40 Best Gold Watches at Every Price-Point
Precious metals are always a grail in some capacity to watch collectors. While typically more expensive than steel watches, gold tends to elevate watches into a bit more prestigious position. Sure it’s awesome to get your hands on a steel Royal Oak, but have you ever tried on a Solid Gold Royal Oak? Felt the weight? There’s a level of assumed status and success with gold.
On the other side of the coin is gold plated watches. These tend to provide the look but cost significantly less. Some can even be affordable or found online and in retailers today. We thought that we’d round up a list of some of gold watches we love in every price point. Some are as low as $200, with some over 7-figures. So without further ado, here are 40 of our favorite gold watches.
Yellow Gold
Oris Big Crown Wings of Hope Limited Edition
Oris has long been associated with some seriously cool causes through their Change for the Better partnerships. Oftentimes, these limited editions will feature some unique features that may not be typical of the brand’s standard catalog. One of the cooler offerings is the Wings of Hope limited edition. This solid gold entry from Oris is simple, but stunningly beautiful. In keeping with their pointer-date style, the Wings of Hope measures in at 38mm in solid gold with an oversized crown. Then, the gold handset and gold indices pop well against the white dial, while a splash of color in the sub-seconds dial gives an overall classic look to the model. Price for the Wings of Hope Limited Edition is $17,000 USD, making it one of the more expensive models Oris has produced, but we’d argue it’s still a great value against other similar offerings.
Casio A168WG
What list would be complete without an absolute classic that has remained unchanged for decades? The Casio A168WG may have been adopted by the hipster crowd, but it’s long been a staple of many watch collectors for a long long time. The watch has an alarm function and a light. It’s one of those watches who’s history is firmly rooting in being cheap, available, and go with everything. It’s honestly quite a steal at only $50 USD on Amazon.
Rolex Day-Date President
The king of gold watches, the Rolex Day-Date President. This watch has long been held as the “It” watch through history. Since it’s release, it’s gone through a number of iterations and stylistic designs, but they’ve always been precious metal. It was hard to argue someone’s success when they have the President on the wrist as it’s largely been seen as the ultimate status symbol. The 18-karat gold watch utilizes a 40 mm case with over 100 grams of pure gold making it a big, shiny, heavy Rolex. Price for the Rolex President is right around $40,000 USD.
Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” 116508-0013
The second Rolex on our list is one of the rarer Daytona’s. Famously worn by John Mayer fairly regularly, the Daytona ref. 116508-003 was dubbed the Daytona “John Mayer”. He’s also called it an incredible value for Rolex, and of course, that made it less of a value. It was identifiable with it’s strong green dial paired with the gold case. It’s not a typically Rolex configuration and is a bit more eccentric compared to say the Daytona’s in steal. Rolex isn’t necessarily averse to strong color pallets, but the John Mayer is a testament to how well they can actually do it. Retail will be much lower, but the market price for the John Mayer is sitting rought around $90,000 USD.
Cartier Santos
The Cartier Santos has seen quite the comeback in recent years. Cartier recently relaunched the model with some serious updates that are both interesting, and desirable. For starters, the case shape has been reimagined, but still holds true to its roots with the inclusion of a number of upgrade from the movement to the materials. The gold Cartier Santos has stood out among a number of its peers due to its (obvious) tones and the serious status piece that it has become. The Santos is unique in that when it comes to steel sport watches, you can walk into a Cartier and typically it’s available for purchase. Elevate that to the fact that many models are available in Gold at a retail price elevates its desirability. Retail on it is $37,500 USD which pits it against some heavy hitters in the mens gold watch category like Rolex and Omega, but with plenty of availability.
Bulova Curv Chronograph
I remember my first run in with the Bulova Curv on a cruise ship in Miami (Travis). It was surprisingly comfortable, though I found myself less enamored with how incredibly… Bland it was. Bulova has recently released a model with a bit more chracter with the Bulova Curv in a gold plating. It is slightly pricey for the brand, but due to some availability on the worlds largest retailer, it’s become a bit more reasonable considering it’s predecessors. You can pick up the Bulova Curv for $870 USD on Amazon. A significant 40% off it’s retail price.
Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin
If you’re in the market for a Genta design without the waitlists, vintage markets, or obscene prices, have we got the watch watch for you. The Maestro himself has passed on his company with his designs and released a fantastic staple to his own brand with the Maestro 2.0 Ultra Thin. While unfortunately, Genta has passed in 2011, his designs and design language have lived on in Gerald Charles. The brand has released a number of new designs carrying Genta’s unique design language (Which you can read all about here) with a new ultra-thin that combines gold, relative and asymetrical case shape, and plenty of Genta charm in a new model designed for the brand. Price for the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin in gold is $37,200 USD - Which feels like kind of a steal for a modern Genta design.
Brew Metric
When it comes to successful microbrands, Brew has to be included in the list. The funky coffee inspired watches sell like hotcakes upon their releases. Up until this point, Brew has dealt in steel cases, but for their latest release, Brew coats their steel case in gold, and gives it a black dial. The whole look is very black tie, and since it’s the Metric chronograph, comes on a unique flat link tapered bracelet, which makes the watch all the more Dapper. Price for the Brew Metric Gold is $475 USD.
Timex Q
The Timex Q has seen immense success in the modern affordable collectors rotation. It was a fantastic re-release of a classic Timex design. It somehow mangages to channel both the brand’s vintage designs with a modern design language - And we’re hear for it. Our favorite is a gold plated model with blue dial. The Timex Q in gold and blue is a contemporary pieces that manages a number of textures and colors that simply work when put together. This is another of our gold-toned watches (as opposed to a solid gold watch). And the benefit of this is that it’s beyond affordable at only $158 USD on Amazon.
Tissot PRX
If you’ve followed Wrist Enthusiast for any amount of time, you’d know that we are huge fans of the Tissot PRX. We even reviewed both automatic chronograph models here. One of the lesser known released into the PRX collection is the gold model with champagne dial. It’s a classic version of the PRX that harkens back to the brands roots with an integral vintage style with some modern upgrades like an integrated bracelet and updated movement. You can pick the Tissot PRX up in a gold plating for $440 USD.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41
When the Alpine Eagle was re-released in it’s current configuration a few years ago, it came with some mixed reviews. For the most part, people loved it. But there was certainly very few who felt it was just lackluster. Chopard has opted to offer an entirely gold version if it’s Alpine Eagle 41. It’s still uniquely Chopard, but a little more glitzy than the other steel models that the line is more prone to produced. The watch still features it’s etched sunburst textured dial with alternating gold numerals and handsets. It truly is gold on gold on gold and the price reflects that at $53,800 USD.
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph
Tag Heuer has a rich history in the racing scene. One of the most iconic watches that the brand produces is the Carrera Chronograph - A typically thin, dressy watch. The 3N gold model was taking inspiration from motorsports, but given the luxury treatment. Like maybe if a Bentley was also a Formula One car. Price for the Chronograph is $21,500 USD.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m
The Omega Aqua Terra is one of those models in the Omega collection that has a rich history, but flies somewhat under the radar in a lot of circles. One of our favorite entries into the Aqua Terra collection is the all gold 150M. The sport watch style looks great with the integrated bracelet and gold treatment. The dial is textured with vertical striping and lume-filled indices. The broad arrow handset is always a nice touch from Omega. Price for the Seamaster Aqua Terra Gold is $35,500 USD.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Smoked Yellow Gold
Audemars has made a lot of waves this year with plenty of new releases to quell the madness around the Royal Oak. But actually, when it comes to gold, our favorite release is one from last year with the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Thin Smoked in yellow-gold. The smoky ring is almost a fume texture that pairs incredibly well with the Petite Tapisserie dial texture. Also, with the updates 7121 movement, the watch has some modern guts to it. Being that the Jumbo is only 39mm, the watch will be heavy, but nothing like some of the larger gold watches on this list. It’s a concise design and we love it, especially if you like AP’s signature bracelets. Retail for this watch was right around $70,000 USD but it’s selling for well over $200,000 USD on the secondary markets.
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K
While we’ll surrender that the Tudor Black Bat Fifty Eight tends to feature a dizzying array of versions and models released every year. Tudor has a tendency towards refinement, and that’s a blessing and a curse. One of the models that seemingly came out of left field was the Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight 18K Gold. A luxury addition to it’s otherwise tool-ey model. The dive watch was given the hunter green treatment with the removal of a date window and the addition of a leather strap. It seems more positioned in the dress watch category than the tool watch category. Maybe that’s why we love it so much. Price for the Fifty Eight 18K Gold is $17,400 USD.
