time + tide
gold. It is a sacred metal and a material that is often considered too pretentious for everyday wear. This is a shame because even though many people are a little skeptical of extravagant and somewhat bold metals, there are some really good-looking rose gold watches that are easy to pull off even on men’s wrists. Could this guide change the way you think about rose gold watches? We hope so.
You don’t have to exude alpha male swagger to wear a rose gold watch. The bottom line? Men can wear pink too, but many people considering purchasing pink may put off the idea before trying it on for size. There’s actually a great deal of versatility in rose gold watches, whether you’re looking for a plated dress watch or a solid gold sports watch that will withstand the flex. There are many options, and these are just the tip of the rosy iceberg.
orient bambino
Despite merging with Epson in the 1970s, Orient has managed to carve its own path in Japanese watchmaking, primarily in the affordable sector. If you haven’t yet discovered the rich oil reserves in your backyard and can’t afford all the Pateks and Vacheron Constantins of the world, the mechanical movements of the Bambino series are worth considering. The Orient Bambino you see here is a 42mm automatic model with a gorgeous blonde dial that perfectly matches the rose gold-plated stainless steel case. It may not be a solid gold watch, but it definitely gives you that gentle, sparkling pop of color that you want from rose gold. I would have liked to have seen Orient put the date on a color-matched background here, but overall this is a very nice, well-priced dress watch. Price: $270
Mido Multifort TV 35
Mido’s new slimmed-down Multifort TV shows how the brand is committed to offering vintage sizing and modern perks. Whether it’s the PVD rose gold coating on this model or the Caliber 72 that powers all of this new series, which holds a 72-hour power reserve in a much smaller package. Although this model has diamond markers, the watch is far from feminine thanks to its sporty case construction and Nautilus-style bracelet. This luxurious look is also achieved at a very manageable price point. Price: 1,500 USD.
Longines Master Collection GMT
We are not firmly in the realm of pure gold. Longines has a brand origin and history that many other young brands cannot offer. Its solid flagship designs include classic models from the Master Collection, such as this rose gold GMT watch with delicate Roman numeral hour markers. With its 40mm diameter Goldilocks proportions and 18K rose gold case, it’s a robust and reliable model that, when paired with something smart, elevates it to the level of a dress watch. Don’t get me wrong. Longines also offers other great GMT options, for example the Spirit Zulu. But there’s something so classic about this model that, apart from the very discreet 24-hour scale on the flange and the ultra-slim GMT hand, you’ll hardly notice that it has a travel complication. Price: $14,750
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sports
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport is a unique choice for a rose gold watch. Brings out the reddish-pink nuances of rose gold to the dashboard of a classic race car. This design shows that precious metals and durability can (and can) coexist in a watch, and that it can be found even in the most masculine pockets on the market. The Carrera is a very classic men’s chronograph design that represents the golden age of motorsport racing. The Extreme Sports model offers a modern touch by cutting away the dial to reveal the inner workings of the movement and rose gold date. This 44mm model features an 18ct 5N rose gold case with stealth black ceramic pushpieces and matching rose gold elements on the skeleton dial. The display reveals the Manufacture TH20-00 caliber with an 80-hour power reserve. Price: $12,300
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Waldtimer
Of course, when you hear the name Omega you automatically jump to Speed, but the Seamaster is probably one of the biggest diving watch series to explore. Among the hundreds of configurations, styles and features within this collection are Aqua Terra-like designs with modest 150 meter water resistance and plenty of sartorial dive watch style. This travel companion is a world time complication housed in an 18ct Sedna gold case, Omega’s exclusive rose gold alloy. The deep blue leather strap matches well with the silver-white dial and intricate titanium globe decoration, while the rose gold finish continues in the heart of the watch, with a matching Sedna gold rotor. Masu. Price: $29,500
Grand Seiko Evolution 9
The rose gold Grand Seiko Evolution 9 has to be one of the most classic-looking watches in this entire lineup. This watch bucks the trend, paying homage to the brand’s popular 44GS watch from 1967, albeit with a completely modern movement. The watch is equipped with the brand’s first manual high-beat movement in 50 years and maintains a very traditional aesthetic. However, the dial is clearly the star of this design, reminiscent of the texture of tree bark. It’s nothing new for Grand Seiko to draw inspiration from the natural environment of the brand’s design studio. But look closely at the 6 o’clock position. The SD (star) mark is also a feature that indicates solid gold hands. Price: $45,000
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold
At the top of the price range, you’ll find time and date watches from one of the world’s most respected watchmakers (actually part of the Holy Trinity). The iconic Royal Oak has always been a marquee in Audemars Piguet’s catalogue, and it takes quite a bit to convince the brand’s audience that the original stainless steel version of this iconic sports watch is indeed worth more than a dollar. Believe me when I say it took some clever marketing. A solid gold watch from the 1970s. Nevertheless, the sexy 18ct Frosted Rose Gold Royal Oak is still a holy grail watch in every sense of the word, sporting a gorgeous dial that even resembles a solid piece of gold. The Grand Tapisserie dial is a signature Royal Oak design feature, as is the octagonal bezel that frames it and the integrated bracelet. This Frosted Gold version is a great value, with a unique hammering technique applied to the metal that mimics a kind of “diamond dust” effect. Price: on request
