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Here's Why Yellow Gold Watches Are On Trend In 2024

The latest trend in the horological world is one centred around yellow gold. But it has been in force since the 80’s. True, it wouldn't be fair to say that there is a resurgence as this material has always been a popular choice for men’s watches. Sure it was all the rage with those Don Johnson white suit loving, Yuppie champagne swilling set who had more cash than sense. But something changed as enthusiasts shied away from glitzy pieces in favour of steel and sporty chic numbers.

Modern and vintage timepieces soon took over with many looking to buy a watch with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Nonetheless, yellow gold never went away. Emulating timepieces from the 30s and 40s, many are looking to add to their collection as a contrast to the sterile looks of models made from white gold and stainless steel.

It offers various design elements such as a luxury look and an element of durability. While they may not be as durable as stainless steel or titanium watches, they look better and when given a polish, can produce a beautiful glean. Furthermore, a new generation of collectors are looking towards both neo-vintage and vintage watches due to their popularity in the past. From understated refinement to show stopping pieces, it has the capability to cater to not just simple dress watches.

If done incorrectly however, you can end up looking more like Del-Boy than the suave gentleman you are trying to be. If it’s a warm tone you are after, you have come to the right place. Timelords…let's push the boat out a little further. Like S Club 7, Dr. Martens and Noel Edmonds, some trends never go out of style. Here’s why gold watches for men are back in for 2024!

Why Is Yellow Gold So Revered?

It has been used for generations and has generally been associated with those of wealth and prestige. While that might be a bit old hat nowadays, it still represents a level of refinery which is becoming more and more accessible to the modern consumer. We’ve seen a trend towards the use of titanium recently due to its lightness and durability. Titanium does not have the history and cultural longevity that it possesses which makes it timeless

Versatility

The best gold watches for men have the capability to suit a range of events, active or casual.

Rolex Submariner 126618LN - Source - Rolex

How about the Gold Rolex Submariner? These fantastic tool watches are more than capable of battling the seas or keeping time in the office. While it used to be a stainless steel beast made for the outdoorsman, its introduction in 18K in the late 1960s allowed Rolex to progress into the realms of luxury sports watches. It added a level of shine and formality which the stainless steel models were not able to achieve. Don't get us wrong, stainless steel is phenomenal for its durability and hardiness but pales in comparison to this glitzy number when looking at design and style.

Affordable

It was originally the precious metal of the elites and perhaps your parents!

Tudor 12713 - Source - Tudor

To own anything in the precious metal was a huge cultural and status symbol which is why many aristocrats of the past would wear this material. Have you seen the King’s Crown which is crafted not only with diamonds and rubies but gold too? Nowadays, there are affordable gold jewellery items, particularly in regards to watches. Due to its ability to blend with most colours, Let’s examine the Tudor Style 12713 which blends both steel and gold to create a beautiful array of shine and glamour fit for any big bash.

You can buy a Tudor 12713 for £2,830 RRP at the time of writing. While we appreciate this isn't like buying a box of cereal, it's significantly more affordable than what it originally was, especially since it comes from a luxury brand like Tudor too.

Worthwhile Investment Pieces

We’ve noted there are yellow gold watches which are very affordable and certainly worth taking a look at. If you have a few more pennies to rub together, it may be worth taking a look at some of the more higher end models that we think are definitely worth their horological salt.

Rolex Day-Date - Source - A Collected Man

Rolex Day Date 40mm - “The President”

You could indulge and buy a Rolex Day-Date 40 in this precious metal. For those horophiles, you may already know the Rolex Day-Date under a different name, the ‘President’. This nickname is well deserved too as US Presidents such as Richard Nixon, Donald Trump and Lyndon B. Johnson proudly adorned them while in office. What better than to pair classic watches with 18K of the coolest metal around? It seemingly makes the fluted bezel more pronounced and allows the white dial to stand out even further, increasing its legibility. You can buy a Rolex Day-Date 40 for retail at £32,500 - at the time of writing.

While the watches are very pricey, it's certainly worth the investment as you will not lose value on the watches due to their rarity and strong heritage, not to mention associations with the rich and famous.