Rose Gold
IWC Portugieser Automatic Boutique Edition
There are a few reasons why we love the IWC Portugieser Automatic Boutique Edition. For starters, it’s simply an incredibly elegant offering from the typically tool-watch centered pilot brand. The Protugieser fits into the brand’s more dressy collection, though relatively oversized by modern dress watch standards. In this case, the 42.5mm case comes in a lovely shade of pink gold with an oversized sapphire case back to view the beautiful 52010 movemnet. Paired with the blue dial, is a blue crocodile leather strap, elevating the more dressy nature of the watch. Price for the IWC Portuguieser Automatic Boutique Edition is $25,600 USD.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB46
One of the least popular Presage Cocktail Time’s, is the SRPB46. A brown dialed rose-gold coated dress watch from Seiko. The watch performed relatively well when it was first released, but was largely over shadowed by other color versions. The sunburst and “fan” textured dial provides plenty oof visual interest for not a whole lot of money. The Cocktail time is gold-tone but is actually steel coated. The fact that this is a Cocktail Time that is widely available, even at a bit of a discount. You can pick up the SRPB46 for a modest $330 USD on Amazon.
F.P. Journe Centrigraphe
F.P. Journe is largely heralded as the holy grail of atelier’s. Many watch makers themselves consider him one of the most revered watch makers on the planet. That being said, a very finite amount of production is ever readily available, and borderline impossible to get directly from the brand themselves. In fact, many many famous billionaires have sat on the “waitlist” for the Centrigraphe - One of the brand’s few Chronograph models. The watch comes in a rose gold and grey dial configuration with red accents to compliment the rose gold - All powered by the impressive 1506 Calibre - A movement with the ability to time something to within 1/100th of a second. While it’s incredibly unlikely to get this watch directly, we’ve seen it priced north of $320,000 USD on the secondary markets.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
“Nobody does blue like Vacheron Constantin” has been uttered many times from many enthusiasts who get the opportunity to see their blue dials in person. We’d argue that not many watches in the brand’s catalog do it an absolute justice like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas in pink gold. There’s something about the alternating color schemes with Vacheron’s penchant for blue, and the alternating finishings of the Overseas case and bracelet. It’s truly a beautiful sports watch, even if it is solid gold and priced at $54,500 USD - And that’s assuming you can even get one.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport 41mm
The Zenith El Primero is arguably the first automatic chronograph to hit the market, and the absolute first that can time something within 1/100th of a second. The brand has recently revamped the collection and added a sub-Collection with the Defy line. However, we’re still a sucker for the original configuration with colored sub-dials. In this case, the rose-gold treatment does the watch well. It adds a lovely contrast to the blues and greys that you typically see with the El Primero. Price for the Zenith El Primero in Rose Gold is $38,640 USD.
Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime
Inspired by the second generation Speedmaster, the latest Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime gives it the rose gold treatment, an aventurine dial, and a chime function. The watch is incredibly technically innovating for Omega, featuring a split second chronograph, a 60-hour power reserver, and a chime. The 45.5mm is given the rose gold treatment with Omega’s “Sedna” gold - A proprietary mix of alloys that gives the gold a bit of an extra redness and unique texture. Finally, the dial is fastened with an “Grand Feu” Enamel Aventurine plate mimicking the stars in the sky. A fitting dial for the first watch on the moon. Now, don’t be blown away by the price, but the extremely limited watch is price at $486,500 USD.
Casio G-Shock CasiOak Full Metal
The CasiOak has an extremely strong foothold in the affordable’s market. The relatively inexpensive watch comes in a dizzying array of colors and finished, with a unique style that’s both functional and sporty. Casio has recently released the Casioak in “Full Metal”, where as previously it was always sillicone. One of the options is our absolute favorite with the rose gold coated model (Ref. GMB2100GD-5A). It’s fitted with a rose gold bracelet instead of the typical rubber strap of the other’s in the collection. The contrasting black dial is easy to read and pairs lovely with the case color. Price for the Casio G-Shock Casioak in Rose Gold is $600 USD.
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon
Laurent Ferrier, for a long time, flew relatively under the radar. When the Grand Sport was initially released, many didn’t exactly understand the brand’s rich history, but the watch itself was a smash hit. Inspired by a car body, it was sleek with a performance engine in the beautiful movement. In 2019, the brand re-released the Grand Sport in rose gold, this time with a Tourbillon prominent in the back of the movement. It was given a rose gold bracelet, and brown dial. It was a beaufitul watch for those with deep pockets. It was priced at around $250,000 USD.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Sandblasted Gold
Bulgari already does Rose Gold really well, but with the Octo Finssimo, Bulgari gives it a little extra treatment. This time around, the Finissimo is sandblasted, giving it a unique matte finsh that' almost makes it unassuming. So if you’re a buyer who’s looking for a solid rose gold watch but don’t want something insanely flashy, consider the Octo Finssimo Sandblasted. Overall as well, for a solid rose gold wristwatch, the price isn’t terrible at around $35,000 USD.
