For decades, gold watches have been synonymous with success. And yet, as their myriad price points show, “making it” is a relative term. Behold, 13 golden horological treasures corresponding to 13 stages of success — because we all deserve to emanate big boss energy.
Click here to order the new issue of HIGHStyle, a Magazine by Highsnobiety
Casio A700WMG-9AVT ($75) While this watch says “Rubik's Cube” much more than it says “Rick Ross,” there’s nothing more practical and quaintly tech-nostalgic than a Casio.
Garmin vívomove® Luxe ($500) If you want to check your vitals and have a smartwatch, but don’t want to go down the all-digital-everything path, then this slightly blingy offering by Garmin, a leader in the GPS watch game, is the vívomove® for you.
Apple Watch Series 5 44MMp ($800) So you've decided to fully nerd out after all. The Apple Watch Series 5 44MMp is best in class — it doesn’t get any better than this iteration. (RIP the rose gold iPhone.)
Gucci Grip ($1,900) We’ve yet to get a grip on how Gucci’s timepiece is “skate-inspired,” but what we do know is that it’s one of the Italian brand’s best looking fashion watches out there.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 ($4,050) Welcome to a new tax bracket. You’re drowning in the trappings of success. Luckily, this gilded and highly aquatic TAG Heuer has been forged by the company that patented the first water-resistant case in 1895.
Tom Ford Collection 002 ($8,490) The legendary designer and director’s take on the gold watch, “Collection 002” is as understated and seductive as its name.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin ($13,300) JLC’s legendary flippable face — with its deco details and rectangular shape — is a swerve on those who can’t handle 90-degree angles outside of the Cartier store.
Grand Seiko SBGY002 ($25,000) Because who needs to go to Switzerland to spend $25,000 on a watch?
Cartier Santos ($30,200) Louis Cartier designed this one for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a better way of telling time during his pioneering flights. Today, it’s much more useful in business class.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 7118 ($47,133) With more stainless and white gold Nautilus bust-downs in rap videos than ever before, Patek Philippe’s yellow gold rendition on the watch is a welcome (and highly bossy) breath of fresh air.
Rolex Day-Date 36 ($56,350) The Rolex Day-Date is the thing you picture in your head when someone says “gold watch,” and with a hardstone turquoise dial, it takes on an ancient emperor level of grandeur.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ($68,500) The Royal Oak became an international beacon of me-gifting when Justin Bieber bought himself one as a wedding gift last year. Consider this open-faced version the ultimate act of self-love.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton EXO788 ($86,000) The final boss. If you’ve never heard of Roger Dubuis, you’re not ready for this yet.