Best Yellow Gold Models

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin 50th Anniversary

The Royal Oak has been a staple of Audemars Piguet’s collection since its release in 1972.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary - Source - Audemars Piguet

As well known as Engelbert Humpedink, The ‘Jumbo’ model is a celebration of 50 years of the Royal Oak’s existence from 2022. The 16202 replaced the 15202 calibre but kept the classic design and authenticity of its predecessor by keeping the complications to a minimum and focusing on just the basics such as the time and date. But does this timepiece have the Midas touch?

The case and bracelet come in the precious metal and due to the bracelet being integrated, the entire model is seamless. The dial is given the same colour effect but with an incredible level of detail. The steel edition of this model has a dark blue dial which has the same Tapisserie dial but nothing in comparison to the level of effect on the yellow gold edition. While the steel edition is quite ‘blocky’ in its design, with the dial staying the same shade throughout, the 16202 in yellow gold has a ‘Petite Tapisserie’ effect on the dial which is further enhanced due to the colour scheme being yellow and black. These two tones contrast beautifully and the main colour blends to black on the periphery where the indices are applied in yellow gold.

The indices and hands are luminescent which increases their legibility on the toned dial, especially with the tapisserie effect which actually puts the indices on top of a black background. The bracelet is crafted out of 18K and looks stunning when matched with a similarly made case. The model has an exhibition back, covered by a sapphire crystal which allows for a direct insight into the calibre 2121. Manufactured in-house, it offers a 55 hour power reserve and beats at 4Hz. Can't get enough? The rotor is also crafted out of 22K and looks awesome through the back. A perfect timepiece for those looking to buy an Audemars Piguet with extra sparkle!

Is This One For The Collection?

On the wrist, this yellow gold version looks fantastic and shows why it's such a precious metal in comparison to steel. Both the editions have the same dimensions showing how just through a change of colour, watches can be enhanced significantly. The steel model is great as it shows the watches timeless sports design but the yellow gold pushes the model into a new dimension of style and class. Pair it with a bold green jumper with a white shirt beneath it to accentuate the colour or marry it with a sparkly trimmed suit jacket if you really want to go all out.

Due to its Royal Oak heritage as the first sports watch, its iconic design through the octagonal screw ‘porthole’ construction and unusual coloured design is rarely adopted on these models. Sorry to disappoint, but you will have to plan an appointment if you wish to buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202.

Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona

If you ever needed confirmation that yellow gold works on watches, look no further than the Rolex Daytona.

The Daytona is by its own right, one of the most iconic watches around and a must have for any serious collector. Its slow start hindered its progress in the horological world, especially since it was a manual wind in an era of automatic watches. Luckily, it has since bounced back after adopting an automatic movement and releasing the highly coveted Daytona 116500LN which was the first in-house chronograph calibre, the 4130 and certainly one of the first sports watches with a ceramic bezel.

Rolex Daytona - Source - The Watch Club

Why Is Yellow Gold So Desirable If You Buy A Rolex Daytona?

The Rolex Daytona is inherently regal through its clever colour scheme of a green dial with a yellow gold case and bracelet. Let us re-phrase, the metal is crafted in-house in their own foundries and is 18K, making it one of the rarer carats behind 24k. This means this timepiece is crafted from an extremely valuable precious metal which more than suits the royal vibe going on.

Outside of its well built case and yellow gold bracelet, the dial is made with chromalight which offers a neon blue shine when in darkness. Combine this with the applied gold indices and hands and you have an incredibly legible dial. The dial is a British Racing green which suits the racing aesthetic perfectly as well allowing the indices, hands and the crown emblem at 12 o'clock to stand out. COSC certified, it means it is very reliable and features Rolex’s patented Parachrom Hairspring to ensure shocks wont impact the timekeeping. Safe to say, if you buy a Rolex Daytona, it will capably stomach your everyday life!

