Vintage Elves gold-plated watch, patinated dial, untested, 1950s

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Visual Description

This antique Elves brand wristwatch features a round gold-finished case with a bezel adorned with a regular geometric pattern. The cream to white dial is heavily patinated and oxidized, indicating prolonged use and its age. The applied Arabic numerals (2, 4, 8, 10, 12) are gold or copper-colored, as are the diamond-shaped hour markers and visible hands. Numerous marks, scratches, and dark stains cover the dial's surface, making some inscriptions partially faded. However, the inscriptions "ELVES," "ANCRE 15 RUBIS," "ANTI-CHOC," and "ANTIMAGNETIC" remain legible in the center of the dial, confirming the brand and original technical characteristics.

The case shows significant signs of wear, including discoloration of the gold plating on the lugs and bezel, as well as visible impacts and micro-scratches across the entire surface. The crown is positioned at 3 o'clock and appears original, featuring the typical fluted pattern of the era. The strap is missing, revealing the bare lugs, one of which shows slight grime.

The dial features a minute track on the periphery, punctuated by black dots at each minute and main markers at the hours. The hour and minute hands are present, but the seconds hand appears to be absent or difficult to see. The watch's overall style, with its applied indices and decorated case, clearly suggests a 1950s production, typical of shockproof and antimagnetic mechanical watches of that period.

Condition

Used watch sold strictly as-is, untested. Numerous signs of wear, scratches, oxidation, dirt, and missing parts visible on the dial and case. Strap absent. Mechanism unchecked. Sale intended for restoration or parts.

Did you know? In the 1950s, the Elves brand produced popular mechanical watches equipped with 15-jewel lever movements, a feature that was then synonymous with robustness and precision. The mentions "antichoc" (shockproof) and "antimagnétique" (antimagnetic) were major technical selling points at the time, guaranteeing better resistance to daily hazards and increasing magnetic fields in urban environments.

AFW Reassurance

Your purchase will be carefully prepared and promptly shipped by a professional seller specializing in antique and vintage items.

Keywords: vintage watch, antique watch, Elves watch, mechanical watch, gold watch, patinated dial, watch for parts, men's watch 1950s, watch to restore, shockproof watch, antimagnetic watch, watch without strap