Royal Swiss Day-Date Moonphase Quartz
Complications Watch / Fashion Dress Watch · Royal (often associated with Royal Swiss), an entry-level fashion or private-label brand utilizing Swiss components/designs for a luxury look
Period: Modern Luxury (1990s-2000s) Neo-Classical Style
Type
Complications Watch / Fashion Dress Watch
Brand
Royal (often associated with Royal Swiss), an entry-level fashion or private-label brand utilizing Swiss components/designs for a luxury look
Movement
Quartz movement, likely an ISA or Ronda multi-function caliber featuring day, date, and moonphase complications
Dimensions
38mm-40mm diameter, 10mm thickness, 46mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width
Description
This Royal timepiece captures the aesthetic of high-end Swiss complications like the Blancpain Villeret at an accessible price point. The watch features a complex white and gold dial layout that balances traditional horological elements—like the moonphase and leaf hands—with the clinical accuracy of a quartz movement.
Key Features
Triple calendar layout, functioning moonphase disc, decorative multi-pusher case design, and distinctive bi-color dial with tachymeter/compass scales
Dial Description
White dial with gold sunburst outer chapter ring, Roman numeral XII, applied gold indices, leaf hands, dual subdials (day in German/English, date), and a moonphase aperture at 6 o'clock
Case Material
Gold-plated (PVD or Electroplated) stainless steel or base metal with a polished finish
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass or sapphire-coated crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed stepped bezel in polished gold-tone metal, integrated with a decorative internal compass and tachymeter scale
Crown & Pushers
Three-body control system: central fluted onion-style crown flanked by two decorative or functional pushers for calendar adjustments
Bracelet or Strap
Brown embossed leather strap (alligator or lizard pattern) with matching gold-tone pin buckle
Caseback Details
Likely a snap-on or screw-down solid stainless steel caseback with 'Royal' branding and water resistance markings
Movement Type
Quartz movement, likely an ISA or Ronda multi-function caliber featuring day, date, and moonphase complications
Water Resistance
3 ATM (30 meters/100 feet); splash resistant only, not suitable for swimming or immersion
Origin & Provenance
Labelled 'Swiss Made' or 'Swiss Movt'; likely assembled in Switzerland utilizing outsourced quartz movements
Age Estimate
Circa late 1990s to early 2010s based on the neo-classical aesthetic and multi-pusher quartz layout
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury aesthetics, where complex astronomical complications move from exclusive haute horlogerie to affordable lifestyle accessories.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible wear and scratches on the gold plating around the bezel and lugs. The leather strap shows significant creasing and wear. The crystal appears relatively clear.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD depending on the functionality of the complications and the thickness of the remaining gold plating
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years; avoid water exposure as gaskets in gold-plated fashion watches often degrade quickly; clean with a soft microfiber cloth
Similar Watches
Seiko Age of Discovery series, Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques, and various Citizen Eco-Drive Moonphase models
Interesting Facts
The brand 'Royal' belongs to a category of watches that flourished in the 90s, aiming to bring the 'Grand Complication' look to the general public during the post-quartz crisis mechanical revival.