The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Full Open comes in two versions: with 38- or 42-millimeter case. Of course, both with El Primero movement
Gold is a highly valued material in watchmaking, prized for its luxurious appeal and versatility. In watches, gold can be used in various forms, such as solid gold, gold-plated, or gold-filled. Solid gold watches, often made of 18-karat (75% pure gold) or 14-karat gold, are prestigious and sought-after due to their intrinsic value and luster.
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Gold plating, where a thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal, is a more affordable way to achieve a gold finish. Gold-filled watches, on the other hand, have a thicker layer of gold bonded to the metal, offering better durability than gold plating. Rose gold, a blend of gold and copper, has become particularly popular in modern watches for its unique pinkish hue.
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Use and hardness of gold
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Gold is used not only for cases but also for components like bezels, bracelets, and even watch movements in some luxury pieces. It adds weight, value, and aesthetic appeal, making gold watches symbols of wealth, craftsmanship, and style.
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The Hardness Vickers for gold varies. 24 carats, not often used for watches, has hardness of 60 to 80 HV. The more used 18-carat gold has a hardness of about 120 to 200 HV, and 14-carat gold reaches 150 to 200 HV. White gold is a little harder in general.
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Compare case materials on the Hardness Vickers scale (from hard to hardest):
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| Carbon | 20-50 HV |
| Platinum | 40 HV (950 platinum: 80-135 HV) |
| Silver | 70-90 HV |
| Bronze | 60-150 HV (100-200 HV treated) |
| Aluminium | 120-200 HV |
| Gold | 120-200 HV (18k or 14k) |
| Palladium | 150-200 HV |
| White gold | 150-250 HV |
| Stainless steel | 150-250 HV (special 1200 HV) |
| Titanium | 150-200 HV (grade 2) / 300-400 HV (grade 5) |
| Ceramic | 1200-1400 HV (1500-2000 for alumina) |
| Sapphire | 2000-2300 HV |
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Watches in gold, either yellow, rose or just gold gold (not gold plated)
The Ressence Type 1 MRP (Mr. Porter) comes in titanium with a blue dial or in pink gold with a white dial. Limited to 12 or 6 pieces
The Bovet Amadeo Fleurier 43 Two Bald Eagles Grand Feu Enamel is a one-off that can be changed into a pocket watch
This is the Breguet Classique 7147 Grand Feu, a 7147 with a new dial, with all the main characteristics of a classic Breguet
The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Rose Gold is part of the new generation of TAG Heuers with a modular structure
This Bovet Virtuoso VIII 10-Day Flying Tourbillon Big Date is not only a watch, it is a form of art as well
This Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Commander’s Watch is inspired by James Bond, who used to wear a Rolex until 1995
The Breguet Classique Phase de Lune 7787 isn’t new but the line is extended with new models, available in pink or white gold
The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic 42 mm is the new and smaller (5 millimeters) Submersible, in steel and gold
20 years after the first, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph gets some updates to last at least another 20 years