The Enduring Lure of Gold Watches

Spellbound · 2013-09-01T13:40:54Z

Explore the timeless allure of gold watches. Collectors share their favorite yellow, rose, and white gold timepieces, discussing rarity and personal appeal.

Spellbound

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

26 replies6247 views0 photos

Spellbound's original post delves into the enduring allure of gold, a metal that has captivated humanity for millennia despite its practical limitations in watchmaking. He invites the community to share their own gold timepieces, exploring the personal and aesthetic reasons behind their attraction to this precious metal. This discussion highlights how gold's scarcity and unique feel continue to make it a material of choice for luxury watches.

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Countries have been invaded, wars fought, and men killed over it. And way back in history, and long before the physical properties of gold were known to man, civilizations used gold for coinage and jewelry. So what is it that attracts us to gold?

Well part of the reason lies in its scarcity. In all of human history, only around 175,000 tonnes of gold has been mined. To put that in perspective, that is only half the weight of the Empire State Building in NYC.

There are a host of more suitable metals for use in watchmaking, and with an infinite number of potential alloys, it is quite possible to replicate the luster and sheen of gold using base metals, and the likely result will be a watch case that is more durable, scratch resistant, and non corrosive to certain acidic or alkaline compounds.

And yet gold is the chemical element of choice when it comes to jewelry and watches.

Many prefer the discretion of white, many the warmth of rose.

Many wear gold for themselves, many to flaunt.

Whatever reason, it is hard not to be spellbound by the beauty and feel of gold.

So flaunt away my friends.

Lets see your gold timepieces in all their magnificent splendour.

Dean

This message has been edited by Spellbound on 2013-09-01 13:45:40

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royal ref. 6161 with a guilloché dial and pink gold bracelet is exceptionally rare, with only a few known examples, making it a highly sought-after vintage piece.
Some collectors initially resisted yellow gold watches but found themselves drawn to their warmth and distinct presence on the wrist, often owning multiple gold pieces in various alloys like rose and white gold.
Independent watchmakers like Marco Lang and Ulysse Nardin produce gold timepieces that offer a unique tactile experience, distinct from other metals.
The beauty of a three-handed gold watch is often highlighted, with specific appreciation for classic designs like the Breguet La Tradition.
The Hentschel brand, known for its German-only website and unique jewelry like cufflinks, was introduced to the community as a fantastic, non-globalized brand.
Wearing colored gold watches is generally well-received on men, especially when it's the primary gold accessory, with minimal additional gold pieces like cufflinks or a single ring.

The Discussion

Spellbound

Sep 2, 2013

What a beautiful pair (I've been known to say this quite a lot!). I love the tiny details on the dials of both watches. Pure class, and not ostentatious in any way whatsoever. Thanks for posting, Dean

drhr

Sep 3, 2013

A couple white and one in pink . . .

Spellbound

Sep 3, 2013

The Sydney Harbour Bridge looks extra special as a backdrop to the gorgeous Breguet. And beautiful weather as one would expect. Thanks for posting a watch that has long been on my list. Dean

CaliforniaJed

Sep 3, 2013

There was I time I would never consider wearing a yellow gold watch, but now it is usually my preference among precious metals. It's warm, and soft, and you instantly know what it is. There's a time and place for it, of course, but I try to find time and frequent places where it is appropriate as often as I can! Best, CaliforniaJed

radone

Sep 3, 2013

I also didn't believe that I would ever wear a yellow gold watch, but here I am with a YG Daytona. A friend told me after trying it: "you surely know you have a watch on your hand" Then, the warm honey like RG Lange that I wear with more formal clothes And I have a trio of WG watches A Daniel Roth Perpetual Calendar And these two cousins Best, R

Spellbound

Sep 3, 2013

What a beautiful trio. I think there is nothing better than a three handed gold watch. And thankyou for introducing me to the Hentschel. I visited their website and it is wonderful to see that it is only German and they have not succumbed to globalization. One of the tabs on the website was called "Schmuck", which turned out to mean "Jewelry" and had some amazing cufflinks on it, so I also learnt a new word as well as a fantastic brand. Dean

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