Yellow gold jewellery has been on trend over the last several years. People prefer this precious metal in necklaces, bracelets and even in engagement rings and wedding bands. Eventually, this trend also encouraged yellow gold luxury watches to come back into vogue.
There was a time when yellow gold watches accompanied only the affluent in society. However, timepieces crafted of this precious metal are more popular among young watch collectors who want to follow their parents’ vintage style. Naturally, getting hands-on yellow gold models from top brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex has become difficult than ever.
While the demand has increased, it has become more convenient than ever to secure top prices when pawnbroking or selling yellow gold timepieces. Collectors today crave adding once outdated wristwatches to their collection. Well, all yellow gold watches do not flaunt vintage-inspired designs and are typical dress models and sportier ones.
The Popular Yellow Gold Luxury Watches
1. The Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date
When talking about yellow gold luxury watches, the first watch that is likely to strike any watch fanatic’s mind is the Rolex President. Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, and since then, it has occupied the top position in the brand’s catalogue. Interestingly, the wearers’ list of this watch includes some of history’s most noteworthy personalities.
The Day-Date is one of Rolex’s cornerstone collections. The brand has offered these watches only in precious metals like 950 platinum or 18ct gold. However, you can find the Day-Date watches in yellow, white and rose gold.
But the classic 18ct yellow gold references are the most symbolic of the legendary gold watch of Rolex.
The Day-Date is perhaps the only most recognised luxury watch in existence made of yellow gold. Interestingly, you can find iterations in different price ranges. For example, you can find many vintage models with leather straps in the second hand market for about £7,000 or below. On the contrary, a new version of the 40mm Day-Date can cost you nearly £22,000.
Key Features:
- Case size: 41mm; 40mm; 36mm
- Dial: Many options are available
- Bezel: Smooth; Fluted; Gem-set. Fixed.
- Bracelet: President bracelet; Oyster bracelet; Leather strap
- Functionality: Time with Seconds, Day display & Date aperture.
2. The Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona was among the least desirable watches during the late 1970s and 1980s. The watch finally received appreciation from the collectors after Paul Newman wore one of the Daytona models on his wrist. However, the Daytona is the ultimate luxury sports timepiece available with appealing dial options.
Furthermore, its exceptional features and functionality make vintage and contemporary models worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and more. Rolex introduced the Daytona as a high-performance chronograph timepiece suitable to use on the racetrack. Today it has become a status symbol, and a full yellow gold silhouette makes this tool watch more unique and desirable.
From pop stars to professional athletes, everyone is fond of yellow gold Daytona models. You are lucky if you can get your hands on one of the iconic yellow gold references. The dial exquisitely complements the contrasting tachymeter bezel in yellow gold, and it’s the most appealing part. Moreover, if you wear it, you can feel the substantial heft of a solid gold timepiece on the wrist.
Key Features:
- Case Size: 40mm; 30mm
- Dial: Many options are available
- Bezel: Fixed; Tachymeter scale
- Functionality: 12-hour chronograph; Time with running seconds
- Bracelet: Oysterflex bracelet; Oyster bracelet; Leather strap
- Movement: Automatic; Manual.
3. The Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Calatrava
Simply purity and sleek lines characterise the iconic Patek Philippe Calatrava, which debuted in 1932. The unique Calatrava styling has hardly changed over the years. Patek Philippe is famous for the unrivalled engineering behind its highly complicated creations. The brand first offered a perpetual calendar and minute repeater in a wristwatch.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava features a minimalistic design. However, its level of artistry uplifts the timepiece to the horological royalty level. You will find a Calatrava reference with a polished bezel or embellished with the ‘clous de Paris’ hobnail detailing. However, perhaps no other watch than a yellow gold Calatrava can make your wrist look more elegant and tasteful.
Key Features:
- Case Size: Many options are available
- Dial: Many options are available
- Functionality: Time-only models; Time with running seconds; Time with date display and running seconds
- Bezel: Smooth, Gem-set, Hobnail. All are fixed.
- Strap: Leather
- Movement: Automatic; Manual.
