Richelieu Swiss Ladies Tank-Style Gold-Tone Ref. Unspecified
Dress Watch / Jewelry Watch · Richelieu (Owned by Reconvilier Watch Co. or similar Swiss holding groups). Tier: Affordable/Entry-Level Swiss luxury. Known for making classically styled watches for the jewelry store market.
Period: Modern Neo-Classical (1990s-2000s). The design draws heavily from the Art Deco 'Tank' aesthetic but utilizes modern gold-plating techniques and quartz technology common in the late 20th century.
Type
Dress Watch / Jewelry Watch
Brand
Richelieu (Owned by Reconvilier Watch Co. or similar Swiss holding groups). Tier: Affordable/Entry-Level Swiss luxury. Known for making classically styled watches for the jewelry store market.
Movement
Swiss Quartz. Likely a Ronda or ETA 9XX series caliber; reliable, battery-powered, and low-maintenance.
Dimensions
Case Width: 18-20mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 6-7mm; Lug-to-Lug: 30-32mm; Lug Width: 12-14mm.
Description
This Richelieu ladies' watch is a classic rectangular 'Tank' style timepiece designed to function as both a watch and a piece of jewelry. It offers the sophisticated look of high-end French heritage brands at a much more accessible price point. The gold-tone finish and integrated bracelet provide a seamless, elegant transition from the wrist to the watch head, making it an ideal accessory for formal or business attire.
Key Features
Rectangular 'Tank' case, printed Arabic numerals, railway minute track, and a cabochon crown. The integrated bracelet design is a specific hallmark of this model's era.
Dial Description
White or cream lacquer dial with a rectangular inner railroad track. Printed Arabic numerals in a serif font. Thin black baton hands. 'Richelieu' logo with crown at 12 o'clock and 'Swiss Made' at 6.
Case Material
Gold-plated (PVD or electroplated) stainless steel or base metal. Features a high-polish finish with rounded 'brancard' edges.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass or sapphire (likely mineral based on the price tier). Flat profile with no visible AR coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated gold-tone bezel, rounded and polished to match the case lugs.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown, fluted gold-tone with a black cabochon (likely plastic or synthetic spinel) at the tip, mimicking Cartier styling.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated five-link gold-tone bracelet. Features rounded rectangular outer links and polished center 'brick' links. Folding jewelry-style clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, snap-on stainless steel caseback. Likely engraved with 'Swiss Made,' brand logo, and water resistance rating.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz. Likely a Ronda or ETA 9XX series caliber; reliable, battery-powered, and low-maintenance.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (3 ATM). Splash resistant only; not suitable for swimming, showering, or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Assembled in Switzerland using Swiss quartz movements, emphasizing 'Swiss' heritage for the budget-conscious consumer.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2010. The bracelet style and cabochon crown are typical of mid-to-late 90s Swiss fashion-jewelry watches.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Swiss watchmaking in the late 20th century, where classic 'haute' designs were made available to a mass-market audience without the cost of precious metals.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Visible minor surface scratches on the gold-plating and crystal. No sign of major plating loss (brassing) visible in the photo, though edges may show wear upon close inspection.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. Value is driven by the 'Swiss Made' label and aesthetic appeal rather than horological rarity; higher end of the range if the plating is pristine.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years. Avoid water exposure as gaskets in jewelry-style watches are not designed for immersion. Clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to preserve the gold plating.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Solo (the original inspiration), Longines DolceVita (higher tiered alternative), Rotary Windsor (British-aligned competitor).
Interesting Facts
Richelieu often uses the 'Crown' logo to appeal to those who admire Rolex or Tudor's branding, despite having no connection to those companies. The brand focuses on the 'Gift' market in Europe and North America.