Gold watches for men have long been a divisive accessory. While the right gold watch exudes elegant masculinity, they’re also inextricably linked to both old-school Wall St stockbrokers and gangsters, with many men choosing to eschew gold watches in favour of playing it safe with steel. However, gold watches continue to hold a certain timeless appeal, with the modern watches of today extending far beyond their origins as dress watches and into tool watches like divers as well as chronographs and digital watches.
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With both maximalist diamond-encrusted yellow gold watches and more pared-back timepieces with gold cases on the market, there’s a gold watch for every taste out there. To help simplify your search, we’ve put together a guide on the best gold watches for men. With budget-friendly options as well as timepieces reserved for high-flyers, these are the best gold watches for men in 2022.
Types of gold watches
As they say, all that glitters isn’t gold. When it comes to gold watches for men, there’s gold and then there’s gold gold. Gold watches run the gamut from gold-toned watches that don’t actually contain any real gold, to solid gold watches that cost about as much as a mortgage deposit. So you know what you’re in for, we’ve broken down the types of gold watches available.
Gold-tone watches: these are what you’ll find at the beginning of the price spectrum. Gold-toned watches are simply gold coloured and are crafted from another material like stainless steel, and contain little to no gold whatsoever. Despite their affordable nature, when done well they can elevate an outfit and provide you with the same elegance as their pricier counterparts.
Gold plated watches: though not often used on contemporary watches, many vintage watches feature gold plating. Gold plated watches have an ultra-thin layer of gold applied to a base metal (usually steel), which provides a gold look. However, the softness and malleability of gold leave gold plated watches susceptible to being scratched off, which is why this technique is relatively unpopular today.
Gold PVD: a modern alternative to gold plating, PVD refers to physical vapour deposition. PVD is a technical process wherein the chosen material (in this case gold) is vaporised before being deposited onto the base material (typically steel) and bonded at an atomic level. The bonding process melds both materials together, making gold PVD coating far more robust and durable than gold plating, and thus less likely to scratch off.
Solid gold: exactly what it sounds like. Though we take a more wholesome approach, for some horological purists, solid gold is the only type of gold worth looking into. Solid gold watches boast a case and bracelet crafted entirely from gold (usually 18k) with no base layer material. Solid gold watches are more delicate and susceptible to wear and tear than their steel counterparts and are significantly more expensive. Notable solid gold watches include the Rolex Day-Date, a timepiece exclusively made in precious metals like yellow or white gold, and occasionally platinum.
The best gold watches for men in 2022
From gold-toned to solid gold, quartz to automatic, and understated to eye-catching, these are the best gold watches for men.
1. Ingersoll 1892 The Herald Automatic
For a gold watch with a hint of edge, the Ingersoll 1892 The Herald Automatic is the way to go. Featuring a skeleton dial and gold-toned stainless steel case and bracelet, it exudes classic vintage style.
Price: $681 AUD
Model: The Herald Automatic I00408
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
2. Bulova Classic Watch 97M116
The tonneau shape of the Bulova Classic Watch imbues any look with a European sensibility. Featuring vintage details like Roman numerals, a gold link bracelet, and a brushed silver dial, it’s both statement-making and pared-back.
Price: $255 AUD
Model: 97M116 Classic Watch
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 31.5mm
3. Rolex Day-Date 40
The quintessential watch you think of when you hear the words ‘gold watch’ mentioned. Affectionately termed ‘The President’, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is exclusively made from precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, and platinum and often features diamonds or other gems. Our favourite is the classic white dial with a fluted bezel.
Price: $52850 AUD
Model: Day-Date 40
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
4. Seiko 5 Sports SRPE74
An automatic gold watch for under $500 AUD is somewhat of an anomaly, but Seiko makes it a reality. The Seiko 5 Sports SRPE74 combines the hallmarks of a sports watch with gold-toned stainless steel for a fun, accessible take on a gold watch for men.
Price: $449.99 AUD
Model: 5 Sports SRPE74
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 42.5mm
5. Cartier Tank Louis Watch
For effortless elegance, the Cartier Tank Louis Watch never fails. A true watch lover’s watch, this iteration features a hand-wound mechanical movement and is crafted from 18k rose gold, a slightly subdued yet equally as classy material as yellow gold.
Price: $42000 AUD
Model: Tank Louis ref. WGTA0024
Movement: Hand-Wound Mechanical
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 33.7mm
6. Tissot Excellence Automatic 18k Gold
Likely the least expensive solid gold watch on the market, the Tissot Excellence Automatic 18k Gold features a case crafted from – you guessed it – 18k gold. With a minimalist dial and classic styling, this Swiss-made timepiece is the ideal dress watch.
Price: $5125 AUD
Model: Excellence Automatic 18k Gold
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 39.8mm
7. Santos de Cartier
The Cartier Santos Dumont’s younger brother, the Santos is a definitively more modern, sportier take on the Santos model. Luxury minimalism at its finest, the Santos de Cartier features an oversized square dial with a sporty yellow gold bracelet.
Price: $46100 AUD
Model: Santos de Cartier ref. WGSA0030
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 35.1mm
8. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
A sports watch on a yellow gold bracelet is somewhat of an oxymoron, but the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin manages to make it work. Though technically within AP’s Royal Oak sports watch range, the gold dial, gold bracelet, and ultra-thin movement provide it with a sensibility more akin to a dress watch.
Price: $95000 AUD
Model: Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm
9. Timex Marlin Automatic
A modern take on a ’60s classic, the Timex Marlin Automatic boasts timeless design with a black dial complementing the gold-toned stainless steel case and indices. A dress watch on a budget, it clocks in at under $400 AUD.
Price: $399.95
Model: Marlin Automatic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
10. Breda Visser
For those who want a square-dial gold watch without breaking the bank, the Breda Visser watch fits the bill. Made from gold-toned stainless steel and featuring a brushed gold dial, it’s equal parts versatile and elegant.
Price: $150 USD
Model: Visser
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: Splash resistant
Case Diameter: 35mm
11. Tissot Classic Dream
Elegant yet understated, the Tissot Classic Dream is a steal. Taking on the aesthetics of a premium gold watch, this gold PVD watch features a subtle two-tone aesthetic with classic Roman numerals, a date window, and an alligator-look leather strap. While it has a definitively dress watch appearance, it also works well for daily wear.
Price: $400 AUD
Model: Classic Dream
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 42mm
12. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Money not an object? The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is the way to go. AN updated take on a ’70s classic, the monobloc tonneau-shaped case and integrated strap exude sporty chic. With a 37mm solid gold case, it takes on the proportions of a vintage timepiece and features a sapphire gold caseback that displays its self-winding movement.
Price: $102000 AUD
Model: Historiques 222
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 37mm
13. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer
A novel take on one of the most iconic timepieces, this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is crafted from the Swiss watch manufacturer’s proprietary Moonshine gold. The green dial lends the watch a unique touch, making for a statement piece few will have.
Price: $57925 AUD
Model: Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 42mm
FAQ
The best affordable gold watches for men are the Breda Visser, Tissot Classic Dream, Timex Marlin Automatic, and Bulova Classic Watch.
Gold Rolex watches are a good investment, both due to the tendency of Rolex prices to increase annually as well as the scarcity of Rolex watches.
Typically, only high-end watches from the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are solid 18k gold. Other ‘gold’ watches are generally gold-toned, gold plated, or gold PVD.
Words by John Deckard
