20 Best White Gold Watches To Buy Right Now
White Gold is a peculiar material. Visually it can resemble any steel watch, however its weight will never lie. This means that it can be used to discreetly incorporate another level of luxury into a watch - it is for this reason that so many brands have decided to use it in some of their watches. In this guide we have a range of pieces that span every corner of extremely complicated and rare watches to the most famous icons of luxury timekeeping. However, given that this is gold we’re talking about, we don’t have one for every price-point… Let’s get right into it!
Rolex Daytona
Price: $42,500; Case: 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Daytona is one of the most recognizable pieces in Rolex’s long history. Instantly popular, the design of this watch has barely changed since 1963, when it was originally released. The latest iteration of this chronograph hails from a rich and prestigious racing background, referring to the famous 24 hours endurance motorsport event held at Daytona Beach in Florida. The watch is highly desirable, and extremely sought after on the secondary markets, even in the steel variation. This White-Gold edition is just another level of luxury for Rolex enthusiasts. This Rolex Daytona retails for $42,500
Rolex Day-Date
Price: $50,750 USD; Case: 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The-Day-Date 40 is just another jewel in Rolex’s metaphorical crown. This model is yet one more of their designs that happens to be one of the most sought-after luxury watches at the moment. The sharp and elegant lines that have made it such an iconic design, continue to fuel its extreme popularity. This latest model isn’t much different. For one the elusive fluted, white gold bezel, that all Rolex fans drool over, and the rarely seen President bracelet, that only comes on the Day-Date, aren’t the stars of this shows. The dial is cut from meteorite, which aside from its beautiful looks, also means that every watch is unique. Oh, and the indices are baguette diamonds. If you can afford it, this Rolex can be found for $50,750 USD.
Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Price: $30,500 USD; Case: 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Rolex Yacht-Master is the final watch in Rolex’s ultra-luxury trio. It has always been associated with the Yachting highlife, because it before this year it was only offered in precious metail (now you can also get it in titanium). Very similar in design to the Submariner- indeed it was designed to be the latter’s luxury counterpart- the Yachtmaster comes with a superior level of finishing and detailing. The slate dial is discreet and subtle, and also comes in a sunburst variant if you want to add some more shine to an already bling piece. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 retails for $30,500 USD.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811
Price: $69,790 USD; Case: 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 120m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The distinct octagonal shape of the Patek Phillippe Nautilus has been popular since it was designed by Gerald Genta way back in the 1970’s. Loved by all watch enthusiasts, this icon has stood the test of time, and is widely considered to be a show of real luxury watchmaking. This model, the simple, but very elegant, date-only variant (5811) really shows off how well this design has aged, and how little it needs refining. This white gold Nautilus retails for $69,790 USD and will sell for almost twice that on the secondary markets.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168
Price: $49,090 USD; Case: 42.2mm; Water Resistance: 120m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut is a glimpse into the future of high-end watches. This chic and dynamic piece takes design cues from the Nautilus all whilst creating its own unique aura. Luxury watches that can do everything rapidly becoming the most recent trend, and by trend we mean shift in the industry’s design language. Every aspect of this watch screams luxury, the white gold case for example, yet it gives off a more relaxed and capable feel. The Aquanaut retails for $49,090 USD but can be found for well over $100,000 USD on the grey market.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Chronograph
Price: Upon Request; Case: 41mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
We say this every time we mention the Nautilus in one of our guides, but It’s almost impossible not to mention the Royal oak from Audemars Piguet. Preceding the Nautilus, the Royal Oak is the design that really started the Gerald Genta’s legacy as one of the giants of horological design. This latest chronograph model is possibly one the brand’s most exclusive pieces. Hollywood actors and pop stars have been sighted wearing this piece, that has become famous because of it’s unusal color, as well as the exquisite ‘frosted’ finish on the case. The club of its wearers is small as it is limited to only 200 pieces, making it all the more exclusive. This Royal Oak Chronograph is a real statement of a watch, and can be found for over $200,000 USD on the secondary market.
Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar
Price: $106,000 USD; Case: 41mm; Water Resistance: 20m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Royal Oak is the watch that draws all the attention to Audemars Piguet, and the brands other pieces are forgotten by most enthusiasts. The Code 11.59 is the other line of watches that is offered by AP. These pieces are typically dress watches, that incorporate the same complications as the Royal Oak, just in a slightly more subtle and refined package. The Perpetual Calendar Version is beautiful. The super wide dial makes the watch look bigger than its 41 mm white gold case, as it gives each display function space to breath, creating a sort of harmony. The deep blue with white specks mimics a starry night sky, an equally calming and beautiful image that complements the refined functions of this watch. This is a piece for true collectors, who don’t want the ‘hype’ pieces and instead seek to own the most unique watches on the market (and one with sophistication). This Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar retails for $106,000 USD.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate
Price: $35,800 USD; Case: 41mm; Water Resistance: 20m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Piaget is relatively subtle as a brand, and this watch is just that too. The Altiplano Ultimate is subtle if not anything. This piece is possibly the world’s thinnest automatic watch ever produced. To achieve its mind-blowing 4.3mm thickness, Piaget have taken integration to a new level. When we talk about integration in watches, we expect to be discussing bracelets, however here the movement and case are practically one piece- an incredible feat of design which shows Piaget’s technological capacity. If this magnificent watch has got you smitten, it retails for $35,800 USD.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition
Price: Upon Request; Case: 43mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Master Collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre is their premium line of dress watches, the perfect recipients for their most complicated and luxurious designs. The Grande Tourbillion is no exception. This piece showcases as fantastic dial design that replicates the constellations in the nights sky, which is complemented by the discreet calendar function. Keeping this complicated assembly accurate, is an equally complicated rotating tourbillion, a function that displays JLC’s watchmaking knowledge. If the elegance of the Master Grande Tourbillion takes your fancy, you may have to spend some time looking as they are incredibly hard to get hold of at retail or on the secondary market. While only 28 were made, it originally retailed for $249,240 USD.
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
Price: $46,500 USD; Case: 44.2mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The IWC Portugieser is best known for being the ideal combination of a dress watch and pilot’s watch, with the model quickly becoming a flagship piece for the brand. This foray into the world of intricate complications, such as the perpetual calendar is a testament to both IWC and the Portugieser’s versatility. With this piece IWC have shown that they are able design and execute watches that can tackle any brief, without compromising their signature design language. This perpetual calendar is extremely elegant, especially given how it combines functionality with prestige. The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar can be purchased at retail for $46,500 USD.
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date
Price: $96,700 USD; Case: 44.2mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
A Lange & Söhne are one of the most sought-after brands at the moment. Their signature design language, that perfectly incorporates horological complexity into visually simple and elegant pieces is extremely desirable. The Zeitwerk Date is no exception to this rule. The luxury piece is very sober- the white gold case and silver dial are known only unto the wearer. The time display is extremely impressive, with a mechanically driven jumping minutes and hours digital display. This complication is one of A Lange’s specialties, as is the beautifully finished movement. The price for this piece is $96,700 USD at retail.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921
Price: $40,400 USD; Case: 40mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
The American 1921 is one of Vacheron’s most unique designs. The cushion shaped case that houses the watch is not unusual. It’s the dial that’s been offset by 90° and the crown at one o’clock that are the quirky features of this piece. The idea of the offset dial was used so that the time could be displayed without having to rotate ones wrist. This feature was particularly relevant in the early days of automobiles- the days of the Roaring Twenties in the USA, the market this watch was originally designed for. The Vacheron-Constantin American 1921 retails for $40,400 USD.
Jacob & Co. Astronomia Clarity
Price: $600,000 USD; Case: 50mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
Jacob & Co. has recently taken the internet by storm with their out of this world and bejeweled designs. These watches are as much of a work of art as they are timepieces. They are testament to the incredible vision and talent of Jacob Arabo, the founder of the brand. This watch features 4 rotating ‘satellites’ that feature the tourbillion, a spinning globe, the time display, and their proprietary ‘Jacob cut’ diamond that has been carefully cut to have 288 different facets. These elements are captivating to look at and are an incredible feat of design and craftsmanship. The Astronomia Clarity retails for $600,000 USD.
Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 Canopus Gold
Price: $88,900 USD; Case: 38.6mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Omega Speedmaster is a chronograph that symbolizes humanity’s achievements in exploration on and out of this world. We are all most familiar with the steel ‘Moonwatch’ variant, that is the basis for most Speedmasters today. However, this modern version is a little bit different. Starting with the use of gold in the design- Omega have used gold in previous models of the chronograph, however these models always seem to stay under the radar. Secondly, this isn’t a regular Speedmaster either. This is a fittingly luxurious tribute to the original Chronograph from 1957- they have modernized the design slightly without smothering the original details that make it special. This watch just shows how versatile white gold is as a material, as it can elevate designs even further than just a simple update. This unique Speedmaster from Omega retails for $88,900 USD.
Breguet Tradition 7097
Price: $35,400 USD; Case: 40mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bréguet Tradition 7097 in White Gold is a fantastic continuation and tribute to its long-standing status as the oldest watchmakers in the world. Over the last 220 years the brand has stuck to their proprietary design language, that has helped them stay at the top of the game for so long. This model takes their beautiful mastery of movement design and finishing as well as their iconic dial design and fuses them together in this unique ensemble that displays them both perfectly. The modern display of the movement really brings the centuries old feel of the dial rushing back into the 21st century. The Bréguet Tradition 7097 White Gold can be purchased at retail for $35,400 USD.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur White Gold
Price: Upon Request; Case: 45mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
Roger Dubuis are famous for their incredibly avant-garde and modern designs. Their pieces are easily recognized by the unmissable skeletonization of the movement, that has its own unique look. Their proprietary baseplate for the movement is unmissable and helps to provide a lightweight and strong frame for the brilliantly exposed gear train. This particular variant of the Excalibur features a double Tourbillion, that guarantees added accuracy, as well as extra attention for the wearer. This watch is extremely rare as it is limited to only 8 pieces, and impossible to find on the secondary market.
H.Möser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds
Price: Approx $24,000; Case: 40mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
H. Möser & Cie. have been designing watches for almost two centuries, and it shows. This modern design has been perfected again and again over the years, but it does not hint at the brands long history. This refreshing and minimalistic design focuses solely on the beautiful lines of the case and the brilliant colors chosen for the fume dial. There are no fancy finishes or illusions here- the simplicity of the piece is what makes it so elegant and special. The H. Möser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds retails for 22,000 CHF (Approx. $24,000 USD).
MB&F LM Perpetual WG Purple
Price: $188,000 USD; Case: 44mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
Maximillian Büsserl is the horological genius who has brought many out of this world creations to the watchmaking world. To create this unique and extremely complicated timepiece, that features a perpetual calendar, he had to team up with Stephen McDonnell another watchmaker so that he could ensure the superior quality and accuracy of his pieces. This watch looks incredibly traditional; however it is far from just that. The flying balance wheel is an incredibly modern trait, as is the double mainspring that powers its long power reserve. This watch is fascinating to look at it with so many visible moving parts and the beautiful finishing. The price for one of the white gold version is $188,000 USD.
Romain Gauthier Logical One
Price: Unavailable; Case: 43mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Manual Winding; Crystal: Sapphire.
Romain Gauthier is a brand born out of the watchmaking heartland of the Joux valley. This small manufacture produces exquisite time-pieces that take after brands like Bréguet and Girrard-Perregaux, creating their own unique style that blends traditional styles with modern design cues. The Logical One model is no different. The movement is beautifully displayed through the front crystal, without obscuring the dial. The real star of the show is the chain driven winding mechanism, a unique design in the watch world. This piece showcases the magnificent designs and expertise that artisanal watchmakers have to offer the world of luxury horology. The Romain Gauthier Logical One is, sadly, no longer available for retail.
Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium
Price: $248,000 USD; Case: 44mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium Watch is probably one of the most impressive watches on this list. It features a complete perpetual calendar that has a bit of a twist. Most perpetual calendars indicate months, the year, and leap years, and are accurate for up to 120 years in some cases. Here, the designers have opted for a perpetual calendar that depicts the movements of planets within the solar system, which will be accurate for many years to come. In addition to this unique function the watch boasts an impressive number of gemstones, that are rarely found in watchmaking. If this work of art and horological engineering interests you, it can be purchased at retail for $248,000 USD.
