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Julien Le Roy Quartz Tank Watch

Vintage Julien Le Roy quartz watch with rectangular gold-toned case, white dial, and brown leather strap on a wooden surface. - view 1
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Estimated value

$25 - $75

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Watches

Brand

Julien Le Roy

Era

c. 1985-1995

Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Artist / Creator

Julien Le Roy

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
37

JULIEN LE ROY QUARTZ TANK WATCH: IDENTIFICATION

A rectangular dress watch featuring a gold-toned base metal case with a stainless steel snap-back. The dial utilizes a minimalist two-tone white and champagne concentric circle design, minimalist baton hands, and a 'QUARTZ SWISS' designation at the six o'clock position. The case measures approximately 22mm in width excluding the crown, fitted with a brown lizard-pattern leather strap exhibiting significant verdigris accumulation at the lug attachment points.

Compare with other watches in the archive: Angus & Coote 'Faithful Lever' Pocket Watch (Elgin Movement) c.1915, Baume & Mercier Geneve Ladies Wristwatch c.1970s, Baume & Mercier Geneva Vintage Square Dress Watch c.1970.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Art Deco1920s-1940s

The rectangular 'Tank' silhouette originated in 1917 and became a staple of early 20th-century geometric design.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Traditional gift-giving for graduation or professional milestones in the late 20th century

Meaning Through Time

18th Century

Julien Le Roy represented the pinnacle of mechanical innovation and royal patronage.

Late 20th Century

The name became a branding tool for accessible, quartz-powered luxury aesthetic.

PRODUCTION & REFERENCE HISTORY

While the name Julien Le Roy refers to the 18th-century clockmaker to Louis XV, this modern quartz iteration is a late 20th-century licensed or trademarked fashion timepiece produced circa 1985-1995. This era saw a proliferation of heritage names applied to mass-produced Swiss-parts quartz ...
While the name Julien Le Roy refers to the 18th-century clockmaker to Louis XV, this modern quartz iteration is a late 20th-century licensed or trademarked fashion timepiece produced circa 1985-1995. This era saw a proliferation of heritage names applied to mass-produced Swiss-parts quartz movements to appeal to the classic 'Tank' aesthetic popularized by Cartier.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

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

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 16 watches items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

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

Confidence Factors

  • Consistent construction for a late-20th century fashion watch
  • Standardized markings for mid-tier quartz Swiss-branded timepieces
How does authenticity detection work?

WATCHMAKER'S ASSESSMENT

Vintage Watchmaker & Horology Specialist

Horologist

The identification is based on clear dial signatures and case back markings consistent with known period fashion watches. Uncertainty remains only regarding the specific internal caliber (likely ETA or ESA quartz).

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Quartz Swiss signature on dial denotes a battery-powered movement from the 1980s or later.
  • 2Stainless Steel Back marking confirms the mid-case is base metal (likely plated brass).
  • 3Verdigris (green corrosion) is characteristic of copper-based alloys used in plating under-layers reacting with salts.
  • 4Case geometry and dial design are derivative of the Cartier Tank Must de Cartier series.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Heavy verdigris may have compromised the integrity of the spring bars or leaked into the movement spacer.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Remove the case back to inspect for battery leakage or movement corrosion.
  • →Discard the current strap and clean the lugs with a soft brush to remove verdigris.
  • →Test the circuit and coil if a new 364 or 371 battery does not restart the movement.

CONDITION & GRADE

Fair - Movement unverified, significant oxidation on hardware

Grading breakdown

Case plating is intact but scratched; the dial appears clean without moisture damage, though the heavy green corrosion at the lugs suggests prolonged exposure to sweat or moisture.

Condition

Significant verdigris buildup at the spring bars and strap ends; the case shows micro-scratching through the plating. The strap is heavily worn and requires replacement for hygienic and aesthetic reasons.

WATCH MARKET VALUE

$25 - $75

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Entry-level vintage enthusiasts seeking the 'Cartier look' on a budget and fashion-focused secondary market buyers.

What increases value

  • •Working movement status
  • •Clarity of the dial and lack of 'foxing' or spotting
  • •Preservation of gold plating on the case edges

What lowers value

  • •Inoperative quartz movement due to old battery leakage
  • •Pitting in the base metal once plating is worn through

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Original presentation box
  • •Unpolished case edges
  • •Solid gold 18k case variants (though this example is clearly plated)

Grade & condition

Case plating wear, dial cleanliness, quartz movement functionality, and battery compartment corrosion.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar watches objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RE

Rene

Fellow Collector•44 items

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