While the popularity of yellow gold watches has been on the decline in recent years, the use of rose gold is on the rise — mostly because it offers the watch-going public a chance to wear gold without looking like a successful retiree. But what is it, exactly? Red gold is essentially yellow gold that has been colored by using more copper and less silver in the alloy. The higher the copper content, the redder the color of the metal, from pink, to rose and then red. Rose offers darker tones and a more masculine demeanor; paired with the right watch — say, any of these five great examples — a rose gold timepiece could be a great addition to your collection. But gold isn’t considered a precious metal for nothing. Be prepared to shell out for one.
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Bremont ALT1-C/RG Classic
Best Rose Gold Watch for the Old School Gentleman: The ALT1-C/RG Classic ($18,250) is Bremont’s first non-limited watch to feature a rose gold case, and they chose an ideal platform for this precious addition to their lineup. Measuring 43 millimeters wide with a bright white marine-style dial, black markers and a legible two-register chronograph display, the ALT1-C/RG blends classic British styling with the warm tones of its 18-karat rose gold case. Employing Bremont’s signature Trip-Tick case design, the ALT1-C/RG features a three piece case with a PVD-treated middle barrel that houses Bremont’s ETA-based BE-50AE automatic chronograph movement. The Bremont ALT1-C/RG exhibits an impressive mix of old school style, day to day functionality and English charm.
Frederique Constant Slim Line Moonphase Manufacture
Best Rose Gold Watch for the (Somewhat) Thrifty: The elegant Frederique Constant Slim Line Moonphase Manufacture ($12,500 or $3,800) is definitely not your Granddad’s gold dress watch. The large but well-proportioned 42-millimeter case size allows for an expansive silver-white dial that plays host to time, date and a moonphase display and will have you checking to see if you can still squeeze into your tux.
Since $12,500 is a bit steep for the solid rose gold version, we wouldn’t blame anyone for opting for the plated rose gold version, which comes in at a more accessible $3,800, especially since it houses the same in-house movement, the FC-705. Value, a stellar movement and a modern size are all reasons why the Slim Line Moonphase Manufacture earns our favor and might just deserve a place on your wrist.
Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Gold
Best Rose Gold Watch for the Exhibitionist: With a complex 32-piece skeleton case crafted from 18-karat rose gold, the Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Gold ($44,300) is all about wrist presence; LW’s clearly put their own spin on the idea of a rose gold sport watch. 44 millimeters wide and limited to just 100 units, the SpidoSpeed Gold is young, brash and entirely modern. Like a matte-black supercar, it’s bling with a twist. Its satin-finished angular case is entirely distinctive; this isn’t the kind of timepiece you’ll get after retiring from a long career at the plant.
The SpidoSpeed can back up its looks with plenty of functionality, including a twelve-hour chronograph, screw down crown, sapphire crystal and 100 meters (330 feet) worth of water resistance. Linde Werdelin has employed Concepto’s LW-03 chronograph movement, which has 237 components and a power reserve of 48 hours. Looking entirely nouveau riche, the two-part galvanic dial has rose gold sub dials. On either an alligator or rubber strap, this distinctive chronograph is definitely not for those who are on the fence about sporting a rose gold watch.
H. Moser & Cie Nomad Dual Time
Best Rose Gold Watch for the Jet Set: The rose gold version of the H.Moser & Cie Nomad Dual Time ($32,400) will appeal to those with both travel lust and a penchant for flash. Its in-house automatic HMC 346 movement offers a second time zone indication through the use of an a.m./p.m. indicator and a second (red) hour hand, and its GMT feature is also easily accessible thanks to H.Moser’s Double Pull crown system, which allows the date and GMT function to be changed without halting the movement, thus preserving the accuracy of the minutes and seconds as you adjust for a new timezone. This hand-finished movement can be seen through the Nomad’s display case back and offers over 72 hours of power reserve.
With a gorgeous silver dial, this rare watch blends practical functionality with handsome looks. As its 18-karat rose gold case measures 40.8 millimeters across and just 11 millimeters thick, the Nomad Dual Time should suit any lucky wrist that can afford its jet-setter price tag. It may not be your grandfather’s watch, but we’re pretty sure your grandson will love it.
Baume & Mercier Clifton
Best Rose Gold Watch for the Casual One Percenter: When Baume & Mercier launched the Clifton line last year, they made something extra special with the Clifton 10060 ($13,950). This classic design, available exclusively in 18-karat red gold, features a vintage aesthetic with a subdued style that blends casual elements with fine finishing to work perfectly for everyday wear. In keeping with the vintage appeal, the Clifton 10060 incorporates a special hand-wound movement that is exclusive to this model. Powered by the La Joux-Perret 7381, the Clifton 10060 has an excellent movement to match its high-value case material. In full view thanks to a sapphire display case back, this beautifully finished movement features a small seconds display and an impressive 90 hours of power reserve.
While the look and functionality may be decidedly old school, the case measures a modern 42 millimeters across and 8.85 millimeters thick, making the Clifton 10060 both wrist friendly and a fitting choice for anyone who generally prefers to wear a larger watch. The curved opaline dial with gilt hands and Arabic markers gets a pop of color from the small seconds display with its blued steel hand. Fitted with a black alligator strap, the warm tone of the red gold case looks all business and makes the Clifton 10060 one of the best everyday rose gold watches we’ve come across.
