Why You Should Buy A Gold

May 18, 2017

Weve elaborated on the lack of availability of watches more than once. And just last week, we had an article by Lex about the dangers of flaunting your precious . But what if you are destined to buy a anyway?I think is one of the brands that brings a lot of people into this interesting world of watches. But what to do once confronted by the fact that the watches are difficult to obtain, at least at retail price? This has been the case for a long time with certain steel sports models, or when a new sports model was introduced. Now, however, it seems to be an issue with no end in sight.Image by PhillipsBuying a gold Lets say you want to buy a steel Daytona 116500LN with a white dial, which has a retail price of approximately $12,500 (depending on the VAT rate as well). You find out, however, that there s almost no chance you re getting one unless you go to platforms like Chrono24, where they are being offered (in new/unworn condition) for prices between $35,000 and $40,000. Now, if you really dont care and these amounts are chump change to you, go for it. But a quick search on the same platform tells me that a full white gold Daytona reference 116509 (albeit pre-owned), as well as a full yellow gold Daytona reference 116528, can be had in that same price bracket.Why would you buy a steel version of a watch when the gold version is within reach as well? I know thats a bit provocative because some people just dont like gold for whatever reason. But in terms of value, it just doesnt make sense to go for the steel version. These days, both steel and gold models are equally recognizable, so in that regard, it shouldn t make much of a difference.A little bit of goldFor the going price of a steel sports watch, lets say a GMT-Master II Pepsi on a Jubilee bracelet, you will be able to find watches in precious metal. The GMT-Master II mentioned, for example, reference 126710BLRO, retails for $9,200. The going price for these watches, though, is between $20,000 and $25,000. For starters, the new GMT-Master II Root Beer reference 126711CHNR (retail price $14,100) is also offered in the same price bracket as all-steel versions. A pre-owned, two-tone steel/yellow gold GMT-Master II with a black ceramic bezel (116713LN) is listed for around $15,000 though.However, these prices also open the door to a pre-owned full-gold from the Day-Date collection. This is where it gets really interesting, in my opinion. Now, granted, a Day-Date is not a sports watch. Those continue to be more expensive. But there are exceptions, such as the Yacht-Master reference 16628 in full gold, for example. Or what about a vintage GMT-Master 16758 in 18K gold? You will be able to find them (still) below $30,000. Yacht-Master 16628. Picture via ZeitAuktionA gold that has been high on my wish list for many years is a Day-Date. I think I d like either a reference 18038, 18238, or 118238. The Day-Date reference 1803 is not for me personally, as I like them with a flat dial (instead of pie-pan dial) and a sapphire crystal. I d also prefer to have a quick-set (18038) or even double quick-set (18238 and later) when it comes to the day and date complications. Day-Date 18238 image via ZeitAuktionGold Day-DateSuddenly, the gold Day-Date offers an incredible amount of value compared to the steel sports models. Pre-owned Day-Date (reference 18238) watches in good condition are offered below $20,000. I know, it is a 36mm watch (the sports models are 40mm, with some exceptions), but due to the case shape and thickness, it does wear a little bigger on the wrist. The President bracelet adds a bit of oomph as well, of course. Even on my 19cm wrist, I can easily rock the gold Day-Date in 36mm.A modern Day-Date 36 reference 128238Interestingly, a new Day-Date 36 retails for just over $30K. It is the latest reference (128238) of course, with all the latest technology inside. In this case, it has the caliber 3255 that has the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, a 70-hour power reserve, and regulation to a maximum deviation of -2/+2 seconds per day. The Day-Date 18238, for example, has the older caliber 3155 with 48 hours of power reserve and the standard chronometer rating. Aside from the movement though, were looking at pretty much the same watch.With todays market value when it comes to stainless steel watches, I would examine some gold watches as well. They can offer a lot of bang for the buck compared to the steel versions with todays street prices. Especially when youre comfortable buying a pre-owned or even vintage piece, there are still some gold treasures to be found.Wearing a gold watchWhen I just started out with watches in the late 1990s, I stayed away from gold. That was an easy task, especially given my budget at the time. In the last few years, however, Ive been really warming up to gold. I feel comfortable wearing it and I do like the experience itself when it comes to wearing gold watches. Not only does it add an interesting amount of weight to the watch, but it is also the color and hue of the precious material that attracts me to them.It s important to realize, though, that gold is a soft material. Not only will it scratch more easily than steel, but it will also wear a bit more. Thats why you need to pay attention to the bracelet, for example. A gold bracelet can show quite a bit of stretch, especially on older models that have been worn a lot.I wouldnt mind owning a modern GMT-Master II 126710BLRO at retail. But for the market value, I would pick a Day-Date reference 18238 or the white gold reference 18239 any day of the week. On top of that, I like the fact that there are so many dial variations out there. This enables you to buy something that really fits your style and preferences.More articles can be found here.