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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.