Hello, Yellow Gold Watches

While several luxury watch brands like to dabble in unusual case materials or unique gold alloys, there’s something to be said about the classics. And when it comes to timepieces, it doesn’t get more classic than 18k yellow gold. Although yellow gold has been somewhat overshadowed by its rosier sibling pink gold in recent years, it’s time to welcome the archetypical precious metal for luxury watches back into the conversation. Say hello to yellow (again) with this fantastic selection of yellow gold watches.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

In 2017, Audemars Piguet released a refreshed Royal Oak Chronograph collection on the occasion of the model’s 20th anniversary. And this fabulous 18k yellow gold version with a blue dial joined a year later. The watch features a 41mm yellow gold eight-sided case, complete with the iconic octagonal bezel and solid gold integrated bracelet. The familiar “Grande Tapisserie” hobnail patterned dial is rendered in a rich blue hue and houses a trio of yellow gold-toned registers and matching yellow gold hand-applied hour markers. The automatic chronograph also features a discreet date window at 4:30 and its movement offers a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound.

Grand Seiko Elegance

Powered by Caliber 9S63, the first hand-wound Grand Seiko movement in eight years, the yellow gold Grand Seiko Elegance aims for perfect harmony. The crisp white dial includes a running small seconds at 9 o ‘clock, counter-balanced by a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. A closer look at the face of the watch reveals that not only is the dial curved to mimic the curvature of the sapphire crystal, but the minute and power reserve hands are also purposefully bent to follow the same arched theme. Contrasting with the white background are the faceted yellow gold indices, which matches the 39mm 18k yellow gold case flawlessly.

Rolex Daytona

Whether in dress watch or sports watch form, no one can argue that Rolex is the most famous manufacturer of solid yellow gold watches. Strapping on a gold Rolex timepiece translates to “I’ve made it” in just about any language and pretty much everywhere on earth. And when you dress the famed automatic Daytona chronograph watch in 18k yellow gold from its 40mm Oyster case to its three-link Oyster bracelet and pair it with a striking green sunburst dial, you’ve got a winning combination on your wrist.

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 “Homage To Walter Lange”

To honor the man who resurrected the brand in the 1990s, A. Lange & Söhne released the limited edition 1815 “Homage To Walter Lange” collection in 2017 in four metal options.  Only 27 pieces in yellow gold were made and like the other metal versions, it features a 40.5mm case, a solid silver dial, black printed numerals, and blued hands. Inside the timepiece is a brand new movement, the Caliber L1924 (a fitting tribute to Walter Lange, who was born in 1924), which allows the central seconds hand to stop when the pusher at 2 o’clock is pressed, thus doubling as a chronograph hand.