A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down Flyback Chronograph
German horological juggernaut A. Lange & Sohne has rarely (if ever) released something that people weren’t impressed with. The Dataograph has become one of it’s most complicated and beautiful models. Utilizing a “Functional” triangle configuration, the Dataograph Up/Down Flyback Chronograph is a symbol of symitry in watchmaking. Since it’s a fully functioning chronograph, the two subdials are configured underneath an analog date window, making it superbly legible considering it’s many complications and pushers. And since it comes in both white and rose gold (rose is obviously our favorite) of course it has to be added to the list. Price for the watch is around $90,000 USD on the grey market.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
We at Wrist Enthusiast have long been fans of Parmigiani Fleurier. We’ve even reviewed the Tonda Chronograph, which you can read here. The Tonda collection in general have become very well received in the sport watch space, and now it’s available in rose gold with a micro-rotor movement - An overall perfect execution for a luxury sport watch in a precious metal (and who doesn’t love precious metals sport watches?). Price for the Ronda PF Micro-Rotor is $53,000 USD.
Tsao Baltimore Legacy 36
In the more affordable segment, we have the TSAO Baltimore Legacy 36. We’ve recently reviewed the TSAO Baltimore, and love it. TSAO does a really good job with colors and textures, and the Legacy 36 is no exception to that rule. The case has been coated in rose gold and a brushed texture giving it a more tool-like aesthetic. The vertically brushed dial is given contrasting lume-filled indices that make the watch very legible. Price foe the Legacy 36 is $575 USD.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface
Of course, what list would be complete without a Reverso Classic on the list. Jaeger LeCoultre created one of the most iconic dress watches on the market, which wasn’t even originally designed as a dress watch, it was designed for Polo players. The watch gets it’s name from it’s ability to pull out and flip over into the case - protecting the dial. The rose gold monoface is one of the most beautiful in the collection, and really stands out as a frontrunner for one of the most classic rose gold watches in the brand’s history. Price for the watch is $14,600 USD.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
The Navitimer is already a massive and heavy watch. But if you’re looking for some extra weight and flash, the Navitimer B01 comes in solid rose gold and on a bracelet. It’s essentially a brick of gold that’s available in an oversized 43mm pilot’s chronograph case. It dips back into Breitling’s roots with it’s standard Navitimer black dial and throwback logo. It’s one of Breitling’s most classic models, and the rose gold version is especially striking and we’re here for it. Price for the Navitimer in rose gold is $37,500 USD.
Swatch Bienne by Night
Swatch doesn’t have many rose gold models in it’s roladex, but a simple and inexpensive version created by the brand is the Bienne by Night. The stainless steel watch is coated in rose gold with some fantastic texture on the sunburst dial. It’s an ultra-thin, so it actually feels really dressy despite the rubber strap. And the best part? It can be picked up brand new for only $200 USD.
White Gold
Rolex Submariner
Obviously, we have to start off the White Gold list with a Rolex. But not any Rolex, the Rolex Submariner (Ref. 126619LB) in white gold. Taken inspiration from “The Blueberry” of old, the 126619LB get’s a modern treatment with a ceramic bezel and Rolex’s 3235 movement. The white gold tool watch get’s a welcomed update and stands as a prime example of how well Rolex does precious metals in watches that aren’t exactly known for being worn with a suit. Price for the 126619LB is $40,000 USD.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Chronograph
The Royal Oak may be one of the most classic sports watches on the market. In fact, when Gerald Genta first designed it, most considered it the birth of the modern luxury sport watch. And it’s only gotten more luxurious over time. One of the more recent white gold models is the Frosted Gold Chronograph. This case and bracelet has been especially “Frosted” to give it an icy finish that’s really not seen in many (if any) modern watches we can think of. Then, if we’re talking about more firsts, the Royal Oak is fitted with a beautiful purple hue dial. The watch was so out of right field that it was actually featured by Kumail Nanjiani in “The Eternals”. It’s hard to put an exact retail price on it, but the watch is currently selling for around $140,000 USD.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-001
The Aquanaut is the second most famous watch out of Patek Philippe behind it’s most obvious contender - The Nautilus. While the watch is mostly known in the steel category, Patek gave it the white gold treatment with the 5168G-001. The Aquanaut is again, a sport watch, so it’s cool, though not surprising that Patek would venture into the precious metal’s to further root it’s luxury sport watch into the “Luxury” segment. Can we really consider any offering from Patek Philippe as not a “Luxury” offering though? Probably not. Price for the Aquanaut 5168G-001 is sitting right around $85,000 USD.
