Key Takeaways:
- Gold watches continue to hold their allure, despite the popularity of stainless steel watches.
- Options for gold watches at various price points are available, from gold-plated and PVD-treated models to bi-material timepieces.
- Brands like Casio, Orient, Seiko, Bulova, Hamilton, Junghans, and Rado offer elegant gold watches at affordable prices.
Gold-Plated and PVD Options for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Casio Vintage Gold A168GW-9VT: This gold-toned model from Casio’s Vintage series offers a combination of high functionality and gilded flair for under $70.
Orient Bambino: Orient’s dressy gents’ model, the Bambino, features a clean white dial and an in-house automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, all for just $185.
Seiko Presage “Cocktail Time Manhattan” SRPB46: Part of Seiko’s automatic-only Presage family, this model is inspired by Japan’s atmospheric rooftop bars and offers an in-house automatic movement at a $495 price point.
Bulova My Way Gold Tone, Silver Dial: Paying homage to Frank Sinatra, Bulova’s Sinatra Collection offers the Art Deco-influenced “My Way” model in gold-toned steel for $525.
Hamilton American Classic Intra-matic: Inspired by a mid-20th-century Hamilton timepiece, the Intra-Matic series offers a retro yellow-gold PVD-coated steel case for $1,295.
Junghans Max Bill Automatic Gold PVD: A trailblazer of the minimalist, Bauhaus style of watch design, the Max Bill series offers a gold PVD-finished stainless steel case and a high-contrast white dial for $1,295.
Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Rose Gold 37mm: Known for its avant-garde designs and materials, Rado also offers vintage-inspired dress watches like the gold PVD-treated Coupole Classic with an 80-hour power reserve for $1,450.
Bi-Material Watches: Mixing Gold and Steel for an Affordable Luxury
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 Two-Tone: Price: $795, Reference: T006.407.22.033.00, Case Size: 39.3mm, Case Height: 9.75mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Lug to Lug: 49mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.111
Tissot, a well-respected Swiss brand, offers the Le Locle Powermatic 80 two-tone model that combines a stainless steel case and bracelet with gold PVD accents. The watch features a guilloché dial, Roman numeral hour markers, and a date display at 3 o’clock. Its automatic movement boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve and adds to the watch’s overall value at a $795 price point.
Longines Master Collection Two-Tone: Price: $2,150, Reference: L2.793.5.19.7, Case Size: 40mm, Case Height: 9.5mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic L619/888
Longines, another esteemed Swiss brand, presents the Master Collection Two-Tone watch, which elegantly combines a stainless steel case and bracelet with rose gold PVD accents. The silver “barleycorn” patterned dial features blue steel hands, Arabic numeral hour markers, and a date display at 6 o’clock. The watch is powered by the automatic L619/888 movement and is priced at $2,150.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Two-Tone: Price: $6,400, Reference: 220.20.38.20.02.001, Case Size: 38mm, Case Height: 13.5mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 150 meters, Movement: Automatic Omega 8800
For those seeking a luxury two-tone watch, Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra offers a stunning combination of stainless steel and 18k Sedna gold. The watch features a silver teak-pattern dial, luminous hands and hour markers, and a date display at 6 o’clock. It is powered by the automatic Omega 8800 movement, which is METAS-certified and resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. The Seamaster Aqua Terra is priced at $6,400.
Solid Gold Watches: A Timeless Investment
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 Yellow Gold: Price: $34,150, Reference: 126238, Case Size: 36mm, Case Height: 11.7mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Rolex 3235
As one of the most iconic luxury watch brands, Rolex offers the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in solid 18k yellow gold. The watch features a fluted bezel, a silver sunray dial with Roman numeral hour markers, and a date display at 3 o’clock. It is powered by the in-house automatic Rolex 3235 movement, which offers a 70-hour power reserve. The Datejust 36 is priced at $34,150.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196J Yellow Gold: Price: $22,000, Reference: 5196J-001, Case Size: 37mm, Case Height: 8mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Manual-Winding Patek Philippe 215 PS
The Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196J is an exquisite example of a solid 18k yellow gold timepiece. The watch features a clean, silver dial with applied gold hour markers, dauphine hands, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The Calatrava is powered by Patek Philippe’s manual-winding 215 PS movement, which has a power reserve of up to 44 hours. This elegant dress watch is priced at $22,000.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm Rose Gold: Price: $50,500, Reference: 15500OR.OO.D088CR.01, Case Size: 41mm, Case Height: 10.4mm, Lug Width: 26mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic Audemars Piguet 4302
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm in 18k rose gold is a stunning and luxurious timepiece. Its iconic design features the signature octagonal bezel with visible screws, integrated bracelet, and a “Grande Tapisserie” patterned dial with applied gold hour markers and a date display at 3 o’clock. The watch is powered by Audemars Piguet’s in-house automatic 4302 movement, which has a 70-hour power reserve. The Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm in rose gold is priced at $50,500.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to invest in a solid gold timepiece, a two-tone watch, or a more budget-friendly gold-plated model, there are many options available to suit your style and budget. The gold field watch market offers a diverse range of designs and brands, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect timepiece to match your personal taste and preferences.
