Vintage Pendant Watch · Quartz · Gold-tone with blue Hō-ō enamel back and silk cord · Japan, circa 1970s/80s

This charming pendant watch is a decorative vintage piece with a distinctly bijou character – smaller and more finely proportioned than a classic pocket watch, placing it somewhere between a jewelry pendant, a chatelaine watch, and an elegant accessory. It is equally suitable as a functional timepiece, a pocket charm, a key ring, or a purely decorative collector's item.

Dial and Case

The dial is two-tone and unusually beautifully designed: a white outer zone features golden Roman numerals and provides an elegant frame for the light blue, slightly domed inner field. At the center of the dial is a small golden ginkgo leaf – a traditional Japanese symbol for longevity, perseverance, and constancy. The gold-plated dauphine hands pick up the warm tone of the case. The result is a very harmonious color composition of gold, white, and pastel blue, which appears timelessly feminine and at the same time stylistically unique.

The Back – the True Heart

The back features a full-surface blue enamel relief with a magnificent Hō-ō (鳳凰) – the Japanese phoenix, one of the most significant symbols of good fortune in Japanese culture and iconography. The Hō-ō is considered a symbol of rebirth, dignity, harmony, and imperial elegance; it traditionally appears on temple roofs, lacquerware, and high-quality Japanese handicrafts. The motif shows the bird with a characteristically spread, ornamentally fanned tail, head lowered forward with a feathered crown and hinted peacock eyes in the plumage – on a finely dotted background reminiscent of Shibuichi or Nanako chiseling in classical Japanese metal art. This back makes the piece interesting even if it is not worn or kept as a timepiece but as a collector's or decorative item.

Cord

The light blue silk cord with a braided middle section and fine tassel is perfectly matched in color to the dial and enamel and, in its craftsmanship and coloring, is reminiscent of traditional Japanese Sageo or Netsuke cords. It emphasizes the overall decorative character and clearly distinguishes this piece from ordinary pendant watches.

Origin

A definitive brand assignment cannot be made as the dial merely states "Quartz". However, the combination of the Hō-ō enamel back, ginkgo leaf motif, silk cord, and overall concept clearly points to Japanese production from the 1970s to early 1980s – likely manufactured as a high-quality accessory or souvenir item of the upper category. Its appeal lies in its exceptional design, very good condition, and strong decorative charisma.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Vintage Pendant Watch, Manufacturer unknown, Japan c. 1970s/80s
  
• Movement: Quartz
  
• Display: Hour, Minute
  
• Dial: White with light blue center, golden Roman numerals, golden ginkgo leaf motif, golden hands
  
• Case color: Gold-colored
  
• Back: Full-surface blue enamel with embossed Hō-ō (Japanese Phoenix) motif
  
• Cord: Light blue silk cord with tassel
  
• Cord length: approx. 15 cm
  
• Diameter: 31.5 mm
  
• Total height incl. suspension and crown: 38.8 mm
  
• Thickness: 9.7 mm
  
• Battery: Newly installed
  
• Watch condition: As new to very good condition
  
• Overall condition: Very decorative and well-maintained overall impression

Warranty (used) This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

 

Note As this is a used watch, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.