Rose gold watches that prove rosy tones can be for everyone
Time+TideGold. A metal associated with the divine, and a material often considered too pretentious to wear on the daily. It’s a shame, because there are some really good-looking gold watches out there, despite many being a little sceptical of the metal in an indulgent, somewhat audacious capacity – especially when it comes to rose gold. Does this guide have the potential to change how you see rose gold watches? I hope so. You don’t have to ooze alpha male swagger to wear a rose gold watch. The bottom line? Anyone can wear pink, even though many who have toyed with the idea of buying one have likely put themselves off the idea before trying one on for size. In reality, there is a massive amount of diversity when it comes to rose gold watches, whether you’re looking for a plated dress watch or a solid gold sports piece that is flex-worthy.
Orient Bambino
Despite its merging with Epson during the 1970s, Orient has done well to carve a path of its own in Japanese watchmaking, mainly in affordability. The mechanical movements of the Bambino series are well worth some consideration if you haven’t yet discovered abundant oil reserves in your backyard and you can’t afford the Pateks and Vacheron Constantins of the world. The Orient Bambino you see here is a 42mm automatic model with a sumptuous green dial that marries nicely with the rose gold PVD stainless steel case. It may not be a solid gold watch, but it certainly imparts the gentle, radiant pop of colour you’d want from rose gold. I’d like to have seen Orient place the date on a colour-matching background here, but overall, this is a very nice, affordably priced dress watch. Price: US$270
Mido Multifort TV 35
The new, slimmed down Multifort TV from Mido shows the brand is committed to offering vintage sizing with modern perks, whether it be the PVD rose gold coating on this model, or the Calibre 72 which sits inside this new range and still offers 72 hours of power reserve in a much smaller package. While this model does have diamond markers, this watch is far from shrink-and-pink thanks to its sporty case construction, and Nautilus-style bracelet. This luxurious look come in at an extremely manageable price point too. Price: US$1,500
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport is a distinctive choice for a rose gold watch. It draws the blushing pink nuances of rose gold into the dashboards of classic racing cars. The design just goes to show that precious metal and durability do (and can) co-exist in a watch, and that you can find it even in the most masculine-driven pockets of the market. The Carrera is a very classic chronograph design that tips its hat to the golden era of motorsport racing, although the Extreme Sports model dials up the modernity by cutting away the dial and revealing the inner workings of the movement and rose gold date wheel. This 44mm watch features an 18k 5N rose gold case with stealthy black ceramic push pieces and matching rose gold elements on its skeletonised dial. The dial exposes the TH20-00 movement through its surface, complete with 80 hours of power reserve. Price: US$12,300
Longines Master Collection GMT
Longines has the brand provenance and history that many younger brands can’t offer. Some of its solid, flagship designs include classic models from the Master Collection, like this rose gold GMT watch with delicate Roman numeral hour markers. It’s a reliable model that has modern proportions, measuring 40mm in diameter and an 18k rose gold case that elevates it to dress watch level when paired with something smart. Don’t get me wrong, Longines does offer some other great sports GMT options too, like the Spirit Zulu, for example. But there’s just something so classic about this model that you barely notice it has the travel complication, save for a very discreet 24-hour scale on the flange and an ultra-slim GMT hand. Price: US$14,750
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Worldtimer
Of course, when we hear the name Omega, we naturally jump to the Speedy, but the Seamaster is quite possibly one of the largest dive watch ranges to explore. Amongst the hundreds of configurations, styles, and functions within this collection are designs like the Aqua Terra with a 150-metre water resistance and oodles of sartorial dive watch style. This travel companion is a world time complication housed in an 18k Sedna gold case – Omega’s proprietary rose gold alloy. And while its deep blue leather strap is a nice match for the silver-white dial and the intricately finished titanium globe decoration, the rose gold finishes continue inside the heart of the watch too, with a matching Sedna gold rotor. Price: US$29,500
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGW002
The Grand Seiko SLGW002 in rose gold has to be one of the most classic-looking timepieces of this entire line-up. It pays subtle homage to the brand’s legendary 44GS of 1967, albeit with a wholly modern movement. The watch carries the brand’s first manual high-beat movement in 50 years and reserves a very traditional aesthetic. The dial, however, is clearly the star of the show in this design, evoking the texture of birch bark, with the SD “special dial” star at 6 o’clock suggesting the use of solid gold dial indices, too. Price: US$45,000
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding
At the higher end of the price spectrum is an iconic watch from one of the world’s most revered watchmakers. The Royal Oak has always been a tentpole for the Audemars Piguet catalogue, and it took some wildly clever marketing to convince the brand’s audiences that the original steel version was indeed worth more than a solid gold timepiece during the 1970s. Nevertheless, the 18k frosted rose gold Royal Oak is still a grail watch in every sense of the word, flaunting a luxe dial that even resembles blocks of solid gold. The Grande Tapisserie dial is a signature design feature of the Royal Oak, as is the octagonal bezel that frames it and the integrated bracelet. This Frosted Gold version is a truly unique proposition and, due to the hammering technique applied to the 37mm case, gives a kind of diamond dust effect. Price: On request