MB&F LM Perpetual White Gold
MB&F’s Legacy Machines are truly as much art as they are performance luxury wrist watch. The skeletonized watch is available in White Gold, to give the Monochromatic watch (blued hands excluded) a bit more of a glitzy aesthetic. The watch is known for it’s Perpetual Calendar movement, utilizing 3 subdials over the skeletonized bridges to determine the day, month, and date. The time is displayed at a 12 o’clock. Central, and mounted on a V-shaped bridge, is an oversized tourbillon - tying the entire skeletonized dial together. Price for the MB&F LM Perpetual is sitting right at $225,000 USD at the moment.
Breguet Tradition 7097
From a value proposition standpoint, there is a lot to like about the Breguet Tradition 7097. For starters, you get four of Breguet’s proprietary technologies in the movement, all visible from the skeletonized dial. For starters, you get Breguet’s famous handset, followed by it’s balance spring, para-chute technology, and silicone escape wheel and lever, all in a solid white-gold case and dial. It’s a lot of watch for the money, as you can currently pick this watch up for around $30,000 USD.
H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds
H. Moser & Cie has long been a fan favorite in the industry, and a favorite of Wrist Enthusiast’s as well. The brand’s mix of constant trolling the industry, while also providing a solid offering themselves is as equally entertaining as it is impressive. The Endeavour Centre Seconds is a simple offering from Moser with an in-house movement with superb finishing and performance. The white gold case is complimented by the fume dial Moser is so popular for, with indices and simple sword hands as the time indicators. It’s both elegant and beautiful. Price for the Endeavour Centre Seconds is $24,200 USD.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/1G
Obviously, the Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 5811/1G) needs to be included in any discussion about precious metal watches. The 5811 is almost identical to the 5711 (The all steel model the brand is most known for) with the exception of it’s material being white gold. It’s another example of Patek adding an even more exclusive “Luxury” to it’s luxury sport watch segment. A “Luxury” Luxury Nautilus if you will. Price for the Nautilus 5811/1G is sitting around $145,000 USD. Ironically, only about 20% less than it’s steel counterpart.
Panerai Radiomir 10 Days GMT PAM00235
The PAM00235 is an interesting offering from Panerai considering the unique position the brand put’s their watches into - The military inspired tool watch. The watch is still very much a Radiomir GMT with it’s 45mm case with wire lugs, except it’s in white gold. The 10 day power reserve is something that Panerai is known for, as it’s an impressive power reserve for watches in this price point. The watch is limited to 250 pieces and priced at $34,200 USD.
Christophe Claret Soprano
Christophe Claret is an ultra-luxury brand that makes super exclusive and super complicated wrist watches. The Soprano is one of their chiming watches that fit’s into their extremely exclusive offerings with only eight pieces being produced. The white gold watch features rose gold bridges with a Tourbillon and a 4-note Westminster chime. Fitted in a 45mm case, the watch is simply beautiful, and matching rose gold indices and bridges with the white gold of the case is as beautiful as it is compicated. Price for the Christopher Claret is $476,000 USD.
Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1
We left the best for last. The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1 may be one of the most beautiful and interesting modern watches ever made. The brand says “Each piece tells a story” due to the fact that every facet of the watch is hand made or hand finished - A testament to watches of old. Each piece from the dial to the balance wheel is meticulously crafted over a long period of time. Since most watches have a production process that produces hundreds or thousands of pieces at a time, Greubel Forsey’s Hand Made 1 is produced by hand, taking much much longer, but with much more attention to detail than a machine-made watch.
What results is a watch that can only be produced in quantities of 1 or 2 a year - Making it one of the most exclusive watches in the brand’s catalog. That being said, it’s hard to put a price to it, since much of it is only available to very specific clients at very specific prices. However, it’s been reported that it’s north of $1,000,000 USD.
