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Julien Le Roy Quartz Tank Watch c.1980s

A rectangular gold-toned Julien Le Roy quartz watch with a white and gold dial on a dark lizard-grain strap. - view 1
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Estimated value

$40 - $120

Rarity

Common(3/10)

Category

Watches

Brand

Julien Le Roy

Era

c. 1980

Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Artist / Creator

Julien Le Roy

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
16

INSIDE JULIEN LE ROY QUARTZ TANK WATCH C.1980S

A rectangular 'tank' style dress watch featuring a minimalist dial with a golden circular motif. The dial is signed 'Julien Le Roy' with a 'Quartz Swiss' designation at the 6 o'clock position. The case appears to be gold-plated base metal with a vertical-brushed stainless steel snap-back. It is fitted with a lizard-grain leather strap that shows significant age-related degradation.

TIMEKEEPING ACROSS CULTURES

Where This Object Echoes

French Horology1730-1760

The original Julien Le Roy established the dominance of French watchmaking in the 18th century.

1980s Corporate BrandingLate 20th Century

The practice of reviving dead 'prestige' names for consumer electronics and lifestyle goods.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Formal dress standards of the 1980s requiring slim, non-chunky timepieces for business attire.

Meaning Through Time

18th Century

Innovation, royal patronage, and mechanical complexity.

1980s

Affordable elegance and the reliability of Swiss quartz technology.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

The name Julien Le Roy (1686–1759) carries immense weight in horological history, as he was the clockmaker to King Louis XV and a rival to George Graham. However, the 'Julien Le Roy' seen here is a 20th-century brand revival that utilized his prestigious name for mass-market quartz timepieces. ...
The name Julien Le Roy (1686–1759) carries immense weight in horological history, as he was the clockmaker to King Louis XV and a rival to George Graham. However, the 'Julien Le Roy' seen here is a 20th-century brand revival that utilized his prestigious name for mass-market quartz timepieces. This specific piece reflects the aesthetic of the 1980s quartz revolution, where traditional luxury silhouettes (like the Cartier Tank) were democratized using Swiss quartz movements and accessible materials.

HOROLOGICAL SECRETS

1

The original 18th-century Julien Le Roy was credited with making watches thinner by inventing a new type of repeating mechanism.

2

During the 'Quartz Crisis' of the late 70s and 80s, many storied historic names were bought or licensed to sell modern battery-powered watches.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Consistent construction for 1980s trade-brand watches
  • Proper 'Swiss' quartz labeling
  • Standard stainless steel back markings
How does authenticity detection work?

WATCHMAKER'S ASSESSMENT

Vintage Watchmaker & Horology Specialist

Horologist

The watch is a very standard example of late 20th-century Swiss quartz production using a licensed historical name. Visual markers are clear and consistent with the era.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Presence of 'Quartz Swiss' signature on dial.
  • 2Tank-style case geometry popular in the 1980s revival of classicism.
  • 3Stainless steel snap-on case back is typical for mid-tier quartz production.
  • 4Integrated crown with a small cabochon-style tip.
  • 5Oxidation on the strap indicates the base metal of the spring bars or buckle is reacting to moisture over decades.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Strap oxidation (green residue) can sometimes migrate into the movement if moisture levels were high.
  • •Brand name is a revival, not a continuation of the 18th-century master.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Perform a battery replacement to check for movement functionality.
  • →Inspect the movement for signs of battery leakage/acid corrosion.
  • →Replace the degraded leather strap immediately to prevent further verdigris transfer to the lugs.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The watch head shows moderate wear to the gold plating on the lug edges. The leather strap is in poor condition, exhibiting 'verdigris' (green oxidation buildup) near the lugs and significant cracking on the underside.

Surface

Polished gold finish on the bezel with minor surface micro-scratching; case back shows a coarse industrial vertical brush. Dial is matte white with a metallic gold-printed center ring.

Weight & feel

Lightweight and slim; typical of entry-level quartz dress watches from the late 20th century.

WATCH MARKET VALUE

$40 - $120

Updated: Mar 9, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCANNER FINDINGS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User's identification of brand 'Julien Le Roy' matches dial signature.
  • User's 1980 era estimate aligns perfectly with the quartz movement and Tank-style design.
  • Origin 'Switzerland' aligns with the 'Swiss' marking on the dial.

What Conflicted

  • User noted 'Minor wear', but the strap shows advanced degradation and oxidation (verdigris) which suggests more significant environmental wear.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RE

Rene

Fellow Collector•44 items

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