Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch with Marcasite Set Case and Bracelet
Dress Watch (Cocktail Watch) · Unmarked or independent maker, typical of Swiss or French unsigned vintage jewelry watch production
Period: Art Deco Revival / Mid-Century (1940s-1950s)
Type
Dress Watch (Cocktail Watch)
Brand
Unmarked or independent maker, typical of Swiss or French unsigned vintage jewelry watch production
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical movement, Swiss or American made, typical 17 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 15mm, thickness 7mm, lug-to-lug 25mm, integrated strap width 8mm
Description
A dazzling vintage ladies cocktail watch designed to double as an elegant piece of fine jewelry. Featuring an ornate diamond-shape case and matching articulated bracelet encrusted with shimmering marcasite stones, this timepiece captures the glamour of mid-century evening wear. The diminutive dial remains legible yet discreet, reflecting an era when women's watches prioritized jewelry-like aesthetics over pure utility.
Key Features
Marcasite gemstone setting across case and bracelet links, miniature dress dial, integrated jewelry styling
Dial Description
Off-white or silvered dial with applied Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, dot indices, simple baton hands
Case Material
Sterling Silver or Silver-plated base metal set with marcasite stones
Crystal Type
Facet-cut mineral glass or synthetic crystal
Bezel Details
Integrated bezel embellished with sparkling marcasite gemstones
Crown & Pushers
Small, unbranded push-pull crown tucked at the 3 o'clock position
Bracelet or Strap
Articulated metal link bracelet featuring a repeating ribbon or bow motif entirely encrusted with matching marcasite stones
Caseback Details
Solid, press-fit stainless steel or base metal case back
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical movement, Swiss or American made, typical 17 jewels
Water Resistance
None (Not water-resistant)
Origin & Provenance
Likely Swiss or European manufacture, distributed as a piece of fine fashion jewelry
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s to 1960s
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war trend of affordable luxury accessories, where timepieces were treated primarily as fashion statements and evening jewelry rather than everyday tool watches.
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition. Minor patina on the metal, dial shows light aging, and marcasite stones appear largely intact but may require gentle cleaning.
Value Estimate
Low-to-moderate secondary market value, typically ranging from $50 to $200 depending on precious metal content and working mechanical condition
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to water entirely due to lack of gaskets and sensitive marcasite settings. Clean gently with a soft dry brush; keep away from ultrasonic cleaners which can dislodge glued marcasite stones. Service every 5-7 years by a watchmaker experienced in vintage movements.
Similar Watches
Vintage Omega, Tissot, or Longines cocktail watches with gemstone or diamond settings
Interesting Facts
Marcasite jewelry uses polished pyrite stones cut into facets and set into silver, a technique popular during the Georgian, Victorian, and Art Deco eras to mimic the sparkle of diamonds affordably.