Gold has been a symbol of power and prestige since ancient times. It was also a highly valued form of currency. Those who had gold could buy whatever they wanted. Naturally, it was found in the possession of kings and nobles.
This image of gold persists today A gold wristwatch is a symbol of affluence and success of the person. It’s also one of the ultimate luxuries.
However, not all gold wristwatches are equal. There are several different manufacturing methods to incorporate gold into the watch. It’s important to note some gold wrist watches may actually have no gold at all. Let’s look at each of those now.
Adding Gold to a Watch
When buying a gold wristwatch, this is an important area to consider. Are you looking to have your watch made with real gold? Or do you simply want a golden sheen? The option you choose significantly affects your watches’ price and durability.
Gold-Tone: This first option is also the cheapest. You’ll often see this type listed among lower-priced options. It can mean one of two things:
- The watch has no gold at all—it simply has a gold color.
- It may have some gold but not enough to be classified as a gold-plated watch.
As a result of having little to no gold, they’re by far the most affordable. It can give you the look you’re after but without the high-end price.
Gold-Plated: Gold-plating isn’t widely used in modern watches anymore; however, it’s common to find in older watches
The process involves taking a microscopically thin layer of gold and then applying it to the metal (which is usually steel.) In this way, the watch has an authentic appearance of gold, and since very little is used, the price is affordable.
The major drawback, though, is that it can scratch off easily since the gold layer is so thin. That’s why this method has fallen out of favor.
Gold PVD: PVD stands for physical vapor deposition. This process fixes the main problems with gold-plating and is more modern. Gold PVD involves a very technical and precise procedure.
The gold is vapourised in a vacuum, and then it’s bonded with the base metal that’s being used. Since this bonding occurs at the atomic level, it’s much more durable, and the coating won’t scratch off easily. PVD also gives a gold look for a lower price.
Solid Gold: For some people, the only true gold wristwatch worth considering is one made of solid gold. In this case, there’s no other base metal; it’s all made with gold.
Naturally, this option is by far the most expensive. Since gold isn’t quite as durable as stainless steel, it’s typical to see an alloy used. A gold wristwatch made through this method can cost thousands of dollars.
The Watch’s Price
Price is another huge consideration when buying a watch. The process through which the watch is made significantly affects its price. Naturally, those with more gold are going to be more expensive.
Another thing to make a note of—a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean the watch is of higher quality. Certain brands will cost more simply due to the brand. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be happy to know you can get the look of a gold wristwatch without having to spend too much. At the same time, you may have more trust in a well-established brand. The choice is yours.
The Watch’s Mechanisms
The two main mechanisms are mechanical and quartz. Most older, classical watches are mechanical ones. These watches suffered from several problems, though—one of the major ones being inaccuracy.
The other is quartz, which exploded in popularity during the 70s. The quartz mechanism is far more accurate and easier to maintain. However, some people still prefer an old-fashioned watch.
The Gold Watch’s Strap Material
The last thing we’ll discuss is the material of the strap. Now, you may think if you’re buying a gold wristwatch, then it should all be gold, including the strap – Like this gold watch. However, there are three main materials to choose from. Gold isn’t always the best choice here.
Plastic: Plastic is the most basic and cheapest material. It’s what you’d typically find on regular or lower-end plastic watches. Most people don’t go for plastic on a luxury watch.
Leather: Leather straps are suitable for many kinds of watches, including metal and higher-quality ones. It’s also comfy and durable, making it a regular feature on many gold wristwatches.
Metal: If you’re going for a gold watch, it may be tempting to have everything with gold, including the strap. This would certainly complete the look. There are no major downsides, other than that leather is more comfortable.
A Watch for All Seasons
The decision to buy a gold wristwatch can be a big one. It’s not something you should buy quickly—take your time to peruse the different options. We went over several different factors above to help you understand the different kinds of gold wristwatches available, but if you still consider which hand watch is the right one for you, we suggest you check out our men’s watches catalog or women’s watches catalog and choose your favorite.
Since your watch will be a big purchase, you’ll want it to last a long time ideally. Durability is a key factor. The kinds of materials used, mechanisms, and straps are all important factors, too. Deciding on which watch suits your needs will ensure you’ll get a watch you’re proud of, and if you take care of it right, can last a lifetime.
