Borna Bosniaks
A gold watch is the ultimate status symbol. Though recent watch trends have leaned towards steel, gold’s timeless appeal continues to be proven as brands release their flagship models in precious metals. Don’t get us wrong, gold can be gaudy and counterbalance a lack of personality in the wrong way. But done right, it exudes a special dignity that only a gold watch can offer. If you want a precious metal watch that doesn’t immediately convey luxury, you’re better off with a white gold or platinum watch, as all of the watches on this list are just slightly less gold shades.
Nomos Ludwig Gold 33
As the king of affordable, high-quality watchmaking, it’s no surprise that NOMOS is also the entry level for the best gold watches. This 33mm Ludwig with Alpha caliber is a real classic. Looking at it, you’ll think this is what a standard wristwatch from the 1950s looked like. The case is 18k, 3N gold, and it’s just 6.6mm high and 6.6mm long lug-to-lug. Price: $10,140 USD
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glass Box
Moustaches, cigarettes and a general disregard for safety are very much indicative of 1970s F1, but so were the watches, most famously the shiny gold Heuer Carrera 1158 CHN. These were gifts from then-CEO Jack Heuer to drivers like Lauda and Ickx, and were resurrected last year as the Carrera Chronograph Glass Box. The gold Panda is a perfect tribute to a bygone era in motorsport, and one of the best watches of last year. Price: USD 21,500
Hublot Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold
Hublot is known for experimenting with materials, but one often overlooked element in the lineup is Magic Gold. Though it looks like a slightly toned-down yellow gold, it’s actually a unique 18K alloy made by infusing ultra-hard boron carbide with 24K gold, giving it the lustre of gold but inflexibility. Combine this with the shape of the Big Bang Unico and you get a watch that’s very Hublot-esque. Price: USD 40,500
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine on Moonshine
With its iconic black dial and steel case, the Speedmaster, with its moon landing heritage, has always been a tool-like, practical watch (despite not being waterproof). But when Omega released this shiny Moonshine Gold Speedmaster, it became clear that this watch had serious luxury potential, and that the yellow gold Moon Landing Speedmaster special edition was no coincidence. The pink Sedna gold cased Speedmaster also deserves an honorable mention, falling just short of its yellow gold sibling. Price: $42,600 USD
Berneron Mirage
Worth a place on this list for its innovative approach to fine watchmaking alone, the Berneron Mirage Sienna is also unique for the amount of gold used in its construction. Not only is the twisted case in yellow gold, but this material is also used extensively in the hand-wound movement developed by Cercle des Horlogers. Potential spoiler alert – this is a feature it shares with another entry on this list. Price: USD 62,000
Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222
The 222 was the first watch that came to mind while researching this article. From the unique shine of the brushed gold to the unique presence that the 37mm case gives off, there’s nothing else quite like it. In an interview with Andrew, Vacheron Constantin’s Style & Heritage Director Christian Sermoni said that the case is “close to perfection.” And he’s right. Price: USD 74,000
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton
Few watches have interested me much when I saw the press images, but then I was pleasantly surprised when I saw them in the metal. Even fewer have completely changed my opinion on a broader topic, and Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Skeleton is one such example. It opened my mind to the idea of openwork, thanks to its organic, flowing bridges and, again, the best bracelet of any watch I’ve experienced. It’s a happy coincidence that it’s hard to get hold of in Australia; otherwise I’d have to consider parting with a kidney (or two – do whatever). Price: CHF 97,000 (approx. US$110,000)
FP Journe Chronometer A Resonance
FP Journe is one of the few watchmakers to have experimented with the phenomenon of resonance, first observed by Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century. Journe’s latest watch to exploit this phenomenon, arriving 20 years after the first limited-edition series, is more complicated than ever, featuring a differential powering two independent going trains, and a one-second double remontoir d’égalité.
You may be wondering, “Why is this watch on our list of the best gold watches?” It’s not just the case that’s made of rose gold, but the entire movement, which is an FP Journe signature. Price: Starting at $136,700 USD
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Tourbillon Openwork Sand Gold
Besides announcing John Mayer as their new “creative conduit” (and releasing a pretty snazzy watch), the biggest news from Audemars Piguet’s Social Club 2024 was the introduction of a new material: sand gold. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Openwork was the lucky first model to be adorned with this new metalworking, and as we’ve come to expect from most of the pieces coming out of AP’s workshops, it’s quite the sight, with a hue achieved through the addition of copper and palladium. Price: USD 282,000
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honey Gold Lumen
A. Lange & Söhne’s latest Lumen doesn’t need much introduction, being perhaps the most well-known watch made with materials specific to the German brand. While the sub-elements of the luminous dial are obviously noticeable, the honey gold case is just adorable and finished to perfection, as you’d expect. Am I making excuses to shoehorn the Datograph Lumen into as many “best” lists as possible? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. It’s such a great watch. Anyway, keep an eye out for next week’s “Best German Chronographs Starting with D” list. Price: USD 620,000
T+T Timeless Pick: Rolex Day-Date 36
This watch is one of a kind. The Rolex Day-Date is not just a gold watch, it’s rare and iconic. It’s often associated with world leaders, worn by presidents, monarchs, dictators, star athletes, celebrities and even spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama. There’s plenty of choice too, with the Day-Date available in three finishes in gold and platinum. Don’t forget to choose the optional fluted bezel and president bracelet. Price: From $15,000 (vintage) or $36,500 (modern)
