popularized in the 1980s as a symbol of wealth and was frequently seen in hip-hop culture and Vegas-style jewelry before becoming a staple of affordable mass-market department store brands.