Yellow gold Is Warming Up Again

When thinking of yellow gold, the first thing that may come to your mind is your parents’ or grandparents’ watch. Well, if you feel yellow gold is outdated, it might be time for a change. The status symbol of the 1960s to 1980s is making a comeback. As trends come and go, it fits perfectly in the current vintage craze – just like the unexpected comeback of the 1980s spirit in fashion and music. And interestingly, the way watchmakers use it today makes it look super chic and trendy. Here are 6 of the most notable yellow gold watches introduced recently.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-thin Yellow Gold 15202

If the over-iconic Royal Oak was born a steel watch (in 1972, as the definitive Luxury Sports Watch), the yellow gold versions of the ref. 15202 presented at SIHH 2017 really rock – specifically the gold-on-gold version with champagne/gold “petite tapisserie” dial, gold hands and indexes. Released as a tribute to the 1977 gold Royal Oak Extra-Thin, this “jumbo” is forged in bright, flashy 18k yellow gold. It is powered by the superb automatic calibre 2121.

Quick facts: 39mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 50m – automatic calibre 2121 with hours, minutes, and date. Gold bracelet with folding clasp – CHF 55,700 – Reference: 15202BA.OO.1240BA.02 – For more information, visit www.audemarspiguet.com

Singer Reimagined Track 1 Geneva Edition

Unveiled during the 2018 Geneva watch week, the second edition of Singer Reimagined’s Track 1 is presented in a sexy black and yellow gold combo. The Singer crew opted for a rare and classy 1N shade of yellow gold, unlike most watchmakers who use the more intense shade of 3N yellow gold. The design cues clearly hark from the 1970s but feel modern at the same time.  Inside is Jean-Marc Wiederrecht’s revolutionary “Agengraph”, a radical re-engineering of the chronograph allowing for centralized indication of functions.

Quick facts: 43mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 100m – automatic movement ‘Agengraph’ with peripheral hours and minutes, column-wheel chronograph with an exclusive 3×60 central indication. Leather strap with folding clasp – CHF 72,000 – For more information, visit www.singerreimagined.com 

Laurent Ferrier Galet Annual Calendar Montre Ecole Yellow Gold

One of the most elegant watches presented at SIHH 2018, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Annual Calendar, is a classic with a twist, powered by a wonderfully finished movement. Its display is pleasant and superbly balanced. Available in different materials, the most striking edition of this restrained watch is, without doubt, the pale yellow gold version, a special alloy for Ferrier. Whether we talk style or mechanics, this watch ticks all the boxes…

Quick facts: 40mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 30m – manual movement with hours, minutes, small seconds, annual calendar and power reserve indication (at the back). Leather strap with folding buckle – CHF 55,000 – limited edition of 50 pieces – For more information, visit www.laurentferrier.ch 

Cartier Santos Large Size Yellow Gold

One of the most iconic models of the Parisian Maison, the Cartier Santos needs little introduction. At SIHH 2018, the watch has been adjusted for modern times and revived for a new generation – and this rightful come back includes full yellow gold versions. Among the new features of the revamped Santos, it comes with a strap and a bracelet, both fitted with a quick-release system, allowing owners to quickly change the look of their watch.

Quick facts: 39.8mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 100m – automatic calibre 1847 MC with hours, minutes, seconds and date. Gold bracelet + leather strap with folding clasp – CHF 37,000 – For more information, visit www.cartier.com

HYT H0 Gold Blue Fluid

With the H0, HYT focuses on its raison d’être: the fluidic time indication. With its impressive domed sapphire crystal, the contrasting fluids displaying time are visible from all angles. Sleek and with organic curves, the watch is the brand’s new design manifesto. Unveiled at SIHH 2018, the H0 is now also presented in a luscious 2N yellow gold case. Its bold colours take the model to new territories with a bit less of that tool-watch feel but a powerful presence on the wrist!

Quick facts: 48.8mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 30m – manual calibre with fluidic hours, minutes, small seconds and power reserve indication. Alligator strap with folding buckle – CHF 54,000 – For more information, visit www.hytwatches.com

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Tribute in Yellow Gold

Released in the frame of the celebration of the brand’s 280th anniversary, this limited edition is Jaquet-Droz’ very first yellow gold wristwatch – at least considering modern-day creations of the brand. The superbly crafted enamel dial features the Grande Seconde’s signature layout. The 2663 hand-wound calibre features a special guilloche decoration on its gold rotor.

Quick facts: 43mm yellow gold case – water resistant to 30m – automatic 2663.SI caliber with off-centered hours, minutes and grande seconds. Alligator strap with pin buckle – CHF 22,050 – limited edition of 88 pieces – For more information, visit www.jaquet-droz.com