Looking for a cool or classy gold watch? From over a century ago until this very day, you don’t have to look far. Even as materials such as stainless steel and titanium continue to dominate lists of the best men’s timepieces, gold watches still occupy a respectable niche in the modern market – after all, there is a reason why big name brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Seiko are banking on the bright and glitzy finish. Naturally resistant to wear—at least when constructed from actual solid gold—they render striking visual statements, the kind that can traverse an entire room. And like the very material from which they’re made (again, talking about real gold here), these watches are timeless symbols of wearable luxury.
Best of Gold Watches at a Glance
- Best Under $500: Q Timex 1975 Day-Date Reissue
- Best Under $1,000: Seiko Presage SRPH78J
- Best Under $5,000: Tudor Style M12713-0001
- Best At Any Price-Point: Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 4200H/222J-B935
Best Gold Watches for Men
To cover the most ground, we’ve broken our list of the best gold watches for men into different categories. As you can probably guess, the most expensive models will consist of solid gold whilst the cheaper alternatives will dress the part but feature only a small percentage of the actual material. Each one carries on a tradition that’s numerous decades in the making. In fact, gold and silver were once far more common in the world of watchmaking, until stainless steel came along in the 1920s. But you’re not here for a history lesson—you’re here to find a classy gold watch. Without further delay, we bring you the best and most popular gold watches for men.
Best Gold Watches Under $500
It’s pretty much a given that any watch in this price range is going to be gold-toned, not that there’s anything wrong with it. Here are some affordable and popular timepieces in the classic colour of gold.
1. Casio Vintage A168WG
With its signature gold-tone and retro aesthetic, the Casio Vintage is everything its name would suggest. Whilst not exactly sophisticated, it does deliver a host of functional features. Plus, there is something sort of novel and eye-catching about its bold digital quality. If it’s good enough for Bill Gates, it’s good enough for you.
Case size: 38.6×36.3×9.6mm
Case Material: gold-tone resin
Cost: AUD$129
2. Seiko 5 Sports SNZF22 J1
Running on an automatic mechanical movement, this Seiko 5 Sports watch punches well above its price tag. It’s forged from gold-brushed stainless steel, water-resistant to 100m, and equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, amongst other things. A classic in its own right, it’s also a perfect placeholder whilst you save up for a Rolex.
Case size: 41mm
Case Material: gold-brushed stainless steel
Cost: AUD$400
3. Q Timex 1975 Day-Date Reissue
Best for: Under $500
This quartz-powered reissue from Timex brings the past back to life and touts a signature gold-toned finish. Effortlessly compact and affordable, it’s also boldly unique and patently playful. Strap up and enjoy the ride. We’ve been fans of the Re-Issues since it was first unleashed, so took our word for it when we say it’s worth a look.
Case size: 38mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: USD$179
4. Bulova Surveyor 97C106
This classy gold watch from Bulova offers dressy appeal at a fraction of the standard cost. Its three-hand layout with gold-toned markers and a date window imparts a striking minimalist vibe. Simple for sure, but with the classic design language, this piece of American ingenuity continues to stand the test of time.
Case size: 39mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: AUD$229
5. Rotary Cambridge Skeleton GS05368/70
Rotary’s automatic Cambridge Skeleton is absolutely timeless in its classical British design. It features a gold PVD coated case of stainless steel and comes affixed to a handsome leather strap. Roman numeral markers and a skeletonised window adorn the legible dial face and drive home the heritage theme.
Case size: 40.5mm
Case Material: gold PVD-coated stainless steel
Cost: £459.00
6. Citizen BM7332-61P
The sunny gold colour of this Citizen is reflective of both its classy aesthetic but also its solar-powered underpinnings. Thanks to Eco-Drive technology, the watch uses light as a power source to prolong the battery life by a substantial factor. Combine that with a bold minimalist design and it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular gold watches in its respective price range.
Case size: 40mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: AUD$450.00
7. Orient Quartz Classic RS-KA0003S
Orient’s Quartz Classic is a classic indeed, with a gold-toned case and elegant aesthetic to show for it. Features include a three-dimensional sun and moon aperture, Roman numeral markers, two subdials, a crocodile-textured band, curved sapphire crystal protection, and more.
Case size: 41.8mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: USD$300.00
Best Gold Watches Under $1,000
Can you score a cool gold watch for under $1,000? Yes, you can. Will it be solid gold? Probably not. Here are some of your best options for those who drop a little bit, but not go completely overboard.
1. Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
An elegant guilloché dial, Roman numeral indices, and an engraved see-through case-back lend this Swiss timepiece an air of palpable sophistication. Those features blend seamlessly with its 39.3mm case of stainless steel with a yellow gold PVD coating. True to form, the Tissot’s Powermatic 80 movement delivers an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
Case size: 39.3mm
Case Material: stainless steel with a yellow gold PVD coating
Cost: AUD$1,050
2. Casio Full Metal GMW-B5000GD-9
One look at this retro-themed classic—which resurrects the original 1983 G-SHOCK design—and you’re seeing gold. To peer beyond the omnipresent gold ion plating is to uncover a bounty of functional features, including Bluetooth connectivity, world timekeeping, a time correction system, and more. Oh, and did we mention it’s solar-powered?
Case size: 43.2mm
Case Material: stainless steel with gold ion plating
Cost: USD$550
3. Seiko Presage SRPH78J
Best for: Under $1,000
This classy dress watch punctuates its assortment of golden hues with a compact date window, subtle logo detailing, and an exhibition case-back. It runs on an automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve and offers water resistance down to 50 metres. Also, it’s a Seiko, so you know this thing is going to run forever. In terms of value, you can’t really go wrong with the Presage series.
Case size: 40.5mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: AUD$795
4. Bulova Classic Automatic 97A138
Cool gold-tone watches don’t get any cooler than this one from Bulova. Gaze upon the myriad-like skeletonised dial to revel in the mechanics of its 21-jewel movement. Additional features include domed mineral crystal protection and a refined leather strap with a push-button deployant buckle.
Case size: 43mm
Case Material: gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: AUD$799
Best Gold Watches Under $5,000
When it comes to the best and most popular gold watches for men, a little extra cash can go a long way. But will it get you into “solid gold” territory? Let’s find out.
1. Longines Hydroconquest L3.781.3.56.7
Not exactly a gold watch, this Longines Hydroconquest is nevertheless too cool to refuse. Hailing from the brand’s Sport Collection, it delivers high technical performance and iconic design in equal measure. It also generates a masterful interplay between the respective colours of black, silver, and yellow gold.
Case size: 43mm
Case Material: stainless steel with gold-tone stripe
Cost: AUD$2,925
2. Frederique Constant Classics FC-303NV5B4
Quintessentially minimalist, this Swiss-made automatic dress watch covers the basics with considerable panache. Its elegant dance between silver and rose gold is expertly disrupted by a slim second hand of pure blue.
Case size: 43mm
Case Material: rose gold-tone stainless steel
Cost: USD$1,295
3. TAG Heuer Aquaracer WBD2120.BB0930
The use of 18k gold plating injects this already powerful dive watch with an extra dose of aggressive luxury. Appearing on the unidirectional bezel, hands, indexes, and 3-row bracelet, the TAG Heuer‘s material plays perfectly against the piece’s blue sunray dial. All hail the mighty Aquaracer!
Case size: 41mm
Case Material: stainless steel with 18k yellow gold plating
Cost: AUD$4,650
4. Tudor Style M12713-0001
Best for: Under $5,000
The combination of steel and gold proves yet again irresistible on this handsome dress watch from Tudor. Its fluted bezel in yellow gold renders a hypnotic visual impression and so too does the distinguished champagne-coloured dial with compact date window.
Case size: 41mm
Case Material: stainless steel
Cost: USD$3,575
Best Gold Watches At Any Price Point
And now for what one might call the main event. When cost isn’t an issue, look no further than the following gold watches for men. Each one is an outright classic!
1. Rolex Day-Date 40
Alternately known as the “President,” Rolex’s iconic Day-Date 40 is every bit as majestic as its reputation would suggest. Awash in 18k yellow gold with a white dial and fluted bezel, it remains a perennial status symbol and also just one heck of an eye-popping timepiece. This is the real deal, folks, just don’t blame us if you can’t get your hands on one.
Case size: 40mm
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Cost: USD$37,450
2. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 4200H/222J-B935
Best for: Any price point
Vacheron Constantin gave the 1970s ‘Jumbo’ 222 a modern-day makeover whilst staying true to the original’s monobloc tonneau-shaped case design and sporty-chic aesthetic. The Swiss luxury brand dials up the luxury factor with this gold iteration, which displays its upgraded movement through an open case-back window.
Case size: 37mm
Case Material: 18k 3N yellow gold
Cost: USD$69,000
3. Grand Seiko SLGH002
This limited edition anniversary watch celebrates 60 years of technical innovation whilst introducing the new high beat mechanical calibre 9SA5. Flip the piece over to glimpse its magnificent movement through the exhibition case-back…assuming you can take your eyes off all the 18k yellow gold, that is.
Case size: 40mm
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Cost: AU$64,000
4. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 310.60.42.50.10.001
Omega’s coveted Speedmaster Moonwatch looks all the more luxurious when dressed in proprietary Moonshine gold. A functional powerhouse if there ever was one, it’s no less formidable as a classy gold watch.
