Gold rush: Three discontinued gold watches you can have for a bargain
Zach BlassSolid gold watches can be wildly expensive, and this is partly why the consumer base largely focuses on stainless-steel references. But those who are willing to do the leg-work can track down some really interesting vintage gold watches that, in the scope of what they offer, can be had for quite a bargain. As a collector myself, I frequently keep my ear to the ground and have interesting precious-metal pieces on my radar. Rather than hoard this knowledge, I thought it might be cool to share some of these references with you. So, below are three discontinued gold watches I believe can be bought at serious value.
Editor’s Note: Time+Tide is not affiliated with any of the below linked sellers. As always, be sure to do your own due diligence before making a purchase.
Hamilton Ventura Electric 14K Gold
Hamilton still manufactures Ventura watches today, but they utilise quartz or automatic calibres. Upon the model’s debut, however, the Ventura was powered by electric movements. Electric calibres are notoriously difficult to service today, but Unwind In Time has the unique skillset of being able to fully service electric watches that they then put up for sale. One listing I have personally bookmarked is this Ventura Electric that was originally introduced in 1957, when Hamilton watches and movements were made in the USA. It is such an iconic watch from such a historic manufacturer, so to see a true piece of horological history in what appears to be incredible condition is really cool to see. Considering it is a 14K solid gold watch, with an already restored and working electric movement, the fact it can be had just above US$3K is very enticing in my book.
Price: US$3,195
TAG Heuer Carrera CS3140
Once upon a time, Thor, who was looking to acquire one for himself at the time, reluctantly shone a spotlight on the TAG Heuer Carrera CS1340 – a textbook example of a reference you can find for good value simply because it has a smaller case diameter. But, these days people are gravitating back towards more classic sizes. As Thor pointed out in his story, the 35mm diameter of this ’90s chronograph is more in line with the size of the original Carrera watches and cannot be found within the current Carrera chronograph catalogue. The movement inside is the manually wound Lemania 1837, created by the famed Albert Piguet and the basis for the Omega calibre 861 that eventually replaced the calibre 321 (also based on a Lemania design of Piguet’s). There are not a ton of listings for this watch, but the handful you can find at any given moment hover in a very attractive price range.
Price: ~ US$4,900 – US$6,400
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3848
Those familiar with my earlier work here on Time+Tide already know how fond I am of the Golden Ellipse. In a watch world where Cartier is becoming hotter and hotter, and people are beginning to divert their attention back to smaller watches, I firmly believe that anyone in the market for a small-sized Tank or JLC Reverso should at the very least familiarise themselves with the Golden Ellipse. Among the most affordable Patek Phillipe watches you can buy pre-owned today, the golden ratio-inspired design is very striking. The blued-gold sunburst dial is super rich in the metal, and the case finish is impeccable (mirrored around the bezel, with rich brushing to the surrounding perimeter of the case). So whether a ref. 3548 like I once had, or a ref. 3848 like The Keystone currently has for sale, the Golden Ellipse is, for a Patek Philippe, very price-approachable and a Patek nobody will accuse you of being a hype beast for wearing.
Price: US$7,500