Gold watches for men have long been a divisive accessory. While the right gold watch exudes elegant masculinity, they’re also inextricably linked to both old-school Wall St stockbrokers and gangsters, with many men choosing to eschew gold watches in favour of playing it safe with steel. However, while steel has been the metal du jour for several years now, gold watches—and we’re talking classic yellow gold here—continue to hold a certain timeless appeal.
When poorly executed, gold watches can be both tacky and ostentatious. But, when done well, a gold watch is not only an undeniable status symbol, but carries with it a certain rarefied dignity that steel watches simply can’t match. With such dignity comes a relatively hefty price tag, with solid gold timepieces representing a significant increase in investment over their steel counterparts. That said, men of more modest means needn’t miss out, with gold-toned, -plated, and -PVD watches boasting the aesthetic appeal of a solid gold watch, sans the cost per ounce.
With both maximalist diamond-encrusted yellow gold watches and more pared-back timepieces with gold cases on the market, there’s a gold watch for every taste out there. To help simplify your search, we’ve put together a guide on the best gold watches for men. With budget-friendly options as well as timepieces reserved for high-flyers, these are the best gold watches for men.
Types of gold watches
As they say, all that glitters isn’t gold. When it comes to gold watches for men, there’s gold and then there’s gold gold. Gold watches run the gamut from gold-toned watches that don’t actually contain any real gold, to solid gold watches that cost about as much as a mortgage deposit. So you know what you’re in for, we’ve broken down the types of gold watches available.
Gold-toned watches: these are what you’ll find at the beginning of the price spectrum. Gold-toned watches are simply gold coloured and are crafted from another material like stainless steel, and contain little to no gold whatsoever. Despite their affordable nature, when done well they can elevate an outfit and provide you with the same elegance as their pricier counterparts.
Gold plated watches: though not often used on contemporary watches, many vintage watches feature gold plating. Gold plated watches have an ultra-thin layer of gold applied to a base metal (usually steel), which provides a gold look. However, the softness and malleability of gold leave gold plated watches susceptible to being scratched off, which is why this technique is relatively unpopular today.
Gold PVD: a modern alternative to gold plating, PVD refers to physical vapour deposition. PVD is a technical process wherein the chosen material (in this case gold) is vaporised before being deposited onto the base material (typically steel) and bonded at an atomic level. The bonding process melds both materials together, making gold PVD coating far more robust and durable than gold plating, and thus less likely to scratch off.
Solid gold: exactly what it sounds like. Though we take a more wholesome approach, for some horological purists, solid gold is the only type of gold worth looking into. Solid gold watches boast a case and bracelet crafted entirely from gold (usually 18k) with no base layer material. Solid gold watches are more delicate and susceptible to wear and tear than their steel counterparts and are significantly more expensive. Notable solid gold watches include the Rolex Day-Date, a timepiece exclusively made in precious metals like yellow or white gold, and occasionally platinum.
The best solid gold watches for men in 2025
Sometimes all that glitters really is gold. From understated gold dress watches on leather straps to completely unsubtle timepieces that see gold extend from the case to the bracelet, these are the best luxury gold watches for men.
1. Bulgari Bulgari
First introduced in 1977, the Bulgari Bulgari is back and golder than ever. The unapologetically Italian design (the timepiece was designed by Gérald Genta and modelled after an ancient Roman coin) looks best rendered in yellow gold, as evidenced by this variant. The maximalist nature of the double branded ‘Bulgari Bulgari’ bezel is attenuated by the comparatively minimalist black dial, which features yellow gold stick indices and Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock, as well as a diminutive date window at 3 o’clock.
Price: $21,900AUD
Model: Bulgari
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
2. Nomos Glashütte Ludwig Gold 33
A timepiece that does away with any concerns about being ‘over the top’, the Nomos Glashütte Ludwig Gold 33 is a classically styled gold watch with a touch of modern flair. Erring on the minimalist side of things, it’s the little details like the alternating Roman numerals and stick indices, the snailed small seconds counter, and the curved lugs that make allow the Ludwig Gold 33 to be simultaneously understated and striking. Taking on vintage watch proportions with a 33mm case size, it’s the ideal timepiece for those who already possess quiet confidence and want a watch to match.
Price: $13,880AUD
Model: Ludwig Gold 33
Movement: Manual winding
Power reserve: two days
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 33mm
3. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Money not an object? The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is the way to go. AN updated take on a ’70s classic, the monobloc tonneau-shaped case and integrated strap exude sporty chic. With a 37mm solid gold case, it takes on the proportions of a vintage timepiece and features a sapphire gold caseback that displays its self-winding movement.
Price: $123,000AUD
Model: Historiques 222
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 40 hours
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 37mm
4. Berneron Mirage Sienna
The Berneron Mirage Sienna is one of the most visually interesting watch releases of the decade, tapping into the interest around asymmetrical watches which has been spurred by the likes of the Cartier Crash and Exaequo Softwatch. However, the Berneron Mirage Sienna is unique in that it extends the asymmetric design to its Cercle des Horlogers-developed manually winding movement, which was specifically commissioned by the independent brand. Similarly, the use of yellow gold extends beyond the case and dial, with the ultra-thin calibre also crafted from solid gold.
Price: approx. $114,580AUD ($65,000CHF)
Model: Mirage Sienna
Movement: Manually wound
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 30mm x 28mm
5. Rolex Day-Date 40
The quintessential watch you think of when you hear the words ‘gold watch’ mentioned. Affectionately termed ‘The President’, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is exclusively made from precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, and platinum and often features diamonds or other gems. Our favourite is the classic white dial with a fluted bezel.