Case size: 42mm
Case Material: Moonshine gold
Cost: USD$34,800
5. IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar IW503302
Swiss-made and stunning, this IWC Portugieser surrounds its epic display and see-through sapphire-glass back in a large and lustrous case of 18k rose gold. The dial is a work of art unto itself, which harmonises calendar subdials and a moon-phase aperture to dazzling effect.
Case size: 44.2mm
Case Material: 18k 5N gold
Cost: USD$42,740
6. JLC Reverso Duoface Small Seconds
A thrilling example of the art deco style, this dual time-zone watch takes inspiration from a 1930s predecessor. It’s built from the ground up at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s manufacture, with the technical prowess and resounding visual distinction to show for it. Choose between two different versions, both of which feature rectangular cases of solid pink gold. This is the kind of radical sophistication and technical prowess that only a name like JLC can deliver.
Case size: 47 x 28.3mm
Case Material: pink gold
Cost: AUD$33,700
7. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Rose Gold
Massive in scope but compact and extra-thin by design, this Royal Oak employs a blue “Petite Tapisserie” dial and an integrated bracelet of solid gold. It’s far more expensive than the steel version—and more expensive than a used Ferrari, for that matter—but we’re not here to count pennies. This is a head-turning gold watch if there ever was one and it’s the closest your wrist can get to achieving superpowers.
Case size: 39mm
Case Material: 18k rose gold
Cost: USD$180,000
8. Breguet Classique 7137
Between its avant-garde dial display and solid gold case, Breguet’s luxurious wristwatch will have you poring over every detail. It runs on an ultra-thin movement with various complications and comes available in either rose gold, white gold, or yellow gold.
Case size: 39mm
Case Material: white, rose, or yellow gold
Cost: USD$40,000
Things to Consider for Gold Watches
- Build Quality – Not all gold watches are created equal. There is a reason why Rolex and Vacheron Constantin are revered in the horological world – because they make phenomenal watches that stand the test of time. It’s important to consider the build quality carefully before you pick up any watch, but it’s especially true if you’re dropping a boatload on something gold.
- Base Material – As mentioned above, make sure you take the time to assess whether the timepiece is gold-plated, gold-toned or solid gold. This will greatly impact the final price point and should help you determine its overall value.
- Case Size – Gold watches were all the rage in the late 60s and early 70s, which as vintage watch fans will know, was an era of small case sizes. If you’re a fan of the big and chunky, it’s better to look for a modern gold watch.
- Purpose – It’s important to remember that gold is far more malleable than stainless steel or platinum, meaning it is less resistant to heat and warping. If you plan on wearing your timepiece out on the worksite, it’s worth reconsidering your purchasing choice.
Types of Gold Watches for Men
When it comes to gold watches, you might be surprised to learn that not all timepieces are created equal. There are a multitude of different meanings behind ‘gold’ and should you get them wrong, you’ll wind up out of pocket and out of luck.
Gold Toned vs Gold Plated vs Solid Gold
Even the coolest of cool gold watches might be somewhat deceiving, in that they’re “gold-toned,” “gold-plated,” or “gold-filled” as opposed to being forged from solid gold. When we say “solid gold,” by the way, we’re speaking of 18-carat (i.e. 18ct or 18k) gold, which mixes 75 per cent pure gold with other metals so as to generate a durable alloy, the colour of which can vary (based on the type of additional metals).
It can get a little confusing and the industry probably prefers it that way, hoping customers won’t be able to tell the difference between a gold-tone steel watch and the real deal. But you get what you pay for in this world and most collectors certainly know as much, figuring that any watch costing less than a few thousand dollars will probably go short on solid gold. On the bright side, even gold-toned or gold-plated timepieces still cultivate a luxurious appeal.
How We Chose This List of Gold Watches
This list was compiled through personal experience and online research, plus through commentary from watch critics and our team of expert reviewers. We only looked at watches with positive ratings on watch forums and online marketplaces such as Chrono24 and took into account the major gripes and positives from the public.
Alternatives to Gold Watches for Men
If you’re not quite aboard the gold watch train or looking for something a little different in the timepiece scene, why not check out our alternatives in the watch space?
- 13 Best Solar Watches: Divers to Dress
- 20 Best Military Watches for Everyday Carry
- 16 Best Mid-Range Watch Brands
General FAQ
Some of our favourite gold watches for under $1000 are the Seiko Presage SRPH78J and Bulova Classic Automatic 97A138, to name just a few.
Rolex watches tend to retain their value and gold is one of the planet's most precious materials. For these reasons, one would assume that a gold Rolex is worth the investment.
If money isn't an issue, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Rose Gold and Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 4200H/222J-B935 are two of the best gold watches and they both measure less than 40mm in diameter.
