Gold is widespread and popular as an investment. The situation is similar with expensive watches. And gold watches? They are experiencing an upswing at the moment. Nine facts about the jewelry.
1. Jewelry of Queens
Watches are men’s thing? In fact, women were the first to wear watches. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have read the time on her wrist – in the 16th century! In 1810, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples and youngest sister of Napoleon, commissioned a watch with a gold case from Abraham-Louis Breguet. Although the model did not go into series production, Breguet was credited with being the inventor of the first bracelet model. Other brands later took up the idea, such as Patek Philippe in 1868. And men? They only got rid of their pocket watches at the beginning of the 20th century.
2. “Gold represents craftsmanship”
Jean-Bernard Forot, head of heritage at the watch brand Piaget, explains the desire for gold
Mr. Forot, Piaget has worked primarily with gold since the company was founded 150 years ago. For what reason?
Gold represents craftsmanship. Not only is the appearance special, but also its texture. You can melt it, shape it, emboss it, even process it into the finest mesh, a kind of net. This would not be possible with stainless steel.
For the anniversary, you are re-issuing a watch from the 1970s “Polo 79”. What sets this model apart?
The watch marks a special moment in the company’s history, the Golden Age, because with the “polo” we conquered the US market for the first time. Although the model was inspired by equestrian sports, it was not aimed at the athletes, but at the illustrious spectators. One of them was the actress Ursula Andress. She made the watch famous.
Why is gold still fascinating?
We are currently experiencing a revival of the 70s and 80s, when gold watches were popular. She is now bringing her retro charm back. However, it has “Polo 79” no longer a quartz movement, it now ticks mechanically.
3. The most expensive Titanic souvenir is a gold watch
Even more than 100 years after its sinking, the fascination for the famous ship remains unbroken – as does the money-making. A pocket watch has just been auctioned for a record sum of 1.4 million euros. It belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, the richest passenger on board. He drowned in the accident and his pregnant wife escaped into a dinghy. Among his belongings was a 14-carat gold Waltham watch, which a US collector has now bought. The watch replaces the most expensive souvenir to date: a violin for 1.2 million euros.
4. Style role models
Canadian actor Ryan Gosling can wear anything since he starred as Ken in “Barbie” appeared in neon camisoles and pastel shorts. He currently likes to show off his Tag Heuer gold watch, which he combines with colorful suits. Although gold watches have long been considered pimp style and the epitome of flashiness, even unsavory types can combine them with many things. They look elegant with black and casual-cool with brighter colors. Whether you invest in an expensive all-gold model or just strap on a gold-plated plastic watch: your attitude matters.
5. Prominent collector
Tick it like Beckham: The ex-Spice Girl likes watches. When they got engaged in 1998, Victoria and David Beckham got together – like posh! – Golden “Yacht Master”-models from Rolex. Today the fashion entrepreneur owns many models made of the precious metal, including the “Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham” from their cooperation with Breitling.
6. Karat has format
The weight of a gemstone and the gold content of a piece of jewelry are measured in carats. The calculation is based on 24 units. If you find the embossing 18 KT, a piece of jewelry consists of 18 parts gold. The remaining six are added for strengthening. There is no jewelry made from 24 KT, as the precious metal is too soft and malleable. In Europe 18 KT is common, in India also 22 KT.
7. No lightweight
The star of the gold watches this year comes from Rolex. The brand relies on a full gold version of the diving watch “Deepsea”, which weighs 322 grams, making it one of the heaviest underwater models on the market. But it seems questionable whether anyone will actually go underground with the watch. It is less a tool than a magnificent piece of jewelry. Nevertheless, it can withstand the water pressure at a depth of 3,900 meters. This is ensured by a ringlock system consisting of thick sapphire crystal, titanium base and inner ring. You will get to the Mariana Trench with the “Deepsea” can’t make it, but at least it’s 3800 meters deep “Titanic”.
8. Pretty gold
9. Gold watches as an investment
Six questions for Jean-Philippe Bertschy from the Swiss Vontobel Bank.
Why has the price of gold been rising for months?
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have a major impact on the economy and world events. In uncertain times, gold is a safe and defensive value. The central banks are also relying on it, as are countries that are currently trying to protect themselves against possible sanctions.
Why are people trusting in gold again?
You can touch it tactilely, it has real value. This should not be underestimated and will also play a role in the back of many investors’ minds.
The watch industry is also increasingly relying on gold. A permanent turnaround towards precious metals?
The watch world enjoyed profitable years during the pandemic, but the big boom is ebbing. Prestige brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and Cartier are still in demand. The current trend is towards very expensive watches, the high-priced segment is booming. Less stainless steel, more diamonds and solid gold.
Are gold watches suitable as an investment?
There are collectors who are looking for special gold watches. The more exclusive the model and better known the brand, the more suitable such a watch is as an investment. What is interesting is that some jewelry brands grew in the first quarter of 2024. I suspect that it has to do with the sharp increase in the prices of luxury fashion.
In what way?
Brands like Chanel have bags like this “2.55” Prices increased and even doubled within a few years. Many customers wonder whether they should invest this sum in a piece of jewelry or a watch instead of a handbag.
So gold is becoming increasingly important?
Luxury is currently only topped by super luxury. The more exclusive and expensive, the better. That’s why gold is also experiencing a new boom.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