The yellow gold aesthetic is therefore perfect for the style the Rolex Daytona is going for. The modern consumer wont use the tachymeter or the three sub dials. That's why the tachymeter is layered with the precious metal and the sub dials are given red edging. Come on folks, it's all about design and an increasing focus on form over function. This beauty will suit any outfit but would look fantastic with a green cashmere jumper to suit the dial or wear it down with a casual bomber jacket to keep with the sporty allure. This particular yellow gold watch is also very valuable as it is made up of an expensive precious metal, has a very rich heritage and is one of the more unusually designed Rolex Daytonas which are typically made in steel.

You can buy a Rolex Daytona at retail for £32,600 - at the time of writing.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

Vacheron Constantin re-released the highly lauded 37mm Historiques model which has been as much acclaimed back then as it is now. Heck, we even saw Brad Pitt rocking this reissued number this year while out and about in LA. As much of a throwback to the 70s as Elvis, it’s no surprise he is able to carry this piece off while wearing a casual neon inspired sweatshirt and jeans

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 - Source - SuperWatchMan

For watch nerds who know their terms, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is constructed with a monobloc flat based tonneau case and fluted bezel which is structured like a cog. Suffice to say, our cogs were spinning to excess when we cast our eyes on this yellow gold model! Similar to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 has an integrated bracelet which allows the case and the bracelet to be conjoined as one, allowing the entire model to be as one.

While this could be as restrictive as a tummy tuck, you can't change the bracelet. But why would you? It features gentle curves to rival Cindy Crawford and isn't bulky in its design, allowing it to slip on the wrist with ease. Ideal for the man looking to buy a Vacheron Constantin with glitz and elegance. Forget you are wearing one of the greatest brands of all time? A closer inspection and a little horological knowhow would reveal its signature Maltese cross engraved at 5 o'clock which harks to Vacheron’s iconic emblem.

Personality of The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

The calibre is updated to the 2455/2 which beats at a strong 28,800VpH and has the typical Hallmark Geneva Certification expected of Vacheron Constantin models. We don’t expect anything else. But did you know they were the first brand to receive such certification? Fascinating! The dial continues on the trend and features indices and hands which are luminescent which helps increase its legibility. It is extremely on trend due to its yellow gold design and its sophisticated yet understated design.

We all know Vacheron Constantin is capable of making complicated watches like the Panda Overseas Chronograph but this is even more refined and suits the professional person perfectly. On the other hand, it can be worn as a casual number that would be the envy of many an enthusiast or collector such is its place in horology. It can slip under shirt cuffs due to its sleek design or it can be the centre of attention with a black jumper to accentuate the strong accents. And with allegedly only 100 pieces released, this boosts its rarity and investment potential.

You can buy a Vacheron Constantin 222 for retail at £66,500 - at the time of writing.

Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227J

Patek Philippe resides as a “Holy Trinity” member with Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. Wish I could join that group! The Calatrava collection deviates from Patek Philippe’s extremely popular Nautilus collection. Released in 1976 making the Calatrava was released in 1932 and is actually its predecessor!

Measuring 39mm which for us is a nice size for a men’s dress watch, Tte bezel is extraordinarily thin and almost sinks into the case. Coincide that with the lugs that perform the same integration style as the integrated bracelet of the Vacheron Constantin 222, the yellow gold case is sleek and can make the biggest wrists look slender.

Patek Philippe Calatrava - Source - Patek Philippe

The Calatrava could easily be established as the blueprint for what a round dress watch should be. Unfussy and direct, it isn't littered with complications and oozes refinement that has endured over time. The dial is ivory lacquered and features applied hour markers which match the yellow gold case. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal case and a dust cover which does what it says on the tin.

The 324 S C Calibre

Home to the 324 S C calibre which powers a date at 3 o'clock and standard time settings, this timepiece is kitted up with a Gyromax balance and a steady beat of 28,800VpH. Meanwhile, the winding rotor is made of 21K gold, showing the level of detail that has gone into creating such a strong movement. It's the perfect timepiece for those looking to buy a Patek Philippe which can run the distance. The strap is alligator leather and chocolate brown with a prong buckle. It’s funky and has an air of retroism, harking back to its original release in the 1930s. The strap is a strong contrast to the rest of the model which helps to enhance the beautiful polished yellow colour which could easily be gleaming off your wrist! Just you wait till it hits the sun.