Price: $69,700AUD
Model: Day-Date 40
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
6. Cartier Tank Louis
For effortless elegance, the Cartier Tank Louis never fails. A true watch lover’s watch, this iteration features a hand-wound mechanical movement and is crafted from 18k rose gold, a slightly subdued yet equally as classy material as yellow gold.
Price: $42000 AUD
Model: Tank Louis ref. WGTA0024
Movement: Manual winding
Power reserve: 40 hours
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 33.7mm
7. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer
A novel take on one of the most iconic timepieces, this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is crafted from the Swiss watch manufacturer’s proprietary Moonshine gold. The green dial lends the watch a unique touch, making for a statement piece few will have.
Price: $70,775AUD
Model: Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 42mm
8. Santos de Cartier
The Cartier Santos Dumont’s younger brother, the Santos is a definitively more modern, sportier take on the Santos model. Luxury minimalism at its finest, the Santos de Cartier features an oversized square dial with a sporty yellow gold bracelet.
Price: $52,500 AUD
Model: Santos de Cartier ref. WGSA0030
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 35.1mm
9. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
A sports watch on a yellow gold bracelet is somewhat of an oxymoron, but the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin manages to make it work. Though technically it sits within AP’s Royal Oak sports watch range, the gold dial, gold bracelet, and ultra-thin movement provide it with a sensibility more akin to a dress watch.
Price: approx. $124,000AUD ($70,300CHF)
Model: Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 52 hours
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm
10. Jaeger-LeCoultre Monoface Small Seconds
The muted tones of rose gold make it a less intimidating foray into the world of gold watches. This iteration of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Monoface Small Seconds sees the alloy is complemented by a lacquered burgundy dial and matching b-material leather and canvas strap. As with all the Swiss manufacture’s Monoface Reverse timepieces, the dial can be flipped over to showcase the engravable caseback (more rose gold!).
Price: $36,600AUD
Model: Monoface Small Seconds
Movement: Manual winding
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 45.6mm x 27.4mm
11. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor is one of the best examples of a tasteful all rose gold watch. The grey matte guilloché dial, open-worked hour and minutes hands, fluted bezel, and brushed central bracelet links add this gold sports watch an undeniable sense of elegance.
Price: approx. $97,000AUD ($55,000CHF)
Model: Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
12. Tissot Excellence Automatic 18k Gold
Likely the least expensive solid gold watch on the market, the Tissot Excellence Automatic 18k Gold features a case crafted from—you guessed it—18k gold. With a minimalist dial and classic styling, this Swiss-made timepiece is the ideal dress watch.
Price: $5125 AUD
Model: Excellence Automatic 18k Gold
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 39.8mm
The best budget-friendly gold toned watches for men in 2025
These gold-toned watches emulate the aesthetic of solid gold without breaking the budget.
13. Ingersoll 1892 The Herald Automatic
For a gold watch with a hint of edge, the Ingersoll 1892 The Herald Automatic is the way to go. Featuring a skeleton dial and gold-toned stainless steel case and bracelet, it exudes classic vintage style.
Price: approx. $770AUD (£385)
Model: The Herald Automatic I00408
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
14. Bulova Classic Watch 97M116
The tonneau shape of the Bulova Classic Watch imbues any look with a European sensibility. Featuring vintage details like Roman numerals, a gold link bracelet, and a brushed silver dial, it’s both statement-making and pared-back.
Price: $255 AUD
Model: 97M116 Classic Watch
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 31.5mm
15. Seiko 5 Sports SRPE74
An automatic gold watch for under $500USD is something of an anomaly, but Seiko makes it a reality. Not for the faint of heart (or wrist), the Seiko 5 Sports SRPE74 combines the hallmarks of a sports watch with gold-toned stainless steel for a fun, accessible take on a gold watch for men. It’s a little out there and borderline obnoxious, but that’s the point.
Price: approx. $684AUD ($425USD)
Model: 5 Sports SRPE74
Movement: Automatic
Power reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 42.5mm
16. Breda Pulse
For those who want a square-dial gold watch without breaking the bank, the Breda Pulse watch fits the bill. Made from gold-toned stainless steel, it features a half concealed dial with unique digital display reminiscent of a jumping hours watch that lends it a quirky tone and allows it to stand out from other gold watches on the market.
Price: approx. $370AUD ($230USD)
Model: Pulse
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 26mm
17. Tissot Classic Dream
Elegant yet understated, the Tissot Classic Dream is a steal. Taking on the aesthetics of a premium gold watch, this gold PVD watch features a subtle two-tone aesthetic with stick indices, gold-toned sword-shaped hands, a date window, and an alligator-look leather strap. While it has a decidedly dress watch appearance, it also works well for daily wear.
Price: $495AUD
Model: Classic Dream
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 42mm
FAQ
The best affordable gold watches for men are the Breda Pulse, Tissot Classic Dream, Timex Marlin Automatic, and Bulova Classic Watch.
Gold Rolex watches are a good investment, both due to the tendency of Rolex prices to increase annually as well as the scarcity of Rolex watches.
Typically, only high-end watches from the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are solid 18k gold. Other ‘gold’ watches are generally gold-toned, gold plated, or gold PVD.
Enjoyed this article on the best gold watches for men? Check out our watch guides here; covering everything from the types of watch movements to watch styles and complications.
Words by John Deckard
