~ Ladies Technos 9ct Gold 17 Jewels Wristwatch ~
A lovely elegant ladies manual wind watch.
The Ladies' Technos 9ct Gold 17 Jewels Wristwatch is a fine example of mid-20th-century Swiss craftsmanship in horology, produced by Technos, a well-respected Swiss watchmaker known for making quality timepieces with a strong emphasis on elegance and durability.
The dial is white with batons at all but the 12 & 6 o’clock positions.
The dial is named ‘Technos’ and marked ’17 Jewels Incabloc’.
The bracelet is of 9ct gold. The clasp is hallmarked for Birmingham, 1990 with a JAM makers mark.
~ Dimensions ~
The bracelet has an internal circumference of approximately 17.3cm
The dial has an external diameter of 2 cm.
The watch weighs 15.0g.
~ Condition ~
The watch is in really nice condition with very little wear and no damage to the dial or crystal. It runs well.
History of Technos
Technos was founded in 1900 by Meier Tobler in Welschenrohr, Switzerland. The brand became popular for its robust and stylish wristwatches, particularly in the mid-20th century. By the 1950s and 1960s, Technos was recognized globally for producing watches that balanced functionality and aesthetics, especially during the rise of automatic and mechanical watches.
9ct Gold Case
This particular wristwatch features a 9-carat gold case, signifying that the watch is made with 9 parts gold out of 24, combined with other metals for durability. This is common in watchmaking, as pure gold (24ct) is often too soft for regular wear, and adding other metals like copper or silver makes the watch more resistant to scratches and dents. The 9ct gold case adds a level of sophistication and luxury, appealing to those looking for an elegant and timeless piece.
9ct Gold Mark: The hallmark or stamp on the case often includes the gold purity rating (375), which refers to 9ct gold, and the country or city of manufacture.
17 Jewels Movement
The 17 jewels reference the mechanical movement inside the watch. In traditional mechanical watches, jewels (usually synthetic rubies) are used at pivot points to reduce friction between moving parts, which in turn prolongs the life of the movement and increases accuracy.
Jewels are placed in the most crucial spots of the watch’s mechanism, typically in the balance wheel, escapement, and gear train. The number of jewels, 17 in this case, indicates that the watch likely has a relatively sophisticated movement designed for both accuracy and durability.
The Technos 17-jewel movement is a hallmark of quality, as it means the watch has been finely tuned and balanced for smooth operation, precision, and longevity.
Design and Features
Dial and Hands: The watch often comes with a simple, elegant dial, typically with minimalist markers for a clean, classic look. Some models may feature Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, or simply gold-tone hour markers to complement the overall luxurious design. The hands are usually slim and styled to match the sleek appearance of the watch.
Size: Being a ladies' watch, it is typically smaller and more delicate than men's watches, with a case diameter usually ranging between 25mm and 30mm.
Strap: Many of these models originally came with gold-plated or leather straps, which can be replaced as desired. The choice of strap material and style often complements the luxurious nature of the gold case.
Crystal: The front of the watch would usually feature a scratch-resistant crystal, either made of sapphire crystal or acrylic in older models, protecting the dial while allowing clear visibility.
Technos in the Market
During the mid-20th century, Technos watches became a symbol of elegance and affordability in Swiss watches, offering gold-cased timepieces at a more accessible price point compared to luxury brands like Patek Philippe or Rolex. Despite the availability of higher-end brands, Technos maintained a strong market presence due to its combination of Swiss precision, durable movements, and aesthetic appeal.
Collectibility and Value
Today, the Ladies' Technos 9ct Gold 17 Jewels Wristwatch is often sought after by collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts for its timeless design, Swiss heritage, and solid gold case. Vintage mechanical watches with 17 jewels and gold cases are generally considered valuable, with prices depending on the condition, originality (such as whether the dial, hands, and strap are original), and the rarity of the model.
Rarity and Age: The exact value and rarity of a Technos wristwatch can vary depending on the production year and the specific model. Watches from the 1950s-1970s are considered particularly collectible.
Condition: The value is also influenced by the condition of the movement, the quality of the gold case (e.g., signs of wear or polishing), and whether the original box and papers are available.The Ladies' Technos 9ct Gold 17 Jewels Wristwatch is a fine example of a classic, high-quality timepiece from a reputable Swiss brand. Its combination of a solid 9ct gold case and 17-jewel movement highlights both luxury and functionality, making it a stylish and dependable accessory for everyday wear or a cherished collectible for vintage watch lovers.