Pair It With

A suede brown jacket for those casual events or a navy suit to flex on your work colleagues. It is no surprise time peeps that reputation and sleek looks go hand in hand when it comes to the Calatrava as possibly the best dress watch of all time.

You can buy a Patek Philippe 5227J at retail for £32,380 - at the time of writing.

Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm

There’s a common trend of integrated bracelets in this article! And here’s another one.

Chopard Alpine Eagle - Source - Boss Hunting

Gents, may we introduce Chopard’s Alpine Eagle. Blending an integrated bracelet to create a phenomenal sport-chic number. It has a tonneau case which measures 41mm and is made out of ethically sourced 18K yellow gold. The ethically sourced aspect is nice to see as Chopard sources their metals from mines which take part in the Swiss Better Gold Initiative. In essence, this seeks out artisanal mined metal in a positive socio-economic and environmental manner. It's quite nice to know that when you buy a Chopard Alpine Eagle, you are bettering the environment in a small way. Good on you!

The Golden Eagle

The bracelet is similarly crafted out of the precious metal and the case is brushed and polished. It's 18K and has polished links with a triple folding clasp. The bezel is designed with eight screws but in the style of 4 pairs of 2 screws instead of Audemars Piguet’s eight screws in each corner of the octagonal case. The dial is gold toned and finished with a sunburst pattern giving a hypnotic effect for the centre of the dial outwards. The indices are luminescent and applied with the same material and come in the form of Roman Numerals which is an age old aesthetic that's forever timeless.

Protected by a sapphire crystal which is glare proof, this number is more than eligible for your daily activities. The caseback also has a sapphire crystal which allows for a direct view into the complexities of the Calibre 01.01-C. Beating at a comfortable 28,800VpH, the Chopard Alpine Eagle is an automatic movement with a 22k gold rotor and a strong power reserve of 60 hours. The Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm is fairly sizable but that can be expected for what is essentially a sports piece. The Alpine Eagle can be easily worn in the office as well as sporting situations or out for a little retail therapy. We’d suggest pairing it with a camel overcoat for those colder days or a pinstripe navy suit when preparing to give that big presentation.

Chronometer certified as well as being highly unique in its design, including the dial, bracelet and case, you can never have too much gold! You can buy a Chopard Alpine Eagle at retail for £50,800 - at the time of writing.

Conclusion

We have sadly run out of time. However, we hope we have demonstrated why gold is very much in for 2024. And our predictions were proven right at last years Watches and Wonders 2023! There are many other models out there we could have mentioned such as other models like The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date which have a gold dial and bezel which is perfect for those looking to really flex the colour. Rolex can have some restraint too, releasing a 30th Anniversary Yacht-Master which has the case gold but the strap, dial and bezel, completely black.

Furthermore, the Cartier Tank Louis which blends a black leather strap with yellow gold case is a strong example of these specific timepieces cementing their place in the market. Another example we of course have to highlight is the craze behind the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Moonshine Gold, utilising Omega’s own gold alloy that everyone went bananas for. Mind you a gold second hand was a tad disappointing, to say the least.

Without a doubt, it is sliding back into full gear and Chrono Hunter’s predictions pre Watches and Wonders 2023 were right on the money. From the Rolex teaser that dropped before the event in Geneva kicked off, we saw several new releases from Rolex including the GMT Master II and the new Perpetual 1908 with openworked oscillating weight decked out in, you guessed it…yellow gold.

the openwork oscillating weight in 18 carat yellow gold.

Are you looking to find some vintage inspiration? Want to buy a Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222? Maybe get your hands covered in gold with a Rolex Daytona? Chrono Hunter can help you find the watches of your deepest desires. Contact us here and let us work our magic to get you the watches and the prices you want. Whether buying or selling, our fantastic Trustpilot testimonials is more than enough evidence as to why we are the best! Don’t look anywhere else when you buy a watch or sell a watch. Just fill in our form with the details of your watch and we can crack on with helping you. Let's get to it!